The Hampshire Junior Open Congress is for young chess players who are aged 18 years or less on August 31st, 2026. It is an LJCC Qualifier

The Hampshire Junior Open Tournament is for young chess players who are aged 18 years or less on August 31st, 2026

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(Please note that no Badgers will be farmed or otherwise harmed during this event)

The event is open to all regardless of home location.

SCHEDULE :

ARRIVE : 09.30, Intro: 09.45, Round 1: 10.00, Round 2: 11.00, Round 3: 12.00, Lunch: 13.00, Round 4: 14.00, Round 5: 15.00, Round 6: 16.00, PRIZEGIVING: 17.00

TIME CONTROL : Rapidplay, 20 minutes plus a ten second increment each.

PRIZES : determined by the entrants’ age on 31st August 2026

Cash prizes will be awarded for this event for each age category as follows:

1st: £50

2nd: £25

3rd: £10

In addition there will be a prize of £10 for the highest placed girl player in each section.

These are guaranteed prizes. With enough entries, prizes may be increased at the Congress Controller’s discretion.

The Hampshire cup will be awarded to the highest placed Hampshire player in each section.

Trophy to be held for the year and returned for next years event.

ENTRY FEES and RULES:

• Entry fee for all age categories: £30

• Late entry fee for entries received after Friday 13th November 2026: £10.00

• Congress results will be submitted to the English Chess Federation (ECF) for rating

• Entrants must have "Junior Gold" or higher ECF member or pay a "Pay-to-Play" fee

• Bronze ECF members must pay a fee of £7.50 to upgrade from Junior Bronze to Junior Gold

• Non-ECF members can pay a £2.50 Pay-to-Play fee or apply via the ECF web site for a free 1 year Junior Gold membership provided they have not been an ECF member previously.

• We have a "No refunds" policy so please be sure that you really wish to enter!

QUALIFICATION FOR THE LONDON JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS:

The criteria for qualification for the LJCC finals are:

• The qualification score for the Under 8 Final is 4 or more out or 6

• The qualification score for the Under 10 Minor Final and Under 12 Minor Final is 3 1⁄2 or 4 out of 6.

• The qualification score for the Under 10 Major Final and Under 12 Major Final is 4 1⁄2 or more out of 6.

The venue is an enclosed and safe environment for children and announcements may be made at the commencement of the competition.

COACHING:

We are delighted to announce that we will have at least one accredited coach in attendance, Lucas Piecha. He will observe games and provide training sessions between rounds. Details will be announced once they are confirmed. Lucas is a FIDE Schools Trainer.

HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR CHESS ASSOCIATION:

Information on forthcoming events will be provided by the above association, Internet address below.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

No photography will be permitted within the playing area during play. The organisers may use an official photographer to take stills and videos for publicity purposes. Please inform the organisers in advance if you wish your child to be excluded from the photographs or videos.

REFRESHMENTS:

Badger Farm Community Centre is adjacent to Sainsbury's and Starbucks. However, we would advise that you bring your own refreshments.

PARENT SEATING AREAS:

Various parent seating areas exist within Badger Farm Community Centre which will be sign-posted.

USEFUL INTERNET ADDRESSES :

• Hampshire Junior Chess Association (HJCA) : www.hjca.org.uk

• London Junior Chess Championships (LJCC) : www.ljcc.co.uk

• Hampshire Chess Association (HCA) : www.hampshirechess.co.uk

• English Chess Federation (ECF) : www.englishchess.org.uk

• ECF rating Database : rating.englishchess.org.uk

• British Chess News : www.facebook.com/groups/britishchess

• British Chess News : www.britishchessnews.com

Description supplied by the event organiser.