|
|
Sign
Up for Chess Tournaments on-line
TOURNAMENT 101
Usually scholastic tournaments take place on
Saturdays, from around 9 am to 3 pm. You may need to arrive earlier and stay longer
at some tournaments. Register for tournaments earlier as soon as you know your
schedule. Some tournaments get full very fast. Usually tournaments fees are
non-refundable.
Most important thing are simple:
1) Arrive on-time and find your child’s name on the list of players
2) Know where the pairings are posted for your child’s section, color (B/W) and where they play .
3) Pairings show what table number your child plays on. Make sure your child starts the game on the right table number, with correct color.
4)
Explain your child to raise the hand and report the result of the game to the floor
judge after game is over
If you are interested to know more about the tournament day
here are some insights:
FOR PARENTS:
1) Be prepared for a several hour event. Usually tournament goes from 9:30 am to 2 pm (Exception: If Kindergarten section only - will usually end earlier about 12:00 p.m. +/-) The kids will play 5 chess games each. Each game can last up to a maximum of 1 hour. A short break usually happens between games. All games must finish before they can start the next game.
2) For big tournaments (over 120 students) bring folding chairs if you have. Usually space is hard to come by especially if you are running late. The first family there should try and secure a table in the cafeteria or a space in the hallway for the other families to join them. Try get an outlet for all the families with laptops or portable DVD players. Bring balls/Frisbees/coloring books/games etc. for the kids to play with in between games, and chess sets as well to play practice games.
3) Some tournaments have check-in (see rules for each tournament) - come at least 45 minutes early to check-in. Some tournaments do not have check- arrive 30 minutes early so the kids can settle down and you may find space at the table.
4) Pack snacks and/or lunch. Concessions are usually available for beverages, candy, pastries, and pizza.
5) Bring reading material. As the kids play, you can catch up on some reading. You can also meet other parents and make new friends. As you go to more tournaments, you will start to recognize familiar faces and good friendships tend to sprout from these events.
6) Be encouraging no matter the outcome of the game. Hugs after each game usually work best. Each child is trying their hardest and we need to be there to share in their joy at winning and in the disappointment of losing the game. We will see a lot of character development as the kids find out that they cannot always win. They need to see that as long as they did their best, we are always proud of them and their effort.
7)Once pairings are posted (that is
when your child is paired with his opponent), please help find your child's
name on the list, table number and color. Then assist them in finding
their spot in the playing area.
8)If you are a new to the tournament and some things can go
wrong for your child – do not get upset – have fun and learn from your first
experience. It takes a while to learn!
9) Tournaments rules are pretty straightforward but often the rules get overlooked by new students. This page has enough information about your first tournament. If a have a specific question you can visit the Tournaments Rules
10) The closing ceremony starts after the last game is over, there are usually lots of trophies (30% of entries), some tournaments will have medals for participation for all students.
FOR KIDS new to chess tournaments:
1) Congratulations, you get to play 5 whole chess games with kids from other schools!!! You do not have wait for your turn like in soccer.
2) Be respectful to everyone and your opponents. Once seated, shake hands before the game starts and when the game ends. Show good sportsmanship. Do not talk trash to your opponent or brag about how good you are. Regardless of the outcome, say "Thank you for playing me" at the end of the game.
3) Know the rules of the game. If you are in kindergarten, know how the pieces move and how they can capture other pieces. Have a briefing about rules before the 1st game with your coach.
4) Pay attention at chess club. We will prepare you for tournaments. Though it is still early in the year, we will eventually cover chess rules, chess clocks, and sportsmanship.
5) You may have to play with clock if your game goes longer than 40 minutes.
6) During the game if you think your opponent or other kids are doing something wrong (talking, laughing, etc), or with other questions raise your hand and call the floor Judge. You can call the Tournament Director if you disagree with the Floor Judge, the TD decision is final.
7) Watch out for Scholar's Mate (4 move check-mate). Talk to your coach and go over this so you can defend against it.
8) If
you are a new to the tournament and some things can go wrong for you – do not
get upset – have fun and learn from your first experience. It takes
a while to learn!
9) Have FUN!!!!
GOOD LUCK!