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Before Round 1

• Check in at registration — have USCF ID ready
• Find your section and confirm where your section plays
• Note the round schedule — know when Round 1 starts
• Check your clock is working and set to the correct time control
• Have water and food in your bag

Before Each Game

• Check the pairing sheet — find your board number
• Note your color (White or Black)
• Arrive at the board before the round starts
• Greet your opponent
• White places the clock on White’s right side
• Confirm the time control is set correctly

During the Game

Remember:

• Touch-move applies — think before touching any piece
• Press the clock with the same hand used to move
• Keep score — write your move, then press the clock
• Raise your hand for any question — don’t try to resolve disputes yourself
• Stay seated and focused between moves

To offer a draw: Say “I offer a draw” after making your move (before pressing the clock). Your opponent may accept or decline.

To resign: Stop the clocks and say “I resign” or tip your king.

If something goes wrong: Stop clocks, raise hand, wait for the TD.

After Each Game

• Shake hands and thank your opponent
• Report the result if required at your section table
• Eat something — even a small snack
• Take a walk or brief break
• Reset mentally — the next game starts fresh

Key Rules Summary

Touch-move: Touching a piece = must move it (if legal). Say “j’adoube” BEFORE touching to adjust pieces.

Illegal move: If you make an illegal move, stop clocks and call TD immediately. First illegal move = position corrected + time penalty. Second = forfeit.

Clock: After your move, press the clock. Forgetting to press loses time. Both players are responsible for monitoring the clock.

Score keeping: Required in most rated games. If you can’t read your own writing or miss moves, call the TD as soon as possible.

Common Time Controls

Delay: Your clock waits 5 seconds before counting down after each move.
Increment: 30 seconds are added to your clock after each move.

Between-Round Routine

1. Report result
2. Leave the playing area
3. Eat and drink
4. 10–15 minute mental reset (walk, rest, quiet)
5. Return ready to play

Keep it simple. You don’t need to analyze the last game between rounds. Save deep analysis for after the event.

What the Tournament Director Can Help With

• Illegal move claims
• Touch-move disputes
• Clock malfunctions
• Board or piece irregularities
• Late arrivals
• Questions about the rules
• Bye requests

When in doubt about anything at the board: stop the clocks and call the TD.

For the full guides: What to Bring | Chess Tournament Checklist for Kids | What to Do Between Rounds