I am new to chess/Chicago, what do i need to know about the chicago chess center?
Welcome, we are happy that you found us! The Chicago Chess Center has a wide range of opportunities, but we have a few things we like to recommend to start:
Open Play: We have open play 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM every Sunday, which features players of all levels. More than that, it represents a great opportunity to get to know other players, and become a part of the community.
Beginner Lessons: We have lessons three times a week, which are a perfect opportunity for beginners to hone their skill. Details can be found here.
Tournaments: If/when you are interested, we offer tournaments multiple days a week. We will help walk you through everything that you need to know at the event. Generally, we recommend the Wednesday Quads for beginners. Details for all the events are here.
We are open to players of all ages, backgrounds, and levels. And remember, every grandmaster was at one point a complete beginner!
WHAT DO i NEED TO KNOW FOR MY FIRST RATED TOURNAMENT?
First, don't be afraid to play! Remember that every tournament chess player was once a beginner.
We play according to US Chess's Official Rules of Chess, which are very close to the rules of FIDE (the World Chess Federation), with some minor differences.
You will need to join US Chess for your first event; if you haven’t done so, or get stuck, we can help you at the tournament.
Here's a quick overview of the major differences between casual and tournament play:
Moving the pieces
If a player touches a piece, she has to move it (unless that piece can't move legally).
If she touches an opponent's piece, she has to take it (again, if taking is legal).
Knocking a piece over without the intention of moving it is not "touching": there's clearly no intention of moving.
When a piece is off-center and you wish to center it, say "j'adoube" or "I adjust" before touching it.
A pawn promotion is completed when the promoted pawn is replaced on the board by a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. It's OK (even recommended) to stop the clock & borrow an extra piece from another board if necessary.
Clock
If your clock runs out of time, your opponent calls it, and your opponent has mating material, you lose. If your opponent only has a bare king, the game is a draw.
Keeping notation
Players are required to write down their moves. As a practical matter, we are lax on enforcement of this for beginner’s, and just ask that you try your best! The primary purpose of notation is for you to be able to go over the game (potentially with others), afterwards.
There is no need to notate if either you or your opponent have less than five minutes on the clock
General & etiquette
Chess is a ultimately a fun game between two people; treat your opponent with respect, and don’t converse with them during the round (except to offer a draw).
Whenever there's a rules question, it's best to hit the pause button on the clock, fetch the TD, and ask her to make a ruling.
Electronic devices (phones, smart watches, etc.) must be turned off and put away. Please do not bring them into the bathroom with you.
Prizes/Refunds
Next to every prize fund, there will be a (b/#); that means that prizes are based on a certain number of entries. If less then that number show up, we will pay out all prizes proportionally.
Only entries that pay the full entry fee count towards the prize fund. All other entries are counted on a proportional basis.
How do prizes work?
Next to every prize fund, there will be a (b/#); that means that prizes are based on a certain number of entries. If less then that number show up, we will pay out all prizes proportionally.
For example if the prize fund is $1000 (b/50), and 20 people play, the new prize fund is $400. All prizes are modified proportionally
Only entries that pay the full entry fee count towards the prize fund. All other entries are counted on a proportional basis.
What is your refund policy?
Please email us as soon as you know you will not be able to show up.
Lessons/Classes: edu@chichess.org
Tournaments: td@chichess.org
If you reach out to us at least 20 hours before your scheduled event, we will offer you a credit for the price towards future events. If we cancel the event for any reason (i.e. weather, etc), you will receive a full refund.
Are there any special considerations for titled players?
What are the rules regarding Children?
All players with a FIDE title (WCM/CM, WFM/FM, WIM/IM, WGM/GM) and players with the USCF NM title are eligible for free entry in all of our events. With the exception of players with the GM title, the entry fee will be deducted from any prizes that you win. Please read the rules for individual tournaments, however, as some of our more prestigious events have a different structure. If you are an international player with an roughly equivalent National Master title, please reach out regarding entry fees.
The Chicago Chess Center is a generally open to the public, and parents should keep that in mind when dropping off their children. We recommend thinking about the Center the same way you would a library; while staff is present, there are too many patrons to keep an eye on all of them, and staff cannot watch your children unless it’s explicitly stated, in writing.
We recommend people use their best judgement, however it is important to know that children under the age of 13 may not be left alone for any reason (without a specific, written agreement). Children may be left with other unrelated, non-staff, adults, however we ask that no adult is responsible for more than three unrelated children.