Stewart Reuben has asked me to act his deputy on seniors chess matters this year, with the intention that I will be taking over from him in 2023. With that in mind we thought it would be helpful to provide details of the main seniors events that are planned for 2022. Please note that due to the Covid situation some of these dates are still provisional with only limited details at the current time.
Qualification for most Seniors events states that you must reach the age requirement within the calendar year of the event e.g. to play in a 50+ event you must be aged 50 by the end of that calendar year and likewise for the 65+ age group.
In date order, the main seniors events are as follows –
The English Seniors Chess Championships
4 – 8th May, at the Holiday Inn Kenilworth-Warwick. Two sections for players aged 50+ and 65+ by 31st December 2022. Seven rounds to be played over 5 days. Online entry is now available. See the specific details here – https://www.englishchess.org.uk/english-seniors-championships/
The World Senior Teams Chess Championships
19 -30 June, Acqui Terme, Italy
As always this comprises of the 50+ and 65+ age groups and anyone interested in playing in one of the England Teams can find further details here – https://www.englishchess.org.uk/Seniors/the-world-senior-teams-chess-championships-2022/
The European Seniors Individual Chess Championship
To be held in the Arche Hotel in Lublin, Poland from 4th-14th July 2022
See https://www.europechess.org/european-senior-chess-championship-2022-official-regulations/ for full details.
The British Seniors Chess Championships
8-22 August, Torquay
Both championships are 7 rounds with the 50+ Championship running 8-14th August and the 65+ Championship running 15-21st August. Note that players aged 65+ can play in both events should they choose to do so. Further details can be found at https://www.britishchesschampionships.co.uk/
The European Seniors Team Chess Championship
26 October – 4 November, Dresden
Further details and the registration process will soon be available on the organiser’s website at https://www.schachfestival.de/
The World Senior Individual Championships
15 -28 November, Assisi, Italy
Again two championships for 50+ and 65+. The schedule allows for players to arrive on the 15th, play 11 rounds at one game per day, with one rest day and depart on the 28th
Please note that there are also various ACO (Amateur Chess Organization) seniors events taking place in 2022 but neither FIDE nor the ECF recognise these events (which are not FIDE rated), so no details are provided.
We will aim to provide further details on most of these events as they become known.
— Nigel Povah