Chess Tournaments: What To Expect

IS your child thinking about weekend tournaments? They're fun and exciting but you might wonder what to expect. Here's a quick primer! 

Is my child ready for chess tournaments? 

Great question! If a student can play a legal game of chess from start to finish, knows all of the rules, be able to identify check/checkmate, and play with good sportsmanship, then yes! Chess coaches can offer guidance too on if a child has this knowledge. (Hint: completing through all the Queen levels on ChessKid is MORE than enough!)

What to expect at a chess tournament:

1. Touch-move rule! Easy -- touched pieces have to be moved if possible, and when you let go, your move is done!

2. No talking! You can't distract (or help!) others. Questions during a game? Children can (and should) raise their hands and ask a director can help as soon as an issue occurs.

3. Chess notation! Players who play rated chess games will be expected to write down their moves, although some K-3 sections might not enforce this rule. This slows you down and helps your coach review your game!

ChessKids "in the know" always notate their games.

4. Chess clocks! It's helpful, but not required, to have some practice. They are just to make sure games don't last forever. It's rare to have a child lose on time; more likely is they play too quickly because of the clock!

5. Registered players play all rounds! Most scholastic tournament are anywhere from three to five rounds. If you need to miss a round, ask for a "bye" before the tournament begins.

The most common clocks these days are electronic, and the child on the left is even using an electronic notation system. They are allowed but old-school coaches still prefer pencil and paper, which is still used by probably 90 percent of kids.

6. Tournaments can several hours or all day! Parents, be sure to bring some healthy snacks and books.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the opportunity to play!