Scholastic Chess Tournament (Grades 6-12)

Date and Time

  • Saturday, February 8, 7:30am-2:30pm

Check-In

  • Please use the front entrance of the school. Upon entering there will be a check-in desk.
  • Please bring a photo ID or School ID so we can verify your identity.
  • You MUST have an ID to compete. Please contact your school if you need an ID.

Location

Parking and Entry

  • Please Refer to the map below for further information for Parking and Entry.
  • We have a dedicated entry at the front of the school, and parking along the front and sides of the school.

General Information

  • This is a scholastic tournament. Only students in grades 6-12 may enter.
  • This tournament has 4 sections:
    • 2 unrated sections (more casual)
    • 2 rated sections (more serious)
  • Each player will play 4 games.

Event Schedule

  • Check-In: 7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
    • There is a strict cutoff for checking-in at 7:55 a.m. due to time needed to create pairings based on the people who show up.
    • If you are late checking-in you will have to take a first round bye.
  • First Round: 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
  • Second Round: 9:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
  • Third Round: 11:05 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
  • Fourth Round: 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
  • Award Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
    • This schedule is meant to be a general guideline.
    • Actual times may change during the event if any issues arise.

Unrated Sections (More Casual)

  • The 2 unrated sections are meant for people who have never played in a chess tournament before and would like to get the experience of tournament play without it affecting their official chess rating.
  • Unrated – Novice: meant for people with an online chess rating of 750 or lower.
  • Unrated – Open: meant for people with an online chess rating over 750.
  • Games in this section are unrated. This means they are a little more casual. It also means that players DO NOT have to be members of the United States Chess Federation.
  • These sections may have to be merged if there are not enough participants in each section.

Rated Sections (More Serious)

  • Participants in this section MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES CHESS FEDERATION (USCF).
  • Joining the USCF requires a once a year payment that varies depending on age and other factors ($18-$45).
  • Click here for more info about joining the United States Chess Federation.
  • 4-Round Swiss Tournament. Time Control: G/30 d/5 (30 minute game with 5 second delay)
  • Rated – Novice (best for people rated below 750)
  • Rated – Open (best for people rated over 750)
  • These sections may have to be merged if there are not enough participants in each section.

Entry Fees

  • There are no entry fees for this tournament.
  • Just don’t forget, if you want to play in the rated section (more serious), you MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES CHESS FEDERATION.
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Awards

  • Top 3 finishers in each rated section will receive a certificate.
  • Please remember that this is a free tournament and as a result we do not have money to buy trophies or offer cash prizes.

Chess Sets and Chess Clocks

  • Chess sets are provided for all tournament games.
  • With the time control of this tournament a chess clock is not required, but you may bring one if you’d like (just please make sure it meets the standards of tournament play).
  • If you don’t have a chess clock that meets the standards of tournament play and would like to buy one, click here for a chess clock we recommend.
  • We do not get any money if you buy from this link. We just included it to help make your life easier.
  • To be clear, you do not have to bring a chess set or a chess clock. We will provide chess sets, and bringing a chess clock is optional.

Tournament Tips

  • We encourage anyone new to tournament chess to watch the following videos. It will help you prepare for what to expect on tournament day.
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