Are sets and clocks provided?
No sets are supplied. Likewise, you need to bring your own clock.
We do supply boards on each assigned board. They need to stay in place and not be removed.
What is my job as a player?
To play good chess, attend the matches, play on the assigned board, and report results to the captain of your team.
Where do I find directors if I need one?
– In the ballroom by the stage in the front.
– Outside the ballroom at TD Station.
– Outside the Junior Ballroom at TD Station.
What is my job as captain?
To get the pairings for your team, they are posted by the front of pre-assembly within an hour of the round start times.
Find your team members (using text, string, or soundless cow bells) and get them to the board in the appropriate room. Room schedules are posted by the pairings.
Make sure they play in strict rating order. This is posted in the wall chart room. You have no discretion on moving boards or switching players. Not permitted. (See alternate exception).
If your team plays out of order, you can be forfeited. And it does happen. So don’t make this error!
You are responsible for filling out the result card and taking it to the director station outside the ballroom. You must add up the score on the card, sign it, and report.
Must I play on the same board?
Yes, as assigned using the January ratings. NO exceptions EVER. See the use of alternate.
How does an alternate work?
The alternate is the lowest-rated player on your team and plays only on board 4.
Others move up to create the board opening. For example:
- Board 1 can’t play.
- Board 2 moves to board 1, board 3 moves to board 2, and board 4 moves to board 3.
- The alternate moves up to board 4.
How do I get my prize if I win?
All prizes are mailed to the address provided at registration. One address only per team. Prizes are mailed on or about March 15.
How do results get reported?
Via the result card each round.
What about my scoresheet?
You can only use the scoresheet provided. No scorebooks or devices are permitted here.
You must turn in a copy of the scoresheet at the TD desk.
What color do I get?
If the team is listed as white in a given round, the team listed as white has white on board 1 and 3.
How do pairings work?
At this event, we use accelerated pairings for rounds 1 and 2. Then normal Swiss pairings after round 2.
Can I get text pairings?
Yes, see the page with details at the TD station.
What are round times?
Saturday: 1:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM, 3:30 PM
What is time control?
Time control information is typically provided at the event.
What if I don’t have a clock?
Try to borrow one or buy one at the bookstore in the lobby.
I have a costume. When do I wear it?
You can wear it all weekend and have fun. The judging takes place Sunday night. Only full teams in costume will be voted on. The other players decide. Be at the microphone in costum at 5:45 PM Sunday night.
I have a gimmick. It’s a skit about 20 minutes long. Can I present it?
No. Way too long and not permitted. If you have a skit it must be incredibly professional and less than two minutes or it’s like the Gong Show: you’ll get pulled off the stage. Please keep it quick.
When is the bughouse tournament?
Bughouse is a chess variant with two-player teams. Registration is at 10:30 PM in the Cobalt room. Prizes are based on entries.
We want to switch our board one and two players. Can we?
NO! We play in strict rating order per the January 2025 ratings. Nothing after that is used.
The lines up is listed in the Silicon room for each team. That order must be used. NO EXCEPTIONS.
We think our team name is hysterical. How do we win?
All names are reviewed by the judges. They submit about ten of the best names to the Chief Tournament Director, and, on Sunday night, the players vote by applause just before the round.
What is the time control?
40 moves in 100 minutes, sudden death 30 min, 5 second delay throughout