We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2019 Battersea Chess Club Classical Championships.
They have under gone a bit of a shake-up – so pay attention. Here goes:
The big one
Every year, the best players in Battersea Chess Club battle it out to win the prestigious Championship Trophy. Except for a hiatus during WW2, this trophy has been going since 1885. Our trophy therefore has a longer history than the Rugby League Challenge Cup, or the Ice Hockey Stanley Cup (ask Réjean Dupuis or Stephen Welch). For the last 130 years, winning this trophy has been the pinnacle of any Club member’s career.
The other one
The Barrow Cup is our Second trophy. It is open to players who aren’t (yet!) strong enough to compete for the full Championship trophy. The history of the Barrow is not quite as prestigious as the Championship, but it is nonetheless a prize worth fighting for.
The NEW one
For 2019, we are making it easier for people to participate and test yourself against your colleagues, while getting some graded games. The previous ‘all-play-all’ format is being brought into the 21st century and we are adopting a variation of the “Grand Prix” approach used by FIDE and the ECF.
The format is as follows:
Tournament Rules
We will designate certain club nights as “Grand Prix nights”. On these days a tournament controller will be available to organize tournament matches for anyone who wants to play a graded game under full playing conditions. These will generally coincide with home matches (so the hall will be quiet anyway), and there will also be other nights to allow regular league players to participate.
The Grand Prix will be divided into two sections: the Championship and the Barrow. Participants will be able to choose which section they compete in, subject to the following conditions:
- Before the start, we reserve the right to move people from one field to another to ensure balance and fairness.
- Once the competition has started, you cannot change sections.
- Participants can attend as many or as few “Grand Prix nights” as they like. All games will be graded and points you accumulate will counted towards the tournament standings. One point will be awarded for a win, ½ point for a draw.
In each section, the person who accumulates the most points by December 4, 2019 will be declared the winner, subject to the following conditions:
- You must play >50% of the number of games of the person who has played the most in your section. In other words, if the person who has played the most games has played 12, you must play at least 7 to be eligible to win.
- You must have a positive record (above 50%). In other words, if you have 7 wins but 8 losses; even if you have accumulated the most points, you will not win.
In the case of a tie, the following process will be used to determine the overall winner:
- Most games played (this is to reward commitment).
- Head-to-head record.
If participants cannot be separated according to these methods, then they shall be declared joint winners.
Playing conditions and rules
Before each Grand Prix night, potential participants are encouraged to register in advance so the Controller can pair them with someone else in their section. Registration for each night will be conducted via an on-line form. Registration in advance is not compulsory.
We know that different people will attend different evenings. Pairing will therefore be conducted manually, using a combination of:
- Swiss Tournament Principles.
- Avoiding the same people playing each other multiple times. (Note: it is probable you will end up playing the same person more than once during the course of 2019.)
- Alternating black and white.
- Randomness.
Although we will try our best to pair people according to these principles, by entering the tournament, participants acknowledge that there will be some variability in the pairings and you won’t always be paired with someone of equal standard, depending on who is present each night. Those who have registered in advance will be paired first. The Controller’s decision is final.
Of course we cannot guarantee that an even number of players will be present every night. If you register in advance and end up with a bye, you will get ½ point. Those who do not register in advance are invited to show up ‘on spec’ on the understanding they may or may not get a game.
Pairing will be announced by 1915 each night, with clocks starting at 1930. Default time is 2000.
Time controls will be 75 minutes + 15 seconds/move. All games must be completed on the night. No adjournments or adjudications. If the game is still being played at 2245, then the Controller reserves the right to declare a result.
The first Grand Prix nights will be on the following evenings: Jan 8, 15, 22 Feb 5, 19. After that, there will be 1-2 per month. Standings and dates will be published regularly on the Battersea Chess Club website.
The small print
By registering, you accept the following terms and conditions:
- You accept the playing conditions as outlined in this document.
- You accept that while the Controllers will do their best, there will be variabilities in the pairing process and it will not be a perfect Swiss, nor a perfect all-play-all.
- You accept the Controllers decisions are final.
- From time to time we will publish results on the website, along with photos from club nights. If you do not wish your photo to appear, it is your responsibility to tell the Controller for each night.
Would you like to join?
If so, register your interest here:
Good luck
Aldo Camilleri, Chris Rebbeck, Leon Watson, Stephen Welch
