Frequently Asked Questions

So, who exactly are e2e4?

We are a bunch of chess players who enjoy running chess events as well as playing in them. Sean Hewitt is the main protagonist. Sean in Chairman of Leicestershire Chess Association (LRCA) and is a Direct Members representative on the ECF council.

Sean is also FIDE International Organiser, a FIDE Arbiter and an ECF Arbiter.

In addition to these events we also run the Leicester Chess Congress on behalf of LRCA, so you may know us as Leicester Chess.

Where are you based?

We all originate from Leicestershire, and play for Littlethorpe (now Heathcote Arms) Chess Club although Sean is now based in the North West.

What events have you run so far?

Leicester Rapidplays (Since October 2004)

Leicester Congress (Since 2006)

Leicester International (Since 2007)

Milton Keynes Congress (Since 2008)

Uxbridge Congress (Since 2009)

Amersham Congress (Since 2009)

Uxbridge International (Since 2009)

Given the number of players who have played in one event and then come back and played in another, we must be doing something right! Read our testimonials to see what players say about us.

So why did you run a tournament near Uxbridge?

Quite simply, a few of us played in the two Bunratty Chess Festivals on the west coast of Ireland. That event, like many Irish events, is played in a nice hotel and was great fun. Then we played in the South Lakes Open in Grange over Sands - again at a nice hotel. So, one night, over a beer, we said that's what we should do - run our events in hotels. No more drafty church halls or schools! So we got on the phone and spoke to some hotel chains. De Veres were interested right from the start and they suggested Milton Keynes as a suitable venue that they could provide that met all our requirements. That event went very well and De Veres were keen to host another event - and we mutually agreed on Denham Grove near Uxbridge. That proved popular with 123 players participating.

And what's this tournament in Sunningdale?

We wanted to run a 7 round event over a bank holiday weekend. 7 rounds are great for FIDE rated events, and it would (in our opinion) make the graded sections just a little bit special - they certainly take some winning! Again, we spoke to De Veres and they offered us the facilities at Latimer Place for our 2009 event. Unfortunately that was not available for 2010 so we have secured Sunningdale Park instead which has fantastic playing facilities.

You're offering good prize money too - is that for real?

Yes! We need around 90 players to cover the cost of the prize money and so far we have always paid out at least the advertised prizes and usually more. We do have a caveat on our entry form that we could reduce the prizes on offer if we have insufficient entries but we have always given ourselves that protection in case only 50 or so entered - after all, we're not millionaires!

We have never failed to pay out an advertised prize.

But the prizes are lower now aren't they?

No! The prize fund per section is actually higher now than the first Milton Keynes but we conducted a player survey and two things became apparent. In the lower graded sections players wanted to see cheaper entry fees and more grading prizes. Players weren't fussed about big first prizes, so we have amended our prize structure and our entry fees accordingly.

How come all these events are British Championship Qualifiers?

This is an initiative from the organisers of the British Championships. Any open swiss held in the UK which is FIDE rated can claim a British Championship Qualifying Place. We have done just that, and indeed were the first to do so.

Do I need to be a member of the ECF to play?

If you're English and want to play in a FIDE rated event (which for us means all Opens, some Majors and all of our all play all sections) then the answer is yes. However, if you are not English OR if you are playing in most graded sections (ie not the Open) then you can enter regardless, although there is of course a discounted entry fee if you are an ECF member.

Ok. I'm convinced. How do I enter?

You can enter online for all events by selecting the appropriate button from the events home page, or you can download an entry form and post it to us - it's your choice!

What if I need to contact you?

Just click on the contact us button and get in touch via the most convenient method for you!