FAQ
New Tournament Players

1. What do I need to know as a newcomer to chess tournaments?

• During tournament games a chess clock is used. Typically, each player has like 90 minutes for the whole game.  Get comfortable playing with a clock. Your allotted time will pass quickly. Remember to press the clock after making a move. If your time expires you may lose the game.

• Each player must write down their moves during the game.

• Cell phones must be off and cannot be used during the games.

• Remember to mark the result of your game as this is needed for future pairings. This is the responsibility of both players. Failure to record the result may cause both players to lose regardless of the actual game result.

• If you have an issue during a game, pause the clock and ask the Tournament Director. Do not initiate discussion with your opponent.

• During a tournament game you are not to speak with anyone about your game.

2. Do I need to bring my own chess set/board or chess clock?

Kolty has enough boards and sets but a smaller number of clocks. If you have a clock, please bring it.

3. How much does it cost to play in a tournament?

Most tournaments are between $30 and $50. Membership in the United States Chess Federation (USCF, ~$40/year) is required – please visit the www.uschess.org website.

4. How long am I allowed per game?

Tournament time controls vary. Usual games are like “G/90 d5” which means each player has 90 minutes plus 5 seconds delay per move. The “90” might be “75” for 75 minutes or “120” for 120 minutes for example. Use of delay is required when playing with digital clocks. Analog clocks do not use delay. For this reason, digital clocks are strongly encouraged for tournaments. For some outside tournaments or Kolty Blitz tournaments there is an increment where each player gains time after each move. For example, a blitz game may be "5/3 or G/5 + 3" which both mean each player starts with 5 minutes but gains 3 seconds after their move. In the delay you don't gain time but with increment one can add time for use later in the game. Top level classical chess (like you see online) is largely G/90 + 30 so 90 minutes plus 30 seconds a move.

5. What should I do if I cannot attend a game on a specific day?

Email koltychessclub@gmail.com by Noon Tuesday before the next game on Wednesday. Failure to do so may result in a forfeit loss. If later than Noon Tuesday, please send an email anyway.

6. Tournament chess is “touch move” so if you touch a piece, you must move it if legal.

Decide on your move before touching any piece.

7. How do I offer a draw to my opponent?

You make your move and as you are pressing the clock state “I offer a draw.” Your opponent may verbally accept or decline or if they just make a move, they have declined the draw offer.

8. Is there proper chess etiquette during tournaments?

Talking with your opponent is not allowed during the game. Making annoying movements or noises is not allowed. Excessive draw offers are prohibited as it is considered disruptive to your opponent.

9. Are there other rules for tournament play?

Yes, there are more rules this list covers the basics to get you started. More information is on the internet, including An Introduction to USCF-Rated Tournaments and the Official Rulebook (2020 PDF).

5/10/24 Rev. 5