Tournament introductory
We run a number of weekly USCF-rated tournaments, for players of all strengths. To play, all you need is a current US Chess Membership (an eight-numbered ID). All the events are listed here and on our calendar page; we ask that all players register and check-in at least 15 minutes before the start of round 1. If you are running late, please email td@chichess.org.
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Things To Know
If you are new to tournaments or chess competition in general, there are a few things you should know to get yourself ready.
US Chess Membership: All competitors must have an up-to-date US Chess Membership to compete in a rated tournament. After one tournament, US Chess gives you an official chess player rating, called a USCF rating, to estimate your strength and helps to ensure you are placed in the correct rating section. You can purchase a US Chess Membership ID for yourself or your child here, or show up early (at least 30 minutes) before your selected tournament starts and our staff will help you purchase one.
Notation: You will be expected to notate your games in all classical competitions (excludes games that, in total, are less than 30 minutes of playing time, such as blitz and quick-rated tournaments) . Typically, competitors are expected to write down their moves until their clock shows 5 minutes left. If you are new to notation, you may ask your Tournament Director (TD) at your tournament if you may be exempt from it.
GENERAL RULES: It is expected that all player respect and follow the code of conduct at a chess tournament;
Here's a quick overview of the major differences between casual and tournament play:
Moving the pieces
If a player touches a piece, he/she has to move it (unless that piece can't move legally).
If a player touches an opponent's piece, he/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 "adjust" or "j'adoube" 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 and 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 beginners, 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, unless the time control includes an increment of 30 seconds.
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 him/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. Penalties regarding electronic devices are very severe.
Relax: It can be daunting to join a tournament for the first time. The best thing to remember is that this is supposed to be fun! Chess is an incredible game and the addition of some strong competition makes it even more enjoyable. We don’t expect you to remember everything for your first few tournaments. If you have any questions or are confused about something, please let the TD or our staff know, we are here to help! td@chichess.org
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Official Rating & Section Eligibility Policy
1. Primary Rating Source: The official USCF month-of-publication rating is the standard used for section placement and pairing.
2. Use of "Live" Ratings: Players may request to use their current USCF live (unofficial) rating under the following specific circumstances:
To meet the minimum requirement for a higher section.
To waive a "play-up" fee (e.g., if a live rating crosses a 1600+ threshold).
3. Restrictions & Pairings
No Pairings Manipulation: Requests to use a live rating to alter pairing order (e.g. for “better pairings”) or to avoid a potential bye from an odd number of players will be rejected.
Consistency: Once a player is registered using a live rating for a specific event, that rating will be used for the duration of the tournament for all pairing purposes.
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Schedule
Weekday (Free; CCC Membership required before your third event)
Monday: Month Long Slow Game (one game each week; G/90+30). Starts @ 6:15 PM
Wednesday: Quads (Three Games; G/25+5). Starts @ 6:30 PM
Friday: Blitz (Ten Games; G/3+2). Starts @ 6:30 PM
Weekend
Saturday: Swiss (Three or Four Games; G/60+30 and G/45+15). Starts @ 9:30 AM
Saturday: Beginner’s Open (Five Games; G/25; delay 5). Starts @ 10:00 AM
Sundays: Open Play, free for all! Starts @ 1:00 PM
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Group Entries
For groups of four or more, the CCC offers a discounted, bulk purchase option. After your purchase, please email the list of players and their USCF IDs to td@chichess.org. Please note: All players must be current USCF members (staff can help renew memberships on-site).