How to Join the Warwickshire County U1650 Team

Updated

Warwickshire is entering an U1650 team in the ECF County Championships again, and eligible players can express interest by emailing Richard Buxton at [email protected]. The initial stages run within the Midland Counties Chess Union, with the top three teams qualifying for the National Stage.

Who is eligible

According to the Coventry and District Chess League notice, you can play if you meet the rating requirement and have a connection to the area:

  • Rating: an August ECF Standard rating below 1650.
  • Connection (any one of these): you live or work in the Warwickshire, Coventry to Birmingham areas; you play for a chess club there; or you were born there.

If you are unsure whether your rating or connection qualifies, contact Richard Buxton before the season starts.

Match format and schedule

Item Detail
Competition ECF County Championships, U1650
Initial stage Midland Counties Chess Union
Qualification Top three teams go to the National Stage
Matches One each in September, October, November, January and February
Usual day and time Saturday, starting at 13:30hrs
Time control G110' plus 10" per move
Team size 12 to 16 players
Home matches Played in Warwickshire
Away matches Played in the opposition's county or at a neutral venue to limit travel

Exact dates are decided later, so expect the schedule to be confirmed closer to each match.

How to register your interest

  1. Check your August ECF Standard rating is below 1650.
  2. Confirm your connection to the Warwickshire, Coventry to Birmingham areas.
  3. Email Richard Buxton at [email protected] to say you would like to take part.

The notice describes the competition as enjoyable and a chance to represent your county at a high level, so it is worth contacting him early if you want a place in the 12 to 16 player squad.