Top 3 places in each Section
This is a three-round swiss system tournament, meaning that all players will play three games regardless of their results. All players in grades K-12 are welcome! We have sections for everyone from very young, very new players to serious, rated competitors.
All players should be familiar with how all of the pieces move, as well as check and checkmate. Notation is required for players in sections 2-4 who are in 3rd grade or above.
All sections start at 10:00 AM sharp. Please arrive by 9:45 AM.
All players in sections 2-4 must have a current USCF membership ($20 per year) in order to play. Please ask the tournament director if you have any questions about USCF membership.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners in each section.
Sections with 20 or more players will be split into two evenly-sized sections. The new section will have its own set of awards.
Section 1: Young Beginner Section (K-4 UNRATED)
This section is for first-time tournament participants and young players who are still getting used to playing in a tournament environment. This section is restricted to unrated players or those with very low (below 200) ratings. All games in this section are unrated and do not count towards players’ chess ratings.
All games in this section are G30;d5 (“up to 30 minutes per player per game, plus an extra five seconds per move”). This section will start at 10:00 AM sharp and end at approximately 1:00 PM (usually closer to noon).
Section 2: Advanced Beginner Section (K-12 U600)
This section is for students of any age who are ready for competitive play, but have not yet advanced to an intermediate level of skill. It’s perfect for both older players starting out and for younger players who often win against their own age.
Games in this section are G30;d5 (“up to 30 minutes per player per game, plus an extra five seconds per move”). This section will start at 10:00 AM sharp and end at approximately 1:00 PM. All games in this section are rated.
Section 3: Intermediate Rated Section (K-12 U1000)
This section is for active tournament players of intermediate skill who are approaching or have passed the 600-point rating limit of the previous section. It is designed for players seeking a more serious and challenging tournament experience. Players under 500 rating should not enter this section without the tournament director’s approval.
Games in this section are G30;d5. This section will start at 10:00 AM sharp and end at approximately 1:00 PM. All games in this section are rated.
Section 4: Advanced Rated Section (K-12 U1400)
This section is for players of advanced skill who are approaching or have passed the 1000-point rating limit of the previous section. It is designed for players seeking a more serious and challenging tournament experience. Players under 900 rating should not enter this section without the tournament director’s approval.
Games in this section are G45;d5. This section will start at 10:00 AM sharp and end at approximately 3:00 PM. All games in this section are rated.
Participants must currently be in grades pre-kindergarten to 12.
Please contact International Chess Academy if you have any questions.