SOMERSET COUNTY CHESS ASSOCIATION


Frome Chess Congress 2025

Organised by both Frome and Trowbridge Chess Clubs (with many helpers), the annual Frome Congress is one of the most popular and friendly Congresses in the South-West,
regularly attracting 200+ entrants.

The Selwood Academy venue has comfortable playing conditions and full catering is provided by Devizes Catering.
The restaurant/café, bookstall and analysis rooms are separate from the playing areas.
The Open section is FIDE-rated.

Please read the Congress Brochure (or the print-at-home version).

Online entry is available at https://congress.playchess.org.uk/congress/549/home

If you have any questions please email fromecongress@gmail.com.

last updated 13/01/2025

The 34th FROME CHESS CONGRESS

May 16th - 18th 2025

Selwood Academy, Berkley Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 2EF

Selwood Academy

Selwood Academy - (photo by Brendan O'Gorman 2016)

Click for 2024 photographs from Chris Lamming


Tournament Sections

Five 5-round Swiss tournament sections with (approximately) 4-hour playing sessions (90m + 30s)
Trophies are presented to Somerset-Qualified players only

Section

Grade Limit

Entry Fee*

(not including any applicable ECF fee or Junior discount)

Prizes
Open
(FIDE-rated)
 None
 £35

 First = £350,  Second = £200, Third = £150
Denys Bonner trophy
Major
 Under 2000
 £30
 First = £250,  Second = £150, Third = £100
Leon York trophy
Intermediate
 Under 1750
 £30
 First = £250,  Second = £150, Third = £100
Roy Hossell trophy
Minor
 Under 1625
 £30
 First = £250,  Second = £150, Third = £100
Cyril Chapman trophy
Standard
 Under 1450
 £30
 First = £250,  Second = £150, Third = £100
Gerry Jepps and Jean Mackereth trophies
* For late entries after 1st May add £3

ECF Pay to Play and Game Fees

In all sections there is no charge for Gold or Platinum ECF members.
For Bronze members or non-members a £15 ECF grading fee applies (£6 for Juniors).

Junior Discount

There is a £5 discount for all Juniors under 18 on 16th May 2024.

Trophies and Cash Prizes

Somerset trophies are awarded to the highest placed Somerset player in each section.

Dependent on entry, there will be at least one grading prize in each section.
There is a team prize of £100 awarded to the highest scoring (genuine club) team of 4 players.

Playing Schedule

Friday

18.50 Opening
19.00 Round 1

Saturday

10.00 Round 2
15.00 Round 3

Sunday

10.00 Round 4
15.00 Round 5


Players will be defaulted if not present within 30 minutes of the start of a round.

Rate of Play

All Sections: 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move from the start each game.

Byes

A half-point bye may be requested in any one of rounds 1,2,3 or 4 (prior to the start of the round).

Bookstall

Bookstall, sets and clocks supplied by Chess & Bridge: The London Chess Centre

Refreshments

Hot meals are provided at lunchtime by Devizes Catering. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available for purchase daily.

Rating Information

The January 2025 ECF standardplay  published ratings (Original) will be used to determine eligiblity for a section.
Where a player has no published rating, the organisers will endeavour to place them in the most appropriate section based on all available evidence of current playing strength.
The organisers reserve the right to transfer players to another section at their discretion.

It is a condition of entry that all entrants agree that their game results will be forwarded to the ECF for grading.

Conditions of Entry and Competition Rules

Please see the full Conditions of Entry and Competition Rules.