Welcome to the Happy Pawn Chess Club Tournament Guide!
We’re excited to host a day full of exciting chess matches in a fun and friendly environment. Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament:
Schedule of the Happy Pawn Tournament ⏰
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:30 to 9:45 | Arrival and Drop-off |
| 9:45 to 10:00 | Technical Meeting |
| 10:00 to 12:30 | Rounds 1/2/3/4 |
| 12:30 to 13:15 | Lunch Break 🍽️ |
| 13:15 to 15:30 | Rounds 5/6/7 + Tie-break |
| 15:30 to 16:00 | Trophies Award & Pick-up Time 🏆 |
Type of Tournament
The tournament follows the Swiss-Dutch system, ensuring fairness by matching players with similar scores in each round. For a detailed explanation of the Swiss system, visit our detailed Swiss tournament page below.
Learn More About the Swiss SystemTime Control ⏳
Each game will be played with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move. This format allows ample time for thoughtful play, ensuring that skill is truly tested.
Important Chess Rules and Reminders 📜
Illegal Moves: The game is lost on the 5th illegal move.
Touch Move Rule: If you touch a piece, you must move it. The “adjust” or “J’adoube” rule allows you to adjust pieces on the board by announcing it beforehand. Once you release a piece, your move is finalized.
Calling the Arbiter: If you have an issue or question, stop the clock and call the arbiter.
Venue Etiquette: The tournament venue must remain quiet. No loud talking, running, or phone ringing. Penalties will be applied for disruptions.
Tie-Breaks 🤔
To determine rankings, the following tie-breaks are applied in order:
- Direct Confrontation
- Number of Victories
- Bucholtz Score
A bye will give a score point but no tie-break points. If a trophy is at stake and players are tied, a final tie-break game with a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment will be played. The player higher in the cross-ranking can choose their color and retain their position in case of a draw.
Awards 🏅
Medals: Awarded to the top 3 players in each category (U6, U8, U10 for U10 tournament and U12, U14 for U14 tournament).
Trophies: Given to the top 3 players in each section (U10 and U14).
Do’s and Don’ts ✅❌
- Touch a piece, you must play it; release a piece, the move is final.
- Use the same hand to move and press the clock.
- If your opponent makes an illegal move, stop the clock and call the arbiter.
- Maintain silence in the chess area.
- Play at a thoughtful pace; do not rush.
- Shake hands before and after the game.
- Reset the chessboard and report the result to the arbiter after your game.
- Keep silent in the play area.
- Go outside the venue.
- Run in the venue.
- Play on the stairs.
- Play video games during the tournament.
- Interfere/comment on ongoing games.
By following these guidelines, we ensure a smooth and enjoyable tournament experience for everyone.
Good Luck! 🍀
We look forward to an exciting day of chess and wish all participants the best of luck!