Bao Nghia Dong reigned supreme last year after defeating seven pretenders to the crown.
But who will be crowned our king of kings for 2019 and pick up the £200 prize?
The Contest of Kings, our tournament for elite-level players inspired by the Chess.com World Speed Championships, is back – and this time it will be even more of a test.
Do you want to enter?
The field is going up from eight players duking it out over three formats to find the almighty, to 16.
Be warned, you have to be strong to be considered – don’t even think about it unless you’re at least 175ECF. And you will be tested, to the limit.
Players have to be available for either September 10 or September 17 for Round 1. Then we’ll go to eight players and we’ll find another suitable date for Round 2.
Battersea members are prioritised, but if we can’t find 16 then “wildcards” will be allowed. If you want to take part you need to contact Aldo.
Who will lose their heads first?
It’s three hours of solid chess. As soon as one game ends, another begins. The matches will begin at 7pm sharp to ensure a finish for 10.15pm.
However, if you’re a mere mortal like Your Correspondent here, there will be activities laid on.
Entrants will play the following rounds in order:
- 90 minutes of 5+3 Blitz
- 60 minutes of 3+2 Blitz
- 30 minutes of 1+1 Bullet
The 5+3 carries 3 points for a win and 1.5 points for a draw. The 3+2 carries 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. The 1+1 carries 1 point for a win and .5 point for a draw.
Who is signed up?
- 1. Rhys Cumming 224
- 2. Adam Bukojemski 219
- 3. Viktor Stoyanov 219
- 4. Bao Nghia Dong 215
- 5. Chris Beckett 206
- 6. Blair Connell 206
- 7. Ali Hill 201
- 8. Alexander Makarov >e200?
- 9. CM Shreyas Royal 195
- 10. Jonathan Pein 192
- 11. Conor Gay 178
- 12. Rohan Bansal 191
- 13. David Okike 201
- 14. Mike Healey 217
- 15. FM Bob Eames 206
- 16. Phil Makepeace 204
Let the contest begin!
