Selwood Academy — photo by Brendan O’Gorman, 2016
About the Congress
Organised by the Frome and Trowbridge Chess Clubs with many willing helpers, the annual Frome Congress has been a fixture of the South-West chess calendar for over three decades. It regularly attracts around 200 players from across the country and incorporates the Somerset Championships.
Selwood Academy provides comfortable playing conditions with full catering, a bookstall, and separate analysis and restaurant areas. The congress runs over a May weekend with five rounds across three days.
Tournament Sections
| Section | Rating limit | Entry fee | Prizes | Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | None (FIDE rated) | £35 | £350 / £200 / £150 | Denys Bonner |
| Major | Under 2000 | £30 | £250 / £150 / £100 | Leon York Memorial |
| Intermediate | Under 1750 | £30 | £250 / £150 / £100 | Roy Hossell |
| Minor | Under 1625 | £30 | £250 / £150 / £100 | Cyril Chapman |
| Standard | Under 1450 | £30 | £250 / £150 / £100 | Gerry Jepps & Jean Mackereth |
Late entries after 1st May: add £3. Junior discount (under 18 on first day): £5 off.
Congress Details
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 of each game.
Byes
A half-point bye may be requested in any one of rounds 1–4 (prior to the start of the round).
Team Prize
£100 awarded to the highest-scoring genuine club team of 4 players.
ECF Membership & Game Fees
No charge for ECF Gold or Platinum members. Bronze members and non-members: £16 grading fee (£6.50 for Juniors).
Rating Information
The January ECF standardplay ratings (Original) are used to determine section eligibility. The organisers reserve the right to transfer players to another section at their discretion.
Trophies
Somerset trophies are awarded to the highest-placed Somerset-qualified player in each section. At least one grading prize per section (dependent on entry).
Refreshments & Facilities
Hot meals at lunchtime, plus hot and cold drinks and snacks daily, provided by Devizes Catering. Bookstall, sets and clocks by Chess & Bridge. On-site car parking is limited; free overflow parking is available within walking distance.