Chess Tournament

Date and Time

  • Saturday, November 16, 12:30pm-4:30pm (check-in begins at noon)

Location

General Information

  • This tournament has 5 sections:
    • 2 unrated sections (more casual) for students in grades K-12.
    • 3 rated sections (more serious) open to everyone of all ages and skill levels.
  • Each player will play 3 games.
  • This is the third tournament we’ve hosted so please be patient with us 🙂

Unrated Sections (More Casual)

  • There are 2 unrated sections for students in grades K-12 (Unrated – Beginner and Unrated – Experienced).
  • Unrated – Beginner is meant for elementary students (ages 4-8) who know how to play chess but are not quite ready for officially rated tournament games (Click here for more details).
  • Unrated – Experienced is meant for middle and high school students who are ready for tournament play but want to get the tournament experience without having it impact their official rating.
  • 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)

  • These sections are open to everyone of all ages and skill levels who are ready to play officially rated tournament games.
  • 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.
  • Three-Round Swiss Tournament. Time Control: G/30 d/5 (30 minute game with 5 second delay)
  • Rated – Beginner (best for people rated below 500)
  • Rated – Intermediate (best for people rated between 500 – 1,000)
  • Rated – Open (best for people rated over 1,000)
  • 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

  • All students in grades K-12 participating in the unrated sections (more casual) will receive a participation certificate.
  • Top 3 finishers in each rated section will also 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

  • It is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (but not required) that players bring their own chess set and chess clock that meet the standards of tournament play.
  • Our goal is to build a thriving culture of chess in our area with lots of tournament chess players.
  • Tournament chess players typically have their own chess set and chess clock that meet the standards of tournament play.
  • If you don’t have a chess set that meets the standards of tournament play, click here for a chess set we recommend.
  • If you don’t have a chess clock that meets the standards of tournament play, click here for a chess clock we recommend.
  • We do not get any money if you buy from these links. We just included them to help make your life easier.
  • If you are not able to bring your own chess set that meets the standards of tournament play, there will be 10-20 sets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Food

  • Chill Cawfee has a variety of food options for people with all different kinds of tastes. We highly recommend that players and families purchase food and drinks from Chill Cawfee.
  • Chill Cawfee has been gracious enough to host us for this tournament and we think it would be wonderful if you supported them with your patronage.
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