98th Hastings International Chess Congress
The Hastings Masters will be a 9-round FIDE rated Swiss, open to all.
The organisers of the 98th Hastings International Chess Congress are profoundly grateful for the continued support of Caplin Systems Ltd., whose association with the Congress helps us deliver this historic event at a standard which participants value.
Main prizes: £2,500; £1,500; £1,000; £800; £600; £450; £350; £250; £200; £150. Total prize fund: £10,000. In addition to the main prizes, Female, Senior and Rating prizes will also be awarded (and additional prizes may be given.)
All moves in 90 minutes, with the addition of 30 seconds for each move from the start.
Default time
Players arriving 30 minutes or more after the start of a session in any tournament shall lose by forfeit, unless the arbiter decides otherwise.
Withdrawals
If you need to withdraw for any reason (including a temporary withdrawal due to illness) you must please notify the Chief Arbiter at this email address —ahmcfarlane@yahoo.co.uk
The venue for all events will be Horntye Park Sports Complex, Bohemia Road, Hastings TN34 1EX, which is a 15-20 minute walk from two railway stations – Hastings, and St Leonards Warrior Square. Bus services run from Hastings town centre to a stop on Bohemia Road, close to the complex (public transport may not run on New Year’s Day.) There is also on-site parking. Horntye Park is a spacious, well-lit venue, with a viewing gallery above the playing area. As well as disabled access it has toilet facilities for the disabled and a lift between floors. Hot food, sandwiches, drinks and snacks will be available during playing times and between rounds.
Visas
Players needing visas should please get in touch as soon as possible. Formal invitations can be prepared, please send passport details to Pam Thomas: pae123@aol.com
Travel Information
If flying to the UK it is better to choose Gatwick, as there is a direct rail link from the airport to Hastings. The journey takes around 90 minutes.
Arriving at other London airports: there are trains to Hastings from Charing Cross, London Bridge, and Victoria.
It is also possible to travel to Hastings from St. Pancras International via Ashford (where you must change). The journey to Ashford is high-speed.
Please note that there are no trains to Hastings on 25 and 26 December.
Accommodation
Players should make their own arrangements. We aim to list some hotels and guest houses on this website. Please visit www.visit1066country.com for tourist information not only on Hastings but also on other nearby places of interest, such as Rye and Battle.
Donations
Please consider making a donation – your support will make a difference. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Enquiries
Email: HICCchairman@yahoo.com
