The Nigel Dennis Cup
The Nigel Dennis Cup is Maidenhead Chess Club’s premier rapidplay series, created to honour the extraordinary legacy of Nigel Dennis—lifelong player, tireless organiser, and champion of junior chess. The Cup consists of four FIDE- and ECF-rated Swiss tournaments held throughout the season, each featuring 3”+10’ rapid games and a Grand Prix-style points system. Open to both club and guest players, the competition fosters fun, community, and spirited play.
Having coached generations of young players across Berkshire and beyond, it seemed only fitting to give all those juniors—and others inspired by Nigel—the chance to compete for a trophy in his name. The Cup stands as a tribute to his six decades of service, including his leadership of Maidenhead’s Junior Chess Club and Junior Congress and his record-breaking 60 appearances at the Hastings Congress. It’s a celebration of his lasting influence on the game and those who love it.
Tournament rules
The Nigel Dennis Cup
Tournament Rules
Download Rules (PDF)Organiser & Arbiter
Organiser
Yury Krylov, Maidenhead Chess Club
krylov@telhol.com
Arbiter
Yury Krylov NA
FIDE ID: 343433910
Tournament Format
Structure
The Nigel Dennis Cup consists of 4 individual rapid play stages. Each stage is a 6-round Swiss, FIDE-rated rapid tournament. Players earn Grand Prix points based on their final position at each stage. The overall winner is the player with the highest cumulative score across all stages.
Grand Prix Scoring
Points Allocation
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 12 |
| 2nd | 10 |
| 3rd | 8 |
| 4th | 6 |
| 5th | 5 |
| 6th | 4 |
| 7th | 3 |
| 8th | 2 |
| 9th | 1 |
Points contribute to Nigel Dennis Cup standings.
Tie-break
If two players tie for first place
- Black gets 5 minutes, no increment.
- White bids for time (lowest bid wins and takes White).
- If drawn, Black is declared the winner.
If more than two players are tied, pairings will be made based on performance rating over the Grand Prix, and players will proceed in knockout Armageddon matches until a winner is determined.
Time Control
Time Control for Rapid Games
3 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move one.
Pairings & Tie-breaks
Pairing
Swiss Manager used.
Tie-breaks for Grand Prix points
- Buchholz Cut 1
- Direct Encounter
- Most Wins
Default Time
3m10s after round start.
Appeals
Disputes
All disputes must be raised with the arbiter immediately. Appeals must be submitted in writing by 10AM the following morning. If an appeal is successful, the result may be amended or the game unrated at the arbiter’s discretion.
Conduct & Fair Play
Rules
All players must follow FIDE Laws of Chess, FIDE Fair Play Regulations, and the ECF Code of Conduct. Any discovery of a device on a player will result in an immediate default. No rude language, inappropriate jokes, or disruptive behaviour is tolerated. Club events include juniors; communication must be respectful and age-appropriate.
Rating
Systems
All games ECF + FIDE Rapid-rated.
Prizes
Awards
The competition is a fun social occasion; no monetary prizes are awarded. The Nigel Dennis Cup will be awarded to the overall winner at the end of the final stage.
Amendments
Any rule changes or amendments will be published by the organiser and communicated to participants.
Registration
Nigel Dennis Cup – Results
| Rank | Player | Points | Wins |
|---|