Who: Beginners, experienced chessplayers and champion USCF scholastic players
What: 4 games of chess – 8 separate tournament sections, with prizes for top players & teams
When: Sunday, Oct 20, 2019 from 9:30 – 3:00
Where: Robert Frederick Smith Performing Arts Center at Danny Farrell’s Riverbank State Park, located near 145th Street and Riverside Drive, NYC 10025.
Facts for Oct. 20:
How to get here: The #11 and #19 bus will bring you into the park. (By car the Kiosk at 145th Street can provide a Parking pass and map to park below the Henry Hudson Parkway during the chess tournament.)
Food: The food court near the Hockey Rink is open to purchase food. Be considerate. Only purchased food should be eaten there. No chairs may be taken from this area as they belong to the vendor. Seats should be left available for those purchasing food.
Check-in on-site: Follow the signs for check-in when you arrive. Only those checked-in will be paired to play in round 1. Note: King & Queen sections begin at 9:30 and must be checked in by 9:15. King & Queen section pairings will be posted inside. All other sections begin play at 10:00 and Check-in ends by 9:30.
Available space: Picnic tables and other outdoor areas represent the best area for between round activity. There is very little space inside. No chess players, coaches, guests, etc., should use the 2nd Floor work area to gather or for any other purpose. Also, the First Floor corridor passageway must be kept uncluttered. The tournament hall is limited to players only. After games finish players must leave the tournament hall. Pairing will be posted 5-10 minutes before the posted time for the next round.
Procedure for players: When pairings are posted players must quietly enter the hall and go to the table number and color listed for that round. When the signal to begin is given players play their games. When game is finished players raise their hands and wait for the tournament director (TD) to record the results. Players state: “Board #, (White-Black) won”, or “Draw”. The TD records the results and players reset the pieces, then leave the tournament hall. Players are responsible to be seated quietly on time for each round.
What if there is a problem during play of the game: Players must raise their hands and have the TD solve the problem. If moves are made after the problem the problem is considered solved by the players involved. If in doubt, raise your hand.
Touch piece, clocks, score-sheets, opponent not here, tie-break points, awards, questions:
1 All tournament games use the “touch piece” rule. If you touch a piece you must move it.
2 Most games do not have clocks, but if one is available players should set it at the appropriate level. Clocks may be placed on unfinished games after about 40 minutes to allow the next round to begin on time.
3 Score sheets for recording games are available. If using a clock and only one player keeps score then a penalty of 10 minutes (or more) can be deducted from the other player. Note: Players may use their own legal scoresheet or book for recording moves instead of the scoresheet provided (19.1).
4 If your opponent is not present at the start of a round please remain quietly seated until that person (or possibly another opponent) can be found. If no opponent is found you will receive a full point for a forfeit win. (See TD usually means we are looking to get you an opponent in your section. You may get a forfeit win instead of a game played.)
5 Players with equal numbers of points are listed in a predetermined order called tie-break points to determine who gets a trophy. It is based on performance of the opponents during this day and is the most fair and quick practice, since the computer follows all best directions.
6 Awards will be made indoors beginning about 3:25 in the posting area, beginning with Pawn 1, Pawn 2 and Awe. Bishop, Knight and Rook will follow. Queen and King will conclude about 3:40.
7 Questions or issues that arise during the day should be addressed to Brother John. He will bring them to the board meeting that concludes after cleanup.
A Lost and Found Parent area will be located next to the computer area.
B All are asked to help keep the area safe and clean.
C If you see something that needs attention please let us know as soon as possible.
D This day is meant to provide fun and relaxation for all. Join in, do your part, and enjoy.
Our volunteer staff is most proud of your many contributions in the past and looks forward to your continued help to continue to provide and improve “Free Chess for Youth” for all youth.