Eccles’ 3rd Fide/ECF Classic Chess Event 26/04/2026
Hello Chess People
Many thanks to those of you who were able to join the Eccles’ 3rd FIDE/ECF Classic Chess Event held at Eccles Town Hall Sunday 26th April 2026. It was a great day of chess and many thanks to all those who made it happen. The next event will be Sunday 19th July 2026 and we hope you can join us in playing two classical games in one day. https://congress.org.uk/congress/776/home
Fifty-six players (up from forty) took part, 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.
Open Section: https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1402704.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Minor Section: https://s2.chess-results.com/tnr1402723.aspx?lan=1&SNode=S0
Free Prize Draw Winners
Martin Pope – £100
Aram Marsh and Matthew Chaffe both won an hour OTB chess coaching with GM Danny Gormally.
All participants received a 50% discount voucher off their first online chess coaching lesson and a personalised notation pen courtesy of chessPick.com https://www.chesspick.com/
Click the image to view and share the photographs taken by Barbara Farrar and Liverpool player Daniel Westhead. https://barbarabennettphotography.pixieset.com/eccles3rdclassictownhallchessevent/
A special thanks to the chess arbiters Rod Middleton and Damian McCarthy, controllers Ian Lamb and Aram Marsh, live board controller Jack Mig and to all who volunteered in creating a great day of chess.
Here’s an interesting game that well deserves a mention between CM Mike Surtees rated 2105 and Jason Barber rated 1609.
This is what Jason said about his game:
“First of all I would like to say how much respect I have for my opponent. Mike is not only a strong player but he is also very generous with his encouragement and advice as I am sure many in Eccles and beyond will agree with.
“It was a privilege to play somebody as strong as Mike in a classical game. It is by far my best result with a nearly 500 point ratings gap and also playing black which ended in a perpetual check.
What to expect at the Eccles 4rd Classical FIDE/ECF Town Hall Tournament Sunday 19th July 2026. Click on the image below to learn more.
It was noted that most players can not always find the time to play five or six classical games in a three day congress and being able to play two classical games in one day is more manageable. Also, one chess set on a double table allows 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 Classical Chess Events on a regular basis.
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 most people just want to play chess for its competitiveness and the enjoyment and not to win the prize fund. There are plenty of expensive tournaments for those who like to play for money. I also believe there is much to be said for sponsoring affordable chess tournaments as part of promoting the “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 Classic Chess Event will again be proudly sponsored by GM Danny Gormally who will be sponsoring the event with free chess coaching for the lucky winners. Eccles Chess & ChAMPS will also be sponsoring the event by giving £100 cash and a new DGT 2010 clock.
Everyone who takes part will receive a 50% discount voucher off their first online chess coaching lesson and a free bespoke notation pen courtesy of chesspick https://www.chesspick.com/ as a thank you for taking part in promoting “Chess in the Community”. We continue to look for sponsorship and if you know anyone who can help please let me know.
All players are welcome rated u2400
For more information about the Eccles Town Hall Classic Tournament please visit: https://congress.org.uk/congress/776/home
Chess in the Community – Keeping Chess Live
Organised by Barbara Farrar – Eccles Chess & ChAMPS (Chess Association for Manchester Players & Supporters)
SOCIAL CHESS NIGHTS
Eccles Community Chess Club. 21 Church Street Eccles M30 0DF is a short walking distance from the train, tram and bus stations, free local parking.
Monday Night: Ladies, learners and entry level players with tuitoring and mentoring from 7pm until 8.15pm. Occasional guest speakers from 8.30pm until Midnight alonside friendly games. Entry Fee £2.
Wednesday Night: ‘Chess is Fun for Everyone’ with friendly or ECF Rated games. All levels of play welcome! Entry Fee £2.
Free refreshments – Free local Parking – All donations welcome!
Organiser Barbara Farrar – Email: eccleschess@gmail.com