Chess Tournament

Date and Time

  • Saturday, May 17, 8:30am-3:00pm
  • Check-in starts at 8:30am and round 1 will start promptly at 9:00am
  • We make round 1 pairings at 8:55am
  • This means if you arrive after 8:55am you will get a round 1 bye (you will not play a game in round 1)

Location

General Information

  • This tournament has 4 sections:
    • 2 unrated sections (more casual)
    • 2 rated sections (more serious)
  • This is a 4-Round Swiss Tournament
  • Each player will play 4 games (unless you arrive late and get a round 1 bye or there’s an odd number of players in your section and we have to use byes to make pairings)

Event Schedule Guidelines

  • Check-In: 8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
    • There is a strict cutoff for checking-in at 8:55 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: 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
  • Second Round: 10:25 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
  • Third Round: 11:50 a.m. – 1:05 p.m.
  • Fourth Round: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Award Ceremony: 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 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 (better for beginners)
  • Unrated – Open (better for more experienced players)
  • 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 (better for beginners)
  • Rated – Open (better for more experienced players)
  • 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.
sign up

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.
sign up