last update 1st Feb 2026 17:07
Directions to the Hotel:
FROM THE EAST
Leave M4 at junction 29 and join A48(M). After 4 miles take the exit signposted Cardiff Docks and Cardiff Bay. Take 3rd exit off the roundabout onto another smaller roundabout. Take 3rd exit. Hotel is located on your right.
FROM THE WEST
Leave the M4 at junction 30 and take 3rd exit off the roundabout. At next roundabout taken 2nd exit, and at the third roundabout take 2nd exit onto A48(M). Take 2nd exit signposted Cardiff Docks and Cardiff Bay. Take 3rd exit off the roundabout onto another smaller roundabout. Take 3rd exit. Hotel is located on your right.
The Mercure Hotel, Cardiff North: To book accommodation please contact the hotel directly.
WCU Spring Chess Congress 7th-8th Mar 2026
Regulations
| Regulations | |
|---|---|
| RATE OF PLAY: | Open and Major: All moves in 60 minutes, with a 30 second increment for each move starting from move 1. Under 13/11: All moves in 60 minutes with a 10 second increment from move 1. Under 9: All moves in 20 minutes with a 10 second increment from move 1 |
| BYES: | Competitors may claim up to 2 half point byes in any of the first four rounds. All first round byes must be claimed at the times of entry. |
| WITHDRAWALS: | Regrettably, refunds will not be considered until the cost of overheads are met. |
| EXCLUSIONS / TRANSFERS: |
The organisers reserve the right to refuse or transfer entries, particularly if a player's January rating excludes him from a lower section. |
| LATE ARRIVALS: | All competitors will be allowed 30 minutes on their clocks in any round and then defaulted |
| APPEALS: | Any appeal against an Arbiter's decision will be subject to a formal appeals procedure, to be detailed at the event |
| RATINGS: | The Mar 2026 FIDE list will be used in all sections for pairing and rating. If a player enters the Major before the Mar 26 FIDE ratings are published, and their new Mar FIDE rating is then over 1850, that player can still play in the Major Where a player does not have a FIDE rating, their National Rating will be used. |
| GDPR: | This event is held under the auspices of the Welsh Chess Union. The WCU Privacy Statement can be found at www.welshchessunion.uk/gdpr-wcu-privacy-document/ |
| FIDE: | The fide laws of chess apply except where amended on this entry form. | If you do not have a FIDE ID, please contact your preferred National Federation before the event. |