Important Updates

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  • Welcome to The Right Move Chess at Riverbank State Park Theater, 145th St & Riverside Dr., 10025.

  • New to USCF (United States Chess Federation)?  Beginner players are always welcome.  All players, new and returning, must be properly preregistered to assure rounds are correct.
  • Please note based on safety you must properly sign up before  300 have already been registered since that is now our cut-off number for round 1 at Riverbank State Park.  Remember to check in on Sunday by 9:15 AM. You can even help set up the boards, if you want. Also, some may choose to volunteer to help the TD.
  • Rated USCF sections for Open & Under 1400  play 3 games at Game / 45 minutes with 5 second delay.  Games for these sections are at 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30.
  • Sections for USCF rated players (U1000, U600, U400R) play 4 games at Game / 30 minutes with 5 second delay. Games are at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:20.
  • To avoid confusion and simplify starting times the unrated non-member sections will also play 4 Games.  Games will be at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:20. Awards will take place beginning about 3:20 or as soon as the last rounds results are tabulated. .
  • Beginner sections are available for grades 2-3 and grades 4-7. Grades 8-12 can play in the AWE section, Adults Welcome. All play four rounds. No one is eliminated after losing one or more games.  Players in grade 8 and above are urged to play in a rated USCF section or they may enter the Awe, Adults welcome, section. (see Voucher, below, for scholastic players to join USCF for $9 yearly fee.)
  • Note: Trophy winners in the beginner sections have to join the USCF as winning first, second or third place moves you beyond the beginner qualification.  Joining the USCF allows you to play in the Under 600 section (or higher) and that is a logical next step for continued play at The Right Move tournaments.
  • USCF is the official rule making “body” that makes it better for all to have fun playing chess.  It provides a rating for each player to make the competition more fair.  Players must join the USCF by paying a yearly fee to the National organization to get a rating.  (See below, vouchers)
  • USCF Rating groups are provided at tournaments  (Under 600, Under 1000, etc.) that goes far beyond age or grade to general playing level.  USCF players registered as grade level will be placed in their closest rating group. Players may chose to play in a higher level rating group, e.g., An Unrated may play in the Under 1400 or a player rated 351 may play in the Under 1000, etc.
  • If enough players were available (national championship, etc.) each group might also use age or grade as well as rating. The U400 R is reserved for 2nd Grade and Below who have a USCF rating below 400. Here at Riverbank Rated USCF Sections may have a third grade beginner playing a ninth grade beginner in the Under 600 section, for example.
  • Team certificates for 1st and 2nd in each section are won by the top 4 scores (minimum 2 players) in each section.  A team trophy is awarded if the team total is 10 or more points in a section with 4 rounds, or 7.5 or more points in the Open and Under 1400 sections, which play 3 rounds. (No trophy or certificate for the Awe section, just medals.)
  • Medals are awarded for  2.5 or more points for players with 4 rounds, and 2 points or more points in the 3-rounds sections.

 (SwissSys sections for TRM#227 on November 5 will use the USCF official October supplement of ratings. Players with only 4-12 rated USCF games may have artificially high/lowest provisional ratings and may appeal to play in a different section.  See TD if this applies.)  Priority for chairs is given to players signed up and checked in. Many registered players may be due to check-in, and chairs have to be provided for them for round 1.   Chairs for parents sitting outside the tournament hall are almost non-existent. Please continue to be considerate, practical and creative using the outdoor space, which is quite large.  October may be pleasant for sitting outside.  Dress warmly!

Voucher membership ($9) enables any scholastic players to play in a USCF rated section for one year in any USCF tournaments. Players who wish to join the United States Chess Federation (USCF) or renew can pay on site and play in the rated section (usually beginning with the Under 600 section, but stronger players may sign up for the Under 1000 or Under 1400 section.)  Ratings can only be earned by playing in a rated USCF section.  All players in USCF sections must be current members. Expired memberships can purchase vouchers on-site.  No credit cards. Make checks payable to “The Right Move”.  (Donations are always welcome.  Donations to The Right Move are tax deductible since The Right Move is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 foundation.)

The Right Move acknowledges our generous sponsors who make these tournaments possible. Sponsoring a tournament ($200) covers trophies, medals, rating fees and ads in Chess Life.  Our all-volunteer staff is most grateful for all contributions.  Any and all donations help.  100% of your contribution supports “Free Chess for Youth” at The Right Move.  The Right Move is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Contributions can be sent to: The Right Move, 391 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203.