Scorekeepers questions and answers

1) What happens if a substitute shows up?
Substitute players are allowed only in the same grade, same section as the original player. On the name-tag and the pairing card, just cross the initial players' name off, and substitute the other. We might have spare name-tags.

2. Someone comes in late?
Have them wait till a game is completed, then pair the late-comer with the winner.

3. You have an odd number of players?
Some will have to wait till a game is over, before he/she can play

4. Two players have similar "total so far", but have played a different number of games. Do you pair them?
Look at their "success ratio". I would try to avoid pairing someone has played three, won three, with someone who has played six, won three. However, if you DO pair them, it's not the end of the world.

5. You are trying to set up pairings for 4 or 6 students, and more and more games are being completed.
Just draw the line when you feel you have enough to deal with. Stop scoring more games, and have those students wait. Make your pairings, then score the next groups and make those pairings.

6. The only pairing you can make is between students too far apart in "total so far".
Have the players wait until better pairings can be made. However, you can't exactly match up equal total scores each time.

7. The only pairing you can make is between students from the same school?
Maybe you can have the students wait until more appropriate pairings can be made. However, if it's the last round, pair everyone who still hasn't played all eight games.

8. A student is playing very slowly?
As will be announced at the beginning of the session by the arbiter, it is up to either player in that game to ask for a chess clock. If they want a clock, call the arbiter. With super-slow players, you might suggest a clock.

9. Students play each other twice by mistake?
If the game is in the opening stage, cancel it. If the game has progressed, continue the game and score it.

10. Someone cannot complete a game (e.g., feels sick)?
If the game is JUST begun, stop it and do not score it for either player. If the game is past the opening moves, call the arbiter, who will usually declare a loss for the withdrawing player, unless it is a very unusual sitation.

11. Students do not complete all of their 8 games?
Students will be given a "bye" for any unplayed games after the play is announced as officially over. A "bye" means that they get ½ point for each unplayed game.

12. What do players do when they have finished all their games?
Try to have kids play at a speed of 15 minutes per game, but you can't FORCE kids to play slowly. After they have finished all their 'official' games, they can play fun games.