Qualifying for the British Chess Championships

One of the nice things about winning the Hartlepool Open at the weekend is that it qualified me to play in the British Chess Championships in August.

It's quite an honour to play in the Championships as well as a good opportunity to lock horns with some seriously strong players. On the downside:

• it's ridiculously expensive... a £175 entry fee (about US $350), and the need to pay for accomodation for two weeks (it's an 11 round event)
• it's also in just about the most difficult place to get to in England... anyone know of a cool cottage (with a broadband connection) to rent in Great Yarmouth?

I'd say it's about 70-30 that I'll decide to play. I'll keep you updated on my preparations on Chess Tales.