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Location
Ryde School,7 Queen’s Rd, Ryde, PO33 3BE
Enter by front gate on Queen’s Road, which will have tournament banners.
Parking
Approx. 50 free spaces at the venue (first-come, first-served).
Additional paid parking is available nearby.
Not the car park by front gate, this is staff only, drive past this 50 feet and turn left to the gate. Gate code provided by email on the morning of 18th Feb.
Dates: 18th to 23rd February 2025
Please note that tournament regulations, structure, or format may be subject to change based on requirements and player numbers. No significant changes are planned after 31st December 2024. Any changes, such as adjustments to round timings, will be communicated to players promptly.
The tournament is organised by Double Rook Media Ltd. Key events include:
9-Round International Masters aiming to facilitate chess norm opportunities.
6-Round U2000 Tournament (18th to 21st February).
5-Round Weekend Congress (21st to 23rd February).
3 Blitz Tournaments on 19th, 21st, and 22nd February (separate events).
All games adhere to the FIDE Laws of Chess.
Rating
All sections will be submitted for FIDE and English Chess Federation (ECF) ratings. Data provided at the time of entry will be forwarded to the ECF and FIDE for rating purposes.
Allocation of Ratings
The following order of priority will determine tournament ratings:
FIDE Standard Rating (as of 1st February 2025).
ECF Standard Rating including "P" Provisional (as of 1st February 2025).
For players without these ratings, the organisers will assign ratings alphabetically after rated players, except in the International Masters.
Ratings will be used for pairings and prize calculations (details in the "Prize Calculations" section).
Pairings
Round 1 of the Masters and U2000 will be paired at approximately 9:00 PM on Monday, 17th February. This time may vary depending on players’ travel circumstances.
All subsequent rounds will be paired as soon as possible, approximately 15 minutes after the completion of the last game in the section, subject to any appeals. Any byes for the next round must be made before this.
Round 1 of the Congress will be paired at 5:00 PM on Friday, 21st February. After this, all rounds will follow the same procedure as above.
Tournament-Specific Ratings
International Masters: FIDE Standard Rating.
U2000 Tournament: Highest of FIDE or ECF (Including P) Standard Rating. Players without either are assigned a rating of 0, ineligible for rating prizes, and receive 50% of any cash prize.
Weekend Congress: Highest of FIDE or ECF (Including P) Standard Rating. Players without either are assigned a rating of 0, ineligible for rating prizes, and receive 50% of any cash prize.
Blitz: Highest of FIDE or ECF Blitz Rating. If unavailable, the highest of any FIDE or ECF Rapid or Standard Rating is used for TR rating, including ECF P Ratings. Players without any ratings receive a tournament rating of 0, are ineligible for rating prizes, and receive 50% of any cash prize.
Please note: Event results will not change your Tournament Rating for subsequent events. Such as a rating gain in the U2000 will not be carried onto your Congress Tournament Rating.
FIDE Identification Number
All players must have a FIDE ID when registering. Players without one will be assigned an ENG FIDE ID.
Changing a FIDE nationality later incurs a £250 fee, payable by the player to FIDE.
Per current ECF policy, players with RUS or BLR FIDE IDs are ineligible to enter but may use FIDE’s fast-track procedure to change their affiliation to FID, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
ECF Membership Requirements
Exempt from Entry Surcharge:(a) Gold/Platinum ECF members.(b) Non-ENG FIDE ID holders in the MASTERS only.
All other players must pay a £15 surcharge, calculated at or prior to the event based on their ECF membership status as of 1st February 2025.
Fighting standard of chess
After one move made by white & black, there is no mandatory minimum number before a draw can be agreed. However, as the event is broadcast live, we encourage a fighting standard of chess, which will help the tournament grow and support its successful return in 2026.
Players in the Masters who demonstrate a competitive and engaging approach will be viewed more favourably when we consider offering conditions for the 2026 edition.
While we understand that quick draws may occasionally occur, particularly towards the end of the event or on double-round days, we kindly ask that players receiving conditions make every effort to avoid them where possible.
Dress Code
We have a "Freestyle" dress code, meaning players are welcome to wear clothing in which they feel comfortable. As the venue is a school, all attire must be appropriate for a school environment.
As a general guideline, smart casual is preferred. Jeans, trainers, and hoodies are permitted.
For children, we encourage wearing local or national chess club attire where possible.
Tournament Formats and Schedules:
International Masters
Format: 9-Round Swiss.
Byes: 2 half-point byes (not in the final round); players on conditions may take 1.
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move.
Default Time: 30 minutes.
No accelerated pairings
Schedule:
Round 1: 11am, Tuesday 18th February.
Round 2: 5pm, Tuesday 18th February.
Round 3: 11am, Wednesday 19th February.
Round 4: 11am, Thursday 20th February.
Round 5: 5pm, Thursday 20th February.
Round 6: 10am, Friday 21st February.
Round 7: 10am, Saturday 22nd February.
Round 8: 3pm, Saturday 22nd February.
Round 9: 10am, Sunday 23rd February.
U2000 Tournament (Weekday)
Format: 6-Round Swiss (Accelerated if over 100 players).
Byes: 2 half-point byes (not in the final round).
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move.
Default Time: 30 minutes.
Schedule:
Round 1: 11am, Tuesday 18th February.
Round 2: 5pm, Tuesday 18th February.
Round 3: 11am, Wednesday 19th February.
Round 4: 11am, Thursday 20th February.
Round 5: 5pm, Thursday 20th February.
Round 6: 10am, Friday 21st February.
Weekend Congress (All Sections)
Format: 5-Round Swiss (Accelerated if over 100 players).
Byes: 1 half-point bye (not in the final round).
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move.
Default Time: 30 minutes.
Schedule:
Round 1: 7pm, Friday 21st February.
Round 2: 10am, Saturday 22nd February.
Round 3: 3pm, Saturday 22nd February.
Round 4: 10am, Sunday 23rd February.
Round 5: 3pm, Sunday 23rd February.
Blitz Tournaments
Format: 7-Round Swiss.
Time Control: 5 minutes + 3 seconds per move.
Byes: None.
Schedules:
Event 1: 6pm–8:30pm, Wednesday 19th February.
Event 2: 3pm–5:30pm, Friday 21st February.
Event 3: 8pm–10:30pm, Saturday 22nd February.
Postponement of Round and Event Start Times
While we do not expect this to happen frequently, it is possible for Round 8 of the Masters (Saturday afternoon) and Round 3 of the Congress by 30 to 60 minutes.
Should a delay occur, all players will receive an email notification, and an announcement will be posted on the tournament website and at the entrance to the playing hall.
All players will be given at least 30 minutes of rest between two rounds of classical chess. If necessary, individual board start times may be slightly delayed to ensure this break is maintained. Both players will be informed in advance.
Blitz Postponement
If an event overruns, the Blitz tournament may be postponed by up to 60 minutes. However, we consider this unlikely. If a postponement occurs, notifications will be posted at the playing hall entrance, on the tournament website, and sent via email.
Defaults, Late Pairings, and Re-pairings
Players who default a game without prior notice will not be paired for subsequent rounds unless permitted by the Chief Arbiter. A £50 bond may be required.
Late entries may score 0 points for missed rounds or be paired with others in the same category.
Tie-Breaks
International Masters: (a) Direct encounter.(b) Performance.(c) Buchholz Cut 1.(d) Buchholz.(e) Sum of Buchholz.
All Other Sections: (a) Direct encounter.(b) Most Black.(c) Buchholz.(d) Sonneborn-Berger.(e) Sum of Buchholz.
Prizes
International Open
(£4,000 prize pool)
1st £1500 + Trophy
2nd £750
3rd £500
4th £300
5th £150
Players on tied points will split the prize pool.
(For example, if x3 players come 1st, they will split £2,750 and the next player will be 4th.)
The trophy will go to the winner by tie break ranking
Rating Prizes:
Highest placed 2100 to 2299 £100 (Based on FIDE rating)
Highest placed 1900 to 2099 £100 (Based on FIDE rating)
Highest placed Under 1899 £100 (Based on FIDE rating)
Best Woman £250
2nd Best Woman £100
(As determined by ECF/FIDE Profile)
Best Under 18 £100
Best 55+ £100
Age related prizes determined by player age on 18th Feb 2025.
Final ranking in all sections determined by tie break.
Excluding the International Masters, here players will split prize money according to points scored and not tie break. The player who comes 1st after tie break will receive the trophy.
Rating prizes and age/gender prizes are determined by tie break ranking.
Players are eligible for one cash prize and shall receive the highest amount if eligible for more than one prize - The next player will receive the lower prize and so on.
U2000 Weekday “Holiday”
(£1,150 prize pool)
Prize pool reduced on 10th Jan 2025, by £350 to account for lower player numbers.
1st £200 + Trophy
2nd £150
3rd £125
4th £100
Rating Prizes:
Highest placing 1600 to 1799 £100 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
2nd highest placing 1600 to 1799 £75 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
Highest placing 1400 to 1599 £100 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
2nd highest placing 1400 to 1599 £75 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
Best Woman £75: (As determined by ECF/FIDE Profile)
Best Under 18 £75
Best 55+ £75
Congress Open
(£850 Prize pool)
1st £250 + Trophy
2nd £175
3rd £150
4th to 8th Chess and Bridge Goody Bag
Rating Prizes:
Highest placing Under 2000 £75 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
2nd highest placed Under 2000 £50 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
Best Woman £50: (As determined by ECF/FIDE Profile)
Best Under 18 £50
Best 55+ £50
Age related prizes determined by player age on 18th Feb 2025.
Congress Under 1850
(£600 Prize pool)
1st £175 + Trophy
2nd £150
3rd £100
4th to 8th Chess and Bridge Goody Bag
Highest placing 1700 £50 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
Highest placing 1600 £50 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE rating)
Best Woman £25: (As determined by ECF/FIDE Profile)
Best Under 18 £25
Best 55+ £25
Age related prizes determined by player age on 18th Feb 2025.
Congress Under 1550
(£325 Prize pool)
1st £125 + Trophy
2nd £75
3rd £50
4th to 8th Chess and Bridge Goody Bag
Best Woman £25: (As determined by ECF/FIDE Profile)
Best Under 18 £25
Best 55+ £25
Age related prizes determined by player age on 18th Feb 2025.
Blitz: Per event
(£1,000 total Prize pool)
1st £100 + Trophy
2nd £75
3rd £50
Highest placing U2000 £50 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE Blitz rating)
Highest placing U1500 £50 (Based on highest of ECF & FIDE Blitz rating)
Please note Blitz Rating prizes are based on Tournament Ratings for the Blitz event only: (Blitz: Highest of FIDE or ECF Blitz Rating. If unavailable, the highest of any FIDE or ECF Rapid or Standard Rating is used for TR rating, including ECF P Ratings. Players without any ratings receive a starting rating of 0, are ineligible for rating prizes, and receive 50% of any cash prize.)
Additional U2000 Prizes from DGT:
(In order of highest individual event performance rating from any one event, not a cumulative total)
1st DGT Pegasus
2nd DGT 2500 Clock
Entry:
Players must enter in advance. This can be done by purchasing a ticket here https://www.iowchess.com/event-details/isle-of-wight-international-tournament and entering the relevant information. Players may enter more than one competition.
Entry for all sections will close 24 hours before the event begins or when sold out. Blitz events can be entered up to 90 minutes in advance for £20 per event.
If a player has any questions about entering, an email should be sent to hello@iowchess.com
Byes
Half-Point Byes may be requested (or a request may be cancelled) either: - At the time of entry; or - At any point before the pairings are published for each round. Such requests should be made only to the arbiter desk at the event.
Byes are not available for the final round in the Masters (R9), U2000 (R6) and Congress (R5). You may withdraw for zero points.
Two half point byes are available in the Masters (International) and U2000 tournaments (x1 for players receiving conditions).
One half point bye is available in the congress.
No half point byes are available in Blitz.
Appeals Procedure
Decisions made by an arbiter may be appealed to the Chief Arbiter within 15 minutes of the original decision. If a player wishes to escalate the matter further, an Appeals Committee is available. This must be requested in writing within 15 minutes of the Chief Arbiter’s decision.
A £50 bond must be paid, which will only be refunded if the appeal is successful.
The Appeals Committee, consisting of three available members, will deliberate and deliver a decision within 15 minutes. Members will be selected in the following order, based on availability and impartiality:
Appeals Committee Members:
Tournament Director: David Lightfoot
Players’ Representative: FM Jonathan Pein
GM Matthew Turner
Robert Coles
Samuel Morris
Peter Eales (From 21st Feb)
Filming and Photography
The event will have several cameras and a content production team, which are essential for promoting its growth. All photography will be silent and without flash.
Local press may be present at the beginning of some rounds. After the first ten minutes of the round, only accredited photographers approved by the Tournament Director will be permitted to take photographs, these are also chess players. This will be done in a non-intrusive manner to ensure players are not disturbed.
Players on the top four boards in the main hall will be live streamed during certain rounds of the Masters. The footage will consist of a wide-angle shot from above, showing both players seated at the board. If a player does not wish to be filmed, they must inform the organisers before pairings are made, and they will be allocated another table.
Players who do not wish to have their photographs published should also notify the arbiters before the event begins. While we will endeavour to respect this, please note that you may still appear in general wide shots of the playing hall.
Parents may take pictures of the playing hall and their own child from the viewing balcony up to the start of the round.
Spectators and the Press
For the purposes of this section, all members of the Press are considered to be spectators.
Only approved persons may take photographs in the playing venue. Photography is allowed at all times outside of the playing halls.
Expelling Spectators
All arbiters are empowered to ask spectators or the Press to leave the playing area immediately should they be in breach of these regulations.
Spectator Guidelines – Parents & Guardians
A viewing balcony overlooks the main hall. You may stay here for the first 10 minutes of the round. After this, mobile devices must be handed in to Arbiters, and normal player conditions apply.
For comfort, we recommend waiting at the coffee shop or theatre (a 1-minute walk away). You can track your child's game progress via chess.com and the theatre screens. You are allowed phones, laptops etc here and we have set up a coffee shop.
Players' Mobile Phones
During play, mobile phones and other electronic devices must be completely switched off and placed in the clock box on the table. Players must not have any such device on their person or carry it with them during play.
Alternatively, players may turn off their devices and check them in at the Arbiters' desk. However, please note that the tournament takes no responsibility for these devices. They will be stored in plain sight on a numbered rack, and players will receive a corresponding ticket to collect their device after their game.
A player will be immediately forfeited if during the game any such device either: (a) makes any sound; or (b) is found to be switched on; or (c) is found to be on their person or being carried by them.
Anti-Cheating Measures
To ensure fair play, the following anti-cheating protocols will be in place:
Players may be scanned before or after their games.
Games may be analysed using anti-cheating software.
Players are not permitted to leave the playing venue during play.
Players will be issued with an in-play passport/token which must be worn at all times when leaving the playing hall.
The playing area is clearly marked and includes a large toilet block that spectators are not allowed to use. Players should have no interaction with anyone while going to and from the toilet.
Parental Responsibility
Parents or guardians are responsible for their children during the tournament. The organisers and helpers are not able to act ‘in loco parentis’ and are not able to take responsibility for any child’s actions, or for the actions of anyone that may affect their children
Liability
The organisers accept no responsibility for any loss, theft or accident during the tournament.
Zero Tolerance of Abuse
The Chief Arbiter is empowered to expel a player from all tournaments entered, either for a number or rounds, a number of days, or in entirety, who shows abuse by word or action towards an arbiter, any member of staff or any player at the tournament or other competitions or spectator events within the event.
Cancelation of event
If the event is cancelled or postponed prior to starting, the organiser will refund the cost of the entry ticket in full or give the player the option to move to an event of the same ticket cost. The oganiser is not liable for any other costs incurred. In the event of an “act of God” or natural disaster such as a storm or any other event which prevents play after commencement, all reasonable efforts shall be made to continue the event at another time or premises or reduce the number of rounds played.
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