Open Section Information:

An Open Section ($25 early entry fee) will be available for all adults and for scholastic players who have reached 1400 at some point in their rating history. The Open Section will be 4 rounds with cash prizes awarded. All rounds will be G/45.

Scholastic Section Information:

The Scholastic Sections ($18 early entry fee) will be a 5SS G/30 open to all players K-12, rated below 1500. On the day of the tournament, the list of players will be divided into sub-sections based upon ability, i.e. rating. Each scholastic sub-section will have between 20 & 30 participants. Guaranteed separate section for new players, K-3. Each participant should be playing against players of a very similar strength, usually within 200 rating points. The March 2010 supplement will be used to determine ratings.

Scholastic Section Awards:

Trophies & Medals to Top Contenders! Ribbons to all participants! Individual trophies will be offered to top-finishing individuals within each sub-section. Team trophies will also be awarded. The scores from the top 4 finishing members of each team (regardless of section) will be combined for final team totals. Chess medals will go to all players that finish the tournament with a positive score (at least 3.0 out of 5.0) but do not trophy. Special trophies will be awarded to the two highest scoring Parent & Child Teams.

More Basics:

This will be a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day—there is no “elimination.” Players must know how to play the game of chess! We will follow USCF rules including: touch-move, mandatory clocks if available, and notation. All students will be encouraged to take notation.

Schedule:

8:30-9:00 a.m. On-site registration. Pay on-site fees, plus USCF dues if needed. We will attempt to pair ALL onsite entries, but onsite entries may receive a half-point bye for Round 1.
8:45 – 9:15 a.m. Problem desk open. Any remaining pre-registration problems should be addressed at this time. Preregistrations should be verified in advance. No check-in is necessary for pre-registrations. We will make every attempt to contact you in advance if we see a problem with your registration.
9:15 a.m. Important announcements in the Tournament Room about the Scholastic tournament. All players and coaches should be present. Note: If there is a problem with your entry and you arrive after the problem desk is closed, you may not be paired for Round 1. Verify your entry ONLINE!
9:30 a.m. Open section begins. Open has 4 rounds, G/45.
9:30 a.m. First Scholastic round begins. This is a Swiss-system tournament, so everyone plays all day; there is no “elimination.” Scholastic sections have 5 rounds, Game/30. Round 1 for all Scholastic sections is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. with following rounds ASAP. All players, even those with problems or on-site registrations, should be present at the start of Round 1 in the playing hall for their section!
5:00 p.m. (approx.) Awards for Scholastic Sections.

Note:

There will be some “down time” between rounds since many games will finish early. We will provide an area (outside the tournament room) for casual “skittles” chess and/or other indoor activities. Parents and/or coaches, please provide age-appropriate activities during the time between rounds. You are responsible for your players between games! The organizers cannot baby-sit. No child should be left unattended!!!

USCF Information:

Both scholastic and open sections are USCF rated and require a valid USCF membership for participation. Your USCF membership may not expire before March 31, 2010. JTP non-members must 'upgrade' to full membership if assigned to a section that includes older players. JTPs ok for new K-3 players in the K-3 unrated section. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Registration Information:

Early registration ends Wed. 3/24 at 11:59pm! Late online registration available until 12pm, Friday, 3/26. Onsite registrations are not guaranteed a round 1 pairing. Register online today!
Email Lori Balkum, registrar with questions,
or call 512-417-9008.
Make checks payable to "Rocks & Rooks".
Mail checks to: PO Box 1386, Round Rock, TX 78680.
No credit cards onsite.
Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer.