2017/18 conditions

Cheques should be made payable to “Hastings International Chess Congress”. Entries should be sent to the Congress Director (address given below). If a written acknowledgement of an entry is required a
stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed.

The Congress reserves the right to refuse any entry. Except in such cases, a deduction of 20% will normally be made from any refund of entry fee. Refunds will be made only if notification of withdrawal is received by the Director no later than 22 December 2017.

Late entries will invoke a late entry fee of £10 to the Masters and £6 to other tournaments for entries postmarked after 10 December 2017 (or 23 December 2017 for the Weekend Tournaments).

Eligibility to play in an event will be determined by the Grading and Rating lists as of 1 December 2017. The actual grade or rating used for all other purposes will be the most up-to-date value available on the first day of each event.

Visas
Players needing visas should apply by 19 November 2017. For a formal invitation contact: Pam Thomas  Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com

Evening events
There will be a number of special evening events such as blitz or pairs tournaments. Further details will be announced in the programme and on the Congress website.

Information for overseas players
It is better to fly to Gatwick as there is a direct rail link to Hastings. Those arriving at Heathrow or Stansted airports should travel to Charing Cross Station and those coming from Luton airport should travel via St.Pancras International and then to Hastings via Ashford high speed service. Players from London should travel on the direct trains from Charing Cross, Waterloo East or London Bridge stations. National Express Coaches also have daily service between London and Hastings. Further information – www.nationalexpress.com. Overseas players are also advised that they should expect to pay a minimum of £40 per person per night for bed and breakfast accommodation in Hastings.

Please note that players are responsible for their own insurance against damage or loss to personal property.

The Hastings Borough Council website at www.visit1066country.com gives information on all aspects of the town including accommodation and travel.

Congress Director: Alan Hustwayte, 54 Oxford Road, St.Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9EY Tel: 01424 443300 Email: alan.b.hustwayte@tesco.net

Please note that when the Congress Director is unavailable queries should be addressed to Pam Thomas Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com