Swindon Chess Club - ECF Members and Grades
The Minor League is 4 a side and is limited to players of grade 1600 and below according to the August grade. Swindon usually has two teams.
The Intermediate League is 4 a side and is limited to players of grade 1850 and below according to the August grade, although one board of up to 1950 is permitted. Swindon usually has two teams.
The Major League is also a 4 a side but with no limiting grade. Swindon has one team, although currently this League is now defunct.
Games in all Leagues are played at the rate of 90 minutes each for the whole game.
The maximum playing time is therefore 3 hours.
The League Secretary may vary the grading limits in special circumstances.
To obtain a grade, you must have ECF Bronze membership (or higher) and have played at least 5 recorded games at the above mentioned rate.
The method of calculating your grade is given on the ECF website (Link below).
A full list of our players , with their current and previous grades is given on the ECF website (Link below).
Enter "Swindon" in the search box,
Note that team selection is based nominally on grading order with some amendments due typically to travel arrangements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why do I need ECF membership?
ANSWER:
(a) To obtain an ECF grade. You will need to play 5 graded games.
(b) To play in any of the Wiltshire Leagues. Your grade, if any, will determine which league(s) you can play in and which board you play on, in a given team.
(c) For your club result to count in our Club Championship.
2. Why are there various categories of ECF membership and which one do I need?
ANSWER:
To generate more income from those players who play in more prestigious events. There are several categories:
Bronze. This is the basic category which enables you to play in Leagues, Club and County for grading purposes.
Silver. This is the required category for all of the above and for playing in Congresses.
Gold. This is the required category for all of the above and for playing in international FIDE rated tournaments.
Platinum. This covers all of the above and you receive other miscellaneous items as well, e.g. year book, diary etc.
3. How do I obtain ECF membership?
ANSWER:
(a) You can do this on-line, click onto the ECF link.
(b) Alternatively phone 01424775222
(c) Note that membership runs for one year from the time of registration or renewal.
4. How do I obtain a FIDE grade for international use?
ANSWER:
(a) Obtain ECF Gold membership (Silver membership will suffice for certain Rapidplay events)
(b) Enter a FIDE rated tournament.
(c) Play at least 5 games against FIDE rated players (this may require more than one tournament), and obtain at least one point (a win or two draws)
(d) Retrospectively the event must exceed an average of FIDE 1000.
5. Is it possible to have an ECF grade and a FIDE grade at the same time?
ANSWER:
Yes. In 2022 the ECF converted their grades from 3-digit to 4-digit format.
The number is comparable to the FIDE grade.
6. When I enter a Congress as a non-member I am asked to pay an extra £7. What do I get for this money?
ANSWER:
You will get those Congress games graded, however it does not give you Bronze or Silver registration.If you play Club games subsequently for grading, these will incur a game fee of £2.50 per game, levied against the Club.
7. When I enter a Congress as a Bronze member I am asked to pay an extra £7. What do I get for this money?
ANSWER:
Your ECF registation is upgraded to Silver. The games played in the Congress, subsequent Congresses and Club games are all graded free of further charge.
Club Honours List
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
See previous section.
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN LAST 12 MONTHS
COFI NASH
1st PLACE, < 1700
Swindon Rapidplay Competition, March 2024
GEORGE GEORGIOU
= 3rd Place < 1900
Cornwall Autumn Congress, Sept. 2023
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