2026 Rapid Matrix Tournament

To view the tournament on the ECF LMS website click here

Starting from April and running to the end of August 2026, the Rapidplay Matrix purpose is to give members an opportunity to play formal, Rapid ECF-rated, games against each other on Thursday evenings, in addition to the usual matches and friendlies.  Please play as many or as few games as you wish.  The rules are as follows:

Rapidplay Matrix 2026 – Rules

• Start April 2026, finish end of August 2026
• The Rapidplay Matrix 2026 WhatsApp group has the U1500 matrix and any other members included.
• The WhatsApp should be the default medium through which to arrange games.
• You can challenge any member to a game (either on the night or you can arrange games in advance).
• Players can agree to play one or two games maximum.
• You do not have to accept a challenge if you don’t want to
• Games must be face-to-face (not on-line) and played during Thursday club meetings.
• Toss for colour. If players agree to two games, colours are reversed for the second game.
• The time control is 20 minutes plus 10 second increment (same as the SBL Rapid Leagues).
• However, by mutual agreement, players can play 50 minutes plus 9 second increment.
• Normal Rapid rules apply (recording moves is optional)
• Preferably use the maroon clocks in case penalty time needs to be added for illegal moves
• 1 point for a win, 0.5 for a draw, 0 for a loss
• The player with most points at the end of the tournament is the winner, irrespective of how many games played
• You must be an ECF member at Bronze level or above because this is a rated tournament
• Upon completion of games, results should be shared on the Rapidplay Matrix 2026 WhatsApp, from where, they will be entered into ECF LMS.