Directed by Woman FIDE Master Simone Liao
[email protected]
Overview
I wrote this document for youth players who are new to US Chess Federation (USCF) rated
tournaments, and their parents. This may also be helpful for those who do not play
tournaments on regular basis to review.
Note: this newbie guide does not include everything in chess tournaments. If you need to
know more about chess rules, you can ask me individually or purchase a USCF rule book.
Tips for Players







Be on time for each round
Mentally and physically ready to play before each game
Take my time and follow the thinking process for each move
Keep my hands off the board when I am thinking
Remember to hit my clock after each move and check my time periodically
Do not talk to or distract my opponent and other players during the game
Do not argue with my opponent, ask tournament director (TD) for help
Tips for Parents





Make sure my chess playing children are well rested and properly fed
Arrive to the tournament 15-20 minutes before the starting time
Do not communicate with my children during a game without TD permission
Encourage my children after each game; do not blame them for mistakes
Do not argue with my children's opponents or their parents, ask TD for help
Page 1
Directed by Woman FIDE Master Simone Liao
[email protected]
FAQ: General information for your convenience
Q: What do I need to prepare for a rated chess tournament as a new player?
A: (1) Practice my chess skills
(2) Familiar myself with basic chess rules (read this guide completely)
(3) Rest well
(4) Have active USCF membership
Q: Why do I need to be come on time?
A: (1) to help being mentally ready for the game
(2) My chess clocks starts even if I am not present
Q: What is a USCF official tournament?
A: USCF rated tournaments are the only tournaments officially recognized by the governing
body of chess in US. The tournaments follow the rules set by USCF. The results of the games
will be part of USCF permanent record and will affect my USCF chess rating.
Q: What are the possible outcomes of a tournament game?
A: Win – I earn 1 point, my opponent gets 0
Lose – The opposite of Win
Draw – My opponent and I earn ½ point each
Q: How do I win?
A: (1) I checkmate my opponent's king
(2) My opponent resigns
(3) My opponent forfeits on time or for other reason
(4) My opponent fails to show up within the allowable time set by TD
Q: When does a draw (tie) occur?
A: (1) My opponent and I agree to draw during the game
(2) Both sides lacking of material to checkmate
(3) 3-fold repetition of a position
(4) 50 moves with no progress
(5) Stalemate
Page 2
Directed by Woman FIDE Master Simone Liao
[email protected]
FAQ: General information for your convenience (continued)
Q: Will I be eliminated from the tournament if I lose?
A: Not in most tournaments. Players have the opportunities to play all the rounds, with minor
exceptions, for example, odd number of players.
Q: What does a game time control such as G25/5 mean?
A: A simple time control of G25/5 means each player has 25 minutes total to make all his or
her moves in a game. There are 5 extra seconds before each move to record moves and to
think.
Q: What is the touch move rule?
A: If a player touch a piece with an intention to move it, the opponent can require the player
to move the piece, unless the touch is accidental or there is no legal move for the piece
touched. A player is not allowed to take back his or her moves.
Q: Do I need to record all my moves on a score sheet?
A: USCF rule states that a player must record moves during a game. The exceptions are if the
player is not physically capable to do so or when either players of game have less than 5
minutes left on the clock.
Q: My opponent made an illegal move. What should I do?
A: Illegal moves are moves that do not follow the chess rules. Examples are:
(1) against the basic patterns , like moving a light squared bishop to a dark square;
(2) ignore opponent's check;
(3) castle in the situation that disallow.
If I find that your opponent made an illegal move within the last 5 moves, pause my clock and
notify a TD. The TD will ask the moves to be reversed and penalize my opponent by deducting
his or her time.
Page 3
Directed by Woman FIDE Master Simone Liao
[email protected]
FAQ: General information for your convenience (continued)
Q: My opponent is annoying. Should I stop him?
A: There are certain behaviors considered unacceptable during a game. Examples are:
(1) talk loud, make noises, and disrupt opponent's thinking;
(2) discuss an unfinished game with others;
(3) Smoke or drink alcohol heavily (yes, this did happen!)
If my opponent did bad things like this, do not try to stop him or her yourself, I just pause the
clock and notify the TD. The penalty ranges from warning, forfeit to expulsion from a
tournament.
Q: The player next to me ran out of time but his opponent did not notice. Should I tell them?
A: No. Players are responsible for their own games. What happened in a game can only be
called by the game players themselves or a TD. Other players can discuss the situation only
when they are asked by a TD.
Q: Where do I find the official results of a tournament?
A: The official result of a USCF tournament will be posted online at http://uschess.org/msa
after it is rated, which may take a few days. You can also find chess ratings of all USCF
members from the same site.
Good Luck and Enjoy Your Tournament
[email protected]
Page 4