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;

  (1) No Cell-Phone Use. Cheating is the quickest way to disqualify a player from an event, possibly even permanently. Silence and put away your phones during the tournament.

  (2) Touch-Move. If you touch a piece, you are expected to move it. If you are intending to adjust your pieces or your opponents’ pieces, you must say “adjust” or “j’adoube” before you adjust. If you do not communicate this to your opponent, you may be forced to move the piece.

  (3) Touch-Take. If you touch one of your opponents’ pieces, you are expected to capture it.

  (4) One-Hand Rule: You must use one hand at all times to move your pieces and to press the clock. You can alternate between the left and right, as long as it is one hand moving and pressing the clock at all times.

  (5) Illegal Moves. If you or your opponent make an illegal move, stop the clock and get the TD. Do not try to dispute with your opponent; the TDs are there to help with these issues.

  (6) Keep Communication to a Low Minimum. During a competition, please refrain from chatting, discussing the game, or any other noisy activity that may distract other players. In addition, do not react, comment on, or involve yourself with another’s game. This is all to ensure for a fair, enjoyable tournament for everyone.

• 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).