PowerChess
Monthly
Tournaments

PowerChess Tournament Information

PowerChess Monthly Tournament Rules

📚 Official Rules

• For Open and Rated Scholastic United States Chess Federation (USCF) official rules will be followed and Membership is Required.

• For UnRated Section, United States Chess Federation (USCF) Membership is not required.

• Players are responsible for knowing and following the official USCF rulebook.

✍️ Notation Requirements

• Open Section: Players must notate their games.

  • Exception: Players may request an exception under USCF Rule 15.A.1 from a Tournament Director.

  • Note: Players granted an exception will have their time control reduced by 5%.

• K-3 and K-6 Sections: No notation is required for players in these scholastic sections.

• Unrated K–2nd Grade & Unrated 3rd–8th Grade Sections: No notation is required for players in these scholastic sections.

🏅 Tiebreak System (USCF Rule 34.E Variation)

In the event of a tie, the following tiebreak system will be used, in order:

1. Solkoff

2. Modified Median

3. Cumulative

4. Cumulative of Opposition

Tips for a Great Tournament Experience

♟️ Preparing Your Child for Success

• Review key chess tournament rules with your child:

  • Touch-move rule

  • How to properly use a chess clock

  • Importance of being quiet during gameplay

  • How to read a pairing sheet
    (Students can master these skills through PowerChess programs or lessons at ChessKid.com)

• Teach basic checkmating patterns:

  • Queen and King Checkmate

  • Rook Roller Checkmate

  • Rook and King Checkmate

  • Helper Checkmates
    (These are covered in the PowerChess PowerUP Program.)

• Practice Before the Big Day:

  • Don’t make the state championship your child’s very first tournament!

  • Sign up for a PowerChess Monthly Tournament to gain valuable experience.

• Helpful Resource for Parents:

  • Download the FREE ChessKid Parent’s Handbook here to learn how to best support your child’s tournament journey!