Eccles’ 2nd FIDE/ECF Classic Event Review 01/02/2026
Hello Chess People
Many thanks to everyone who was able to join the Eccles’ 2nd FIDE/ECF Classic Chess Event held at Eccles Community Town Hall Sunday 1st February 2026. It was a lovely day of chess and many thanks to all those who made it happen. The next event will be Sunday 26th April and we hope you can join us in playing two classical games in one day. https://congress.playchess.org.uk/congress/746/home
Eccles used the Accelerated Swiss pairing system and the results can be found in the links below. Just click on your name to view your individual game results.
Minor Section:
https://s3.chess-results.com/tnr1342945.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Major Section:
https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1342885.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Free Prize Draw Winners
Zak Salih – £100
Dave Boulden – £50
James Buckley – £25
Click the image to see the photographs: by Barbara Farrar & Micha Yaschera https://barbarabennettphotography.pixieset.com/eccles2ndclassicchessevent/
A special thanks to the chess arbitors Rod Middleton and Damian McCarthy and many thanks to everyone who volunteered in creating a great day of classical chess.
Top board game from round one between Aram Marsh v Mike Surtees: Submitted by James Buckley
What to expect at the Eccles 3rd Classical FIDE/ECF Town Hall Tournament Sunday 26th April 2026
Please visit: https://congress.playchess.org.uk/congress/746/home or click on the image below to learn more.
It was noted that having one board on a double table allowed players to sit at a comfortable distance away from each other leaving plenty of room for everyone to walk around and stretch their legs. On stage the top board players had their game projected for those in the viewing gallery, it was also broadcasted live on Lichess for those at home. The event looked, and felt very professional and we hope to be hosting more of these events in the coming months.
Entry fee will remain set at a minimum of £20. This is to encourage more people to play chess instead of having to pay a higher amount to win the prize fund. I believe that some people just want to play chess for its competitiveness and the enjoyment of the game and not to win prize money. There are plenty of expensive tournaments for those who like to play to win money. I also believe there is much to be said for sponsoring affordable chess tournaments as part of my ‘Chess in the Community initiative . Income from the tournament will go towards supporting and promoting chess in Eccles, Salford, and Greater Manchester.
The next Eccles Town Hall Chess Tournament will be proudly sponsored by GM Danny Gormally who will be supporting the event with chess coaching prizes. Everyone who takes part will be given a voucher for a 50% discount off their first online chess coaching lesson on the ChessPic platform. All players will receive a bespoke notation pen as a thank you for taking part and promoting ‘Chess in the Community’ All players are welcome rated u2400
For more information about the Eccles Town Hall FIDE/ECF Classic Tournament please visit: https://congress.playchess.org.uk/congress/746/home
Chess in the Community – Keeping Chess Live
Sponsored by: Eccles Chess & ChAMPS (Chess Association for Manchester Players & Supporters)
SOCIAL CHESS NIGHTS
Eccles Community Chess Club. 21 Church Street Eccles M30 0DF. Short walking distance from the train, tram and bus stations, free local parking.
Monday: Ladies, learners and entry level players from 7pm until 8.15 pm. Chess tuition and mentoring with occasional guest speakers from 8.30pm until Midnight.
Wednesday: Chess is Fun for Everyone with friendly or ECF Rated games. All levels of play welcome!
Free refreshments – Free local Parking – All donations welcome!
Event Organiser: Barbara Farrar – eccleschess@gmail.com