No more entries are accepted for the tournaments.
Please email d.j.norris@outlook.com to be added to waiting list.
The Newport Chess Congress 2026
The Gwent County Chess Association invites you to enter:
OPEN, MAJOR (U1900), MINOR (U1650)
A Welsh Chess Union ratified FIDE Rated Tournament
Fri 21st, Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd August 2026
5 Round Swiss
All Section are FIDE rated
at
The Lysaght Institute, Orb Drive, Corporation Road, Newport NP19 0RA
| OPEN | Open to FIDE Registered members of the WCU or other National Body. |
| MAJOR (U1900) | Open to any FIDE registered members of the WCU or other National Body with a published rating of: Under 1900 FIDE. National ratings will be used where a player has no FIDE rating. |
| MINOR (U1650) | Open to any FIDE registered members of the WCU or other National Body with a published rating of: Under 1650 FIDE. National ratings will be used where a player has no FIDE rating. |
Timetable
| Friday 21st August: | Welcome to Main Congress: 6.30pm. Round 1: 6.45pm. |
| Saturday 22nd August: | Round 2: 9.30am. Round 3: 2.30pm. |
| Sunday 23rd August: | Round 4: 9.30am. Round 5: 2.30pm. Prize giving: 6.30pm or soon after. |
Rate of Play
MAIN CONGRESS: Each Player Receives –
90 mins plus 30 sec increment per move (from move one).
Digital clocks will be used.
Regulations
Entries are now closed. A waiting list has been formed as outlined.
| Prizes: | No player may win more than one prize. In the event of a tie prize money will be shared (no tie breaks will be used). |
| Late Arrival: | Competitors will be allowed 30 minutes on their clocks in any round and then defaulted. |
| Appeals: | Any appeal against the Arbiter’s decision will be subject to a formal appeals procedure, to be detailed at the event. |
| Exclusions/Transfers: | The organisers reserve the right to refuse or transfer entries. |
| Smoking/Vaping: | Smoking or Vaping permitted only in designated areas outside the venue. See organiser. |
| Entry Requirement | All players must be a registered member of the WCU or other National Body. The ONLINE WCU Registration form can be found HERE. Note registrations using this application form are valid for the 2026-2027 season. |
| Players from England | Players from England are asked to advise the ECF on gpa@englishchess.org.uk if they wish to be graded as playing in an out of England tournament by the ECF. FIDE ratings will be submitted as normal. |
| Rating Prize | Any change in Rating Prizes will be announced at the event. |
Note: July 2026 FIDE ratings are used for entry in this order: FIDE, WCU, ECF or other National Body.
If a player wishing to enter the Major or Minor does not have a rating, please consult the organiser before entering. The latest published ratings (FIDE – WCU – ECF) will be used for pairings and rating prizes.
Organisers
Kevin Staveley, David Norris
Prize Fund
| Open | Major | Minor | |
| First Prize | £300 | £240 | £240 |
| Second Prize | £200 | £160 | £160 |
| Third Prize | £100 | £80 | £80 |
The Robert Graham Taylor Memorial Trophy will be presented to the highest placed Welsh person in the OPEN.
Enquiries to: organiser@newportchesscongress.uk