We had 16 total players for tonight’s mini-swiss, dual-rated event! Congratulations to the following players who got a perfect 2.0/2.0 in their two games:
We’ll see you next week for Classical! We shortened up the time control to G/60; d30. Still one single slow game.
For pictures of the event, check out our Facebook page!
Our first USCF tournament was a great success, held on April 20th, 2023 at the Des Moines Gospel Chapel. We had 14 total players, 2 who showed up late, which caused Chief TD Kyle Boddy and Assistant TD Matthew Duran some stress!
However, in the end we figured it all out and ended up with two sections:
Quan Luong, the winner of last week’s Unrated Open Blitz tournament, scored a perfect 3.0/3.0 and won the section!
Khoi Le scored a perfect 3.0/3.0 and won the section! Khoi found us from this /r/chess reddit post that went unexpectedly viral!
Paul Smith won the puzzle solving drawing, earning a $5 gift card to Marina Mercantile.
The tournament was submitted this morning by Chief TD Kyle Boddy to the USCF for rating, so you should see your rating update in the next few days barring any complications.
Congrats to all of our winners, and we’ll see you next week for Hybrid Mini-Swiss games which are USCF Dual-Rated!
See photos and comments on our Facebook post for this event.
Chess is a game that requires not only skill and strategy but also respect and sportsmanship. As a new player, it’s important to understand the basic etiquette and rules that govern rated games under the United States Chess Federation (USCF). Here, we’ll discuss the five most common rules and mannerisms to ensure a positive experience for all players.
Touch-Move Rule:
The touch-move rule is simple: if you touch a piece, you must move it, provided it has a legal move. Likewise, if you touch an opponent’s piece with the intention of capturing it, you must do so if it’s a legal capture. To avoid confusion, announce “adjust” before adjusting a piece on the board without intending to move it.
No Talking During Games:
Silence is golden in chess. Talking during a rated game can be distracting and is considered disrespectful. If you need to communicate with your opponent (e.g., to offer a draw or request a bathroom break), do so with minimal words and in a polite manner. Avoid discussing game specifics or making comments about your opponent’s moves.
Record Your Moves:
In USCF-rated games, players must record their moves on a scoresheet. This helps to resolve disputes and provides a record of the game. Keep your scoresheet up-to-date and legible. If you’re unsure about notation, ask for help before the game begins.
Use a Clock and Manage Your Time:
Time management is crucial in chess. Ensure both you and your opponent understand the time control for the game. Start the clock after making your move and press it firmly to ensure it registers. Keep an eye on your time, and avoid making excessive use of it, which could be perceived as disrespectful.
Show Respect and Sportsmanship:
Treat your opponent with respect and courtesy, regardless of the outcome. Shake hands before and after the game, and avoid making negative facial expressions or gestures during play. Win or lose, be gracious and remember that chess is a game meant to be enjoyed by all.
Conclusion:
By adhering to these five basic rules and mannerisms, new players can ensure they’re promoting a positive and respectful chess environment. As you continue to grow in the game, remember that chess etiquette is as essential to success as strategy and skill.
Looking for a Seattle chess club, or chess tournaments in Seattle? South Sound Chess Club runs events from Seattle to Tacoma with a mix of USCF Rated events and Unrated events for the general public!
All players must agree to these club rules and reminders every time they register for an event. All USCF rated games are governed by the full USCF rulebook; these are simply reminders of the more important ones along with some house rules we’ve added ourselves.
The US Chess Federation website isn’t too clear on the differences in the three time controls that show up on your page:
For those used to online play and the time control categories there, the USCF time control descriptions map this way:
OK, that’s great. But what specific time controls correspond with these descriptions? Here’s a breakdown of what USCF Regular, Quick, and Blitz mean.