FAQ

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FAQs
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Q: What time do I set on my chess clock?
A: If your clock is a digital delay, then set it for G/115 with a 5 second delay from move 1. Analogue clocks can be set at 4:00. Given the vast number of delay clocks the TDs may not always know how to set your particular clock.

Q: Do I have to take notation?
A: Yes. If either player has less than 5 minutes left in their time control then both players can stop taking notation; however, without notation it is almost impossible to make claims. We suggest taking notation for as long as possible.

Q: How do I withdraw?
A: Simply go to the TD's table and sign the withdrawal list before you leave the tournament. We prefer that you do this at least 1 hour before the start of any round. This will insure you don't get paired for the rest of the tournament and cause another player to sit and wait for you to arrive after you have withdrawn. You can also call the TDs.

Q: How do I get a bye?
A: Simply go to the TD's table and sign up for a bye on the bye request form. You are allowed two half-point byes for this tournament. Make sure we know what round(s) and section you will need your bye(s) for. Bye requests for the last round need to be made by the end of round 2. All other bye requests need to be made at least 1 hour before the start of the round. You can also request your byes when you enter.

Q: What is your cell phone policy?
A: Please set you cell phone to vibrate. Do not use on your cell phone in the tournament room. If your cell phone causes a disturbance you may lose the lesser of 10 minutes or half your time on your clock in your present or future game. If you are a spectator you will be asked to leave the room.

Q: What is a re-entry?
A: A re-entry allows you to start the tournament over again with a smaller entry fee. When you start over you can replay round 1 starting on the 2-day schedule or take a 1/2 point bye for round 1 in the Classic Schedule. All the games you play from your original entry and your re-entry are rated, only your best score will count towards prizes. See a TD if you plan to re-enter the tournament.

Q: What if I think I will win a prize but I can't wait at the site to pick it up?
A: Leave your name and address and we will mail you your prize within 3-4 weeks. You may be required to provide your SS # as well as a picture ID to claim a prize in order for us to comply with IRS rules.

Q: Do I have to play in my section?
A: You can pick any section to play in; however we suggest you play in your section for the most enjoyable chess experience. Unrated players are required to play in either the Open or U1200 section.

Q: If I enter a section will I play against only other players whose rating is close to mine?
A: Nope. You may be paired against any player in your section including players at the upper limit of your section. For example: If you enter the U1600 section you might have to play any other player rated 1599 or below.

Q: What if I need to make a claim?
A: Stop your clock and get a TD. Explain to your opponent why you are stopping the clock, perhaps you will not need a TD. If you only have a question find a TD but don't stop your clock.

Q: What if my opponent is not there at the start of the game?
A: Your opponent has 1 hour to arrive (30 minutes in rounds 1-2-3 in the 2-day schedule). If your opponent does not show up by then see a TD to claim your win. On the pairings sheet place a 1F by your name (and a 0F by your opponent's name) to report the game results. If you are playing white start your clock and make your move. Then immediately start you opponent's clock if they have not arrived at the start of the round. If you are playing the black pieces then simply start your opponent's clock.

Q: How do I report the results of my game?
A: On the pairings sheet that listed your and your opponent's names, board, and color, you can place a 1 (won), 0 (loss) or .5 or 1/2 (draw) next to your name to indicate your result. Many players also enter the result for their opponent. If you do not report the result of your game you may not get a proper pairing for the next round. When your game is finished please leave the playing area. Do not analyze in the playing room.

Q: What if there is a "Please Wait" next to my name?
A: A "Please Wait" means you have an automatic win because we could not find an opponent for you due to there being an odd number of players in your section. If you stick around for the first few minutes of a round, and let us know you want to play a game, we might be able to find you a game with a player not entered in the tournament (a house person).

Q: What is all that stuff on the wall chart?
A: The wall chart is just a way to keep tract of things. For each round you can see what color you played (W or B) and who you played (your opponent's player number). You will also see that each time you win a 1 (or .5 for a draw) is added to your score from the last round you played. The wall chart also contains your USCF ID number and indicates what rounds you have requested any byes in.

Q: Do I have to join USCF to play in this tournament?
A: Unless you sign up as a tournament member you have to join USCF to play in this tournament. See a TD regarding tournament memberships.

Q: What if I see a mistake regarding my byes or game results?
A: Report it right away to a TD.

Q: If my opponent is not there and I have not set up my Set or Board or Clock can I still subtract time from my opponent's clock?
A: No

Q: What if I don't have equipment?
A: Borrow some from another player. The TDs do not have extra equipment. If you borrow equipment after the scheduled start of the round, you must then subtract an equal amount of time on both your clock and your opponent's clock that totals the amount of time it took you to borrow and set up your equipment.

Q: What if both me and my opponent are late?
A: The first player that arrives sets up the equipment and subtracts an equal amount of time on both clocks that totals the amount of time both players were late. The first player to arrive can then start the opponent's clock, even if the opponent has not yet arrived. If this is not done you may be stuck with an incorrectly set clock.

Q: How do I win a game on time?
A: If your opponent's flag falls before your flag falls (and you have mating material), stop the clock and claim a win on time. Your flag must remain up during this procedure. If your opponent does not agree, get a TD. TDs should not be called over to your game with the expectation of calling the flag for you. TDs and bystandards can not call flags or claim a win on time.

Q: What if I drop out or can't play a round?
A: Please notify a TD at least 1 hour before you plan to do so. Failure to do so may cause another player to wait for your arrival when you will not be attending.

Q: How many 1/2 point Byes can I receive?
A: You may request two (2) 1/2 point byes. Byes for the last round must be request by the end of round 2 and are unretractable.