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. Rounds 1 & 2 will be G/45, and Rounds 3 & 4 will be G/60.

Scholastic Section Information:

The Scholastic Section ($18 early entry fee) is a 5 round G/30 swiss 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. Each participant should be playing against players of a very similar strength, usually within 200 rating points. The JULY 2009 supplement will be used to determine ratings.

To see the tournament schedule, check out the one page flyer here.

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. No team trophies will be awarded, as this is summertime and many players are changing schools. Number of trophies will depend on number of entries. 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:

8:30-9:15 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 – 9:30 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.
9:30 a.m. Important announcements in the Skittles 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, Rounds 1 & 2 are G/45. Rounds 3 & 4 are G/60.
10:00 a.m. First 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 10:00 am 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!
5:30 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 June 30, 2009. If your child has been using JTP non-member status to play in K-3 sections, s/he will need to 'upgrade' to a year's membership. USCF memberships can be renewed/purchased at check-out.

Registration Information:

Email Lori Balkum, registrar with questions,
or call 512-417-9008.
Make checks payable to "Rocks & Rooks".
Cash & checks accepted onsite. No credit cards onsite.

Organized by Rocks & Rooks. Gary Gaiffe, tournament organizer.