London August 2003;
To celebrate its 175th anniversary as the home of chess and to honour its famous patron Howard Staunton, Simpson's-in-the-Strand will be hosting the first Simpson's/Staunton Anniversary Chess Tournament from Sunday 24th August to Monday 1st September 2003 inclusive.

Three Grandmasters have agreed to take part in the tournament with 12 year old David Howell as the potential giant slayer. David recently drew an exhibition game with the world's youngest Grandmaster, Sergey Karyakin, and in May 2003 was the winner of a special TV award. Only last week David achieved an International Master result in this year's Smith & Williamson British Championship.

The Tournament will be launched on Sunday 24th August - with a press photocall at 11am - in the presence of all participating players. During the following week chess fans will have the opportunity to watch all games live at Simpson's, for a daily fee of £5, with commentary by games analyst Bob Wade OBE. Top hatted 'runners' will carry players' moves around Simpson's recreating the restaurant's famous origins.

Guests are also invited to meet the Grandmasters personally at dinners that take place each evening of the tournament at 8.15pm. A special three-course meal with wine at £35 per person can be booked by telephoning 020 7836 9112 and mentioning this tournament.

The event follows the classical chess double round format with games taking place on six days, with one rest day: the closing ceremony and prize giving will take place on Monday 1st September. This will be followed by grand champagne Grandmaster dinner, which guests may attend at a cost of £40 per person to include a three-course dinner. During the dinner Richard Eales, former head of history at the University of Kent, will give a short lecture on chess in London pre Staunton.

A book of the event: Staunton's Legacy: Chess in London- Simpson's and The Savoy, by Ray Keene, with artwork and a contribution by Barry Martin on the Staunton Chess Pieces will be available from Hardinge Simpole Publishing; www.HardingeSimpole.co.uk.

The Grandmasters who have agreed to take part are:
Jon Speelman World Championship Semi-Finalist 1989
Danny King Chess TV star and presenter of Channel 4's series on the Kasparov/Short world championship at The Savoy in 1993
John Emms Captain of the English Olympiad Team
and David Howell 12 year-old chess prodigy

The following prize fund is available:
1st prize £1,500
2nd prize £1,250
3rd prize £750
4th prize £500

For reservations for "Dinner with the Grandmasters" or to book Tournament places please telephone: 020 7836 9112.

During the tournament guests who wish to stay at The Savoy in order to watch the games can benefit from a special room rate at the nearby Savoy. Room rates start at £149 for single occupancy and from £159 for double occupancy. Rates do not include VAT or breakfast and are subject to availability. There is also a 5% discretionary service charge.

For website commentary and further information: www.BCMChess.co.uk or www.simpsons-in-the-strand.com