1

British Champion in any of the past five years

2

A score of 6˝/11 (6/11 under 20) or more in the 2008 Championship. These players receive free entry.

3

The reigning British Under 21 or Under 18 Champion. These players receive free entry. Should there be a tie for either of these qualifying places; the tie will be split by average of opponents’ FIDE Ratings.

4

The British Senior Champion, if s/he wishes to play.

5

A score of 7˝/11 (7/11 under 20) or higher in the Major Open, if eligible to play. These players receive free entry.

6

The highest placed eligible competitor not already qualified, in the British Rapidplay Championship. The tiebreak system as in 8) shall be used.

7

The Champion, or nominee, of each of the English Chess Unions.

8

The highest placed eligible competitors in three regional Open Swisses organised by each of the English Chess Unions. The tiebreak system will be sum of progressive score, failing that average of opponents’ grades. Any entry fee reduction is as decided by the event organisers at their own cost.

9

An active rating of 218 (2350) or higher in a current British Isles national grading list (not Rapidplay) or any FIDE list between July 2008 and July 2009.

10

For players

Under 21 active rating of 215 (2320) or higher

Under 18 active rating of 210 (2280) or higher

Under 16 active rating of 205 (2240) or higher

Under 14 active rating of 200 (2200) or higher

Under 12 active rating of 190 (2120) or higher

For females

Active rating of 190 (2120) or higher

For females

Under 21 active rating of 180 (2040) or higher

11

The highest placed eligible player, not already qualified, from any British Isles Open FIDE rated event.

The tiebreak system as in 8) shall be used.

12

The highest placed eligible player in each of the six congresses with the highest number of long-play ECF graded games in season 2007-2008. The tiebreak system as in 8) shall be used.

13

No tournament shall be entitled to more than one place under Rules 6, 7, 8, 11, 12.

14

If the qualifier in 3, 4, 8, 11, or 12 does not play, the place can only be offered to a player on the same score who did not qualify because of tiebreak.

15

In the 4NCL, all players with Tournament Performance Ratings 2350 or higher from seven or more games against FIDE Rated opponents qualify.

16

Nominees of the Scottish Chess Association, Welsh Chess Union, Ulster Chess Union, Irish Chess Union, Guernsey and Jersey.

17

One nominee of the county hosting the championships.

18

One nominee of each major business sponsor of English Chess Federation activity.

19

One nominee from each of the Congress Manager and the Director of Junior Chess.