Print this list and check it off before every tournament. Keep a copy taped inside your child’s chess bag.

Chess Equipment

• Chess clock (if player must provide — check tournament rules)
• Scoresheets (at least 10 sheets)
• Pencils (at least 2)
• Pencil sharpener or extra pencils
• Small chess set (optional — for post-game review between rounds)

Registration and ID

• USCF membership card or confirmation email (printed or on phone)
• Tournament registration confirmation
• Player’s name and player ID number written on a card (helpful for younger players)
• Emergency contact information (for younger players attending without a parent in the hall)

Food and Drink

• Water bottle (filled)
• Snack 1 — something light and non-messy (granola bar, crackers, cheese stick)
• Snack 2 — backup snack for longer events
• Small lunch or sandwich (for all-day events)
• Avoid: chips, sticky candy, heavily sugared drinks before or during play

Clothing

• Sweater or light jacket — playing halls are often cold
• Comfortable shoes (players walk between boards and the pairings board)
• Tournament shirt or uniform if your team or club has one

Electronics

• Phone (fully charged and silenced — stored during play)
• Charger or power bank (for long events)
• Headphones (for use between rounds only — not during games)

Comfort Items (Optional but Useful)

• Small fidget toy or stress ball (for between rounds)
• Book or activity for waiting time (for younger players)
• Lip balm, hand lotion, or tissues
• Any medication needed for the day (in original packaging with parent’s instructions)

Parent Bag Add-Ons

These stay with the parent, not the child:

• Cash (entry fee adjustments, parking, concessions)
• Extra snacks and drinks
• First aid basics (band-aids, pain reliever)
• Entertainment for long waits (book, laptop)
• Directions and parking info for venue

Before Leaving the House — Final Check

Go through these three questions:

1. Is the clock charged or do the batteries work? ___ Yes
2. Are pencils and scoresheets in the bag? ___ Yes
3. Is the registration confirmation accessible? ___ Yes

Leave-Behind Checklist (What Not to Pack)

These items cause problems at tournaments:

• ✗ Noisy toys or devices (distract other players)
• ✗ Chess engines or computers (not allowed in the playing hall)
• ✗ Coaching materials (leave coaching for before and after, not during)
• ✗ Excessive food that could spill on boards or pieces

From Chess Tournament Guide — ChessTournamentGuide.com