Hampton Roads Chess Association
and
Churchland Primary & Intermediate School
present the
Churchland Scholastic State Warm-up Chess Tournament
Saturday, March 2, 2024
5700 Hedgerow Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703
Join us for a scholastic chess tournament being held at Churchland Primary & Intermediate School in Portsmouth, Virginia! Held the weekend prior to the State Championship (in Roanoke), this is a great chance for local players to warm up for the big event. This tournament is open to youth in grades Pre-K through 12th grade and has sections appropriate for all ages and abilities. Participation in the state championship is NOT required to play in this event!
Format: This is a Swiss tournament of 4 or 5 rounds depending on number of entries. It is not an elimination event. You will play all rounds unless you request or are assigned a bye for a round. The time control for all games is G/40; d5 -- each player has 40 minutes to complete all their moves, and if you make a move in 5 seconds or less, no time is deducted from your clock. If you are new to chess tournaments, be prepared for an all-day event.
Available sections and prizes are:
Junior Rookie: For players in Pre-K through 5th grade with little to no tournament experience. US Chess membership is not required. Trophies to the top 5 individual players, class trophies to top 3 individual players in grades Pre-K through 3rd and top player in grades Pre-K through 1st. Trophies to top 3 school teams based on top 4 individual scores.
Senior Rookie: For players in 6th-12th grade with little to no tournament experience. US Chess membership is not required. Trophies to the top 5 individual players. Based on entries, trophies may also be awarded to top 3 middle school players if a significant number of high school players enter. Trophies to top 3 school teams based on top 4 individual scores. Possible separate team trophies for middle school and high school based on entries.
Novice (U500): For players in grades Pre-K through 12th grade with US Chess membership, unrated or rated Under 500 regular over-the-board rating on the March 2024 supplement. This is a rated section. Trophies to the top 5 individual players, Top U300, and Top Unrated. Trophies to top 3 school teams based on top 4 individual scores.
Open: For players in grades Pre-K through 12th grade with US Chess membership of any rating. Unrated players are allowed, and playing up is allowed. This is a rated section. Trophies to the top 5 individual players and Top U700. Possible additional "under" trophies based on entries. Trophies to top 3 school teams based on top 4 individual scores.
In all sections, players with an even score or better, but below trophy standings, receive a medal. All other participants receive a ribbon.
Parking: The school parking lot has ample spaces, and parking is free.
Schedule: If you register and pay in advance, you do not need to check in. You will be paired for the first round. If you do not show up and forfeit the first round, you will be withdrawn. We will be on site around 8:00 AM if you want to arrive early to settle in. There will be a new player orientation at 9:30 AM. The first round begins at 10:00 AM. Because there is ample skittles (waiting) space, and the school PTA will provide concessions on site, we will play our rounds on an "ASAP" schedule after Round 1 (next round will start as soon as the previous round finishes, results are entered, and pairings are done). Awards ceremony will immediately follow the completion of the final round. We can't give an exact finish time, as it depends on how much of their allotted time the players use each round. It could be anywhere from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, with awards finishing by no later than 5 PM. If you need to leave early, tell a tournament director so we can withdraw you. If you need to arrive late or leave for part of the day, contact us in advance about requesting byes to miss games.
Food: The PTA will provide concessions on site. You are highly encouraged to take advantage of these offerings to support the school.
Entry Fee: The cost of this event is $30. The deadline to enter at these rates is midnight on Wednesday, February 28th. Online entries after this time and on site are $5 more.
Questions: Associate National Tournament Director Tina Schweiss, cschweiss2@hrchessclub.org, 757-472-5909.
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