Hastings International Chess Congress

The Hastings International Chess Congress is an annual chess Congress in Hastings, Sussex around the beginning of the year. The main event is the Hastings premier tournament, which is traditionally a 10 to 16 player tournament held in addition to an open challengers event.

History of Chess in Hastings

The Norman introduced Chess to Hastings-William the Conqueror was a chess player and famous broke a chessboard above the head of his cousin, Louis after accusing him of cheating. Fortunately, the current organizers for chess in Hastings is no longer possible this kind of behavior.

The Hastings International Chess Congress grew out of the huge interest in Chess among the educated classes in the 1880s. In 1882 an advertisement appeared in the local newspaper that read: "a meeting of who bought chess will be held in the Albert Temperance Hotel, Queens Road, Hastings on Wednesday 28 June 1882".

The meeting was attended by a group of professionals and businessmen who formed the Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club. Herbert Dobell was elected Secretary and his continuing tireless engagement meant that regular regional competitions were held, resulting in County matches are played on Hastings for the first time.

By Herbert Dobell father, a jeweller with a shop in Robertson St, was the first Treasurer of the newly formed club. Herbert inherited from the jewellers on his father's death and ran it for the rest of his life. Although only a teenager at the time that Herbert was appointed Secretary went on a temporary basis for 6 months but in order to keep the post for 25 years. Herbert was Club Champion 4 times and later served as the President of the Club from 1921-1938 when he died in Office.

The first Hastings International Chess Congress was held over the Christmas/new year in 1920/21 and with the exception of a break during World War II has taken place since each year. 2009/10 was the 85th Hastings International Chess.

The fact that the Hastings Congress takes place every year, thanks to the tireless organizing Committee and the commitment of the Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club. The broader chess community continues to Hastings Borough Council of gratitude for their continued support along with various local sponsors.

In addition to the main premier event that is by invitation naar's the world's top players, there is the challengers portion, which is open to all players. The winner of the challengers event deserves an invitation of the following year at the Prime Minister.

In addition to the annual international tournament at the Congress of Christmas, Hastings has also host international tournaments at irregular intervals in the summer Congress.

The Congress took place in Hastings Town Hall, Waverly Hotel, White Rock Pavilion, Sun Lounge in St Leonards, Falaise Hall and Horntye Sports Centre.