This Weekend's Chess Marathon in aid of Ukraine - 20th to 21st May - Anyone can Join!
The English Chess Federation (ECF) are holding a 24-hour tournament on Chess.com to raise funds for the British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal from 5 pm on Saturday 20th May to 5 pm on Sunday 21st May.
Please show your support by joining in even if it’s just by playing a few games! Every level of chess player is welcome from beginners to Magnus Carlsen.
In previous years this annual charity chess marathon has proved hugely popular with many grandmasters taking part and thereby providing a rare opportunity for hundreds of players of all levels to play opponents of the highest standard including British champions and titled players from England and overseas.
To play:
Make sure you are a member of https://www.chess.com/club/english-chess-federation - which is free to join and you do not need to be an ECF member or even UK registered. Please note this is the ECF Open club which is open to all and separate from the ECF members club.
The tournament starts at 5pm UK time on Saturday May 20. From 4pm UK time you can join at https://www.chess.com/play/arena/2669997
Anyone can join free through the link above, but if you wish to be eligible for a prize please register first and donate £5 or more via the registration form found at https://www.englishchess.org.uk/ecf-charity-marathon-for-ukraine-2023/ or here: https://britchess.wufoo.com/forms/ecf-charity-marathon-for-ukraine-2023/
As with all Chess.com Arena tournaments you can play as much or as little as you like. You can even join late or leave and return as you wish. The games are 5 minutes for each player.
Prizes
Many thanks to Chess.com who have very generously agreed to match $1000 in donations.
Chessable have donated a total of four £50 vouchers: for the winner and their selection of fighting chess and best game (one for both players).
Elk & Ruby have donated a variety of books that will be awarded to the top places for those with addresses in the UK. To maximise funds for the charity we stipulate this to reduce postage and packing costs.
Chess & Bridge have donated 5 x £10 e-gift vouchers
To donate or fundraise:
You can donate when you register as above or via the Tiltify page here: https://tiltify.com/british-red-cross/ecf-chess-marathon-for-ukraine-2023
If you are a streamer, you can add your stream on the Tiltify page and raise funds yourself.
To watch:
We will have live coverage of the tournament at https://www.twitch.tv/ecf_streaming
The commentary team will be led by FM Jonathan Blackburn and will feature a variety of titled players and top broadcasters.
Many thanks in advance to all of you who show your support by playing and/ or donating.
Best of luck!
