FIDE-rated Williamson Shield 2026

Tournament Schedule:

Friday 23rd January

Round 1 - 7:30pm

Saturday 24th January

Round 2 - 10:30am to 1:30pm

Round 3 - 2:00m to 5:00pm

Sunday 25th January

Round 4 - 10:30am to 1:30pm

Round 5 - 2:00m to 5:00pm

Prize Giving 5:15pm

1 open section with band/grading prizes TBC (all FIDE-rated).

FIDE National Arbiter: Chris Dorrian

Deadline to enter: 12 noon on Wednesday 21st.

Entry cost after this date = £30 (Strictly Enforced)

Early entry fee = £25

Early entry rate for under 18s and full-time students = £20

As per FIDE guidelines, players should be members of their national federation to compete in a FIDE-rated event. Therefore, with the exception of newcomers or players visiting from overseas, local players should already be paid-up members of the Irish Chess Union [ICU] or Ulster Chess Union [UCU].

The 2025/2026 season begins on 1st September 2025, ending on 31st August 2026.

ICU rates for under 18s are €10 per season and for adults €35.A full list of ICU membership rates are available here:
https://www.icu.ie/shop

UCU membership can be paid on the day at any tournament in Northern Ireland or the PayPal link can be sent in advance. The UCU Treasurer is present at almost all the events for anyone wishing to pay in cash. It costs £25 per season. Concessionary rate for ICU members is £15, and £10 for Under 18s, full-time students, pensioners, unemployed.

To register please email Chris via cdorrian79@hotmail.com

Rounds: 5

Time Control: 60+60

Pairing Software - Swiss Master 5.7

Tie-breaks - Buchholz, Progressive Scores, TPR Mixed

FIDE rules will apply.

Default time = 30 minutes.

Players arriving late 3 times after their clock has started may be disqualified.

Phones must be switched off. If a player’s phone makes any type of noise, the game is immediately lost by the offending player, including the loss of rating points.

The competition will be rated by FIDE and the UCU.