What to expect at the Chess Challenge Tournament format You play only against students in the same grade as yourself... unless there are less than four players in your grade. We will have more than one game going on at each table. It is very important that you do not disturb other players. Most groups will play a maximum of eight games... we allow about 20 minutes for each game, so play slowly and carefully. Check In Even though players must register in advance, on the day of the tournament we have to make sure everyone has arrived. Check-in begins at 8:30 and closes at 9.30.  Please be sure to arrive as early as possible to help ensure a well run tournament. Everyone must wear a name-tag. Hang your coat on the back of one of the chairs along the wall, go to the tables for your grade, and get your name-tag. Tournament Procedure At the start the scorekeeper will tell you who you will play. Locate your opponent, choose colours, and make sure the board is set up correctly. Remember ... ... have a white square in the bottom right-hand corner ("white on the right") ... the white queen should be on a white square ... the black queen should be on a black square During the game... No talking! You might disturb your opponent, and you might disturb your neighbours. It is against the rules of chess (as well as being bad manners) to talk during the game. No interfering in other people's games! It is really bad manners and a serious breach of tournament rules to interfere in someone else's game. You could be banned from the tournament! This also applies to parents, spectators, teachers, and coaches! If you have a problem or a concern, tell your scorekeeper. Touch move! If it is YOUR move, you may adjust a piece on its square after first saying "I adjust" or "j' adoube". Otherwise... If you touch one of your pieces, you must move it. If you touch one of your opponent's pieces, you must capture it. If there are no legal moves or captures for the touched piece, then no penalties apply. However, persistent offenders will be warned by the Tournament Director. You could be banned from the tournament! If you have a question or a complaint, stop playing and raise your hand, or if necessary, tell your scorekeeper. It is too late to complain after the game is over. After the game... Shake hands with your opponent, and say "good game" (or something similar). If there is any doubt or confusion, raise your hand to call someone to your game. If the result is clear, both players must go to the scorekeeper to record the result. Then, wait near the scorekeeper's table until another game has ended. The scorekeeper will make new pairings, and sent you back to play again. Questions... Where do I put my coat? On the back of the chairs along the walls. Remember where you left it, and don't leave any valuables in your pockets. Can I go to the washroom? Ask your scorekeeper, just as you'd ask your teacher at school. Can I go get a snack? Probably, ask your scorekeeper's permission. Remember not to take too long... you don't want to miss any chess. Back to the Homepage