You may hear these questions, or have them yourself, as the scholastic chess season gets underway. There are always new players joining WSCF’s tournament and clubs and we welcome you ALL to our chess community! Throughout the year, we send out tournament feedback surveys – please let us know how we’re doing and what other questions you might have.
What a WSCF tournament is like? Click to learn more!
What is Swiss style?
A Swiss-style chess tournament is designed to pair players of similar skill levels as the tournament progresses. Players compete in a set number of rounds. In the first round, players are usually paired randomly or based on pre-tournament rankings. In subsequent rounds, players are paired according to their scores: those with the same or similar scores play against each other. Unlike knockout tournaments, no players are eliminated. Everyone continues to play every round. The Swiss style allows for a fair and organized tournament experience, ensuring that each player competes against others of similar performance levels throughout the event.
What does G30 mean?
G30 refers to a time control where each player has 30 minutes to complete all of their moves in a game. So one round of G30 takes one hour to play.
What are skittles?
Hint: In our case, it’s not the candy! Skittles is a term used to describe informal, casual chess games that are often played during a chess tournament or event. These games often take place in a designated area called the “skittles room” or simply in a space where players gather. They offer a great way to enjoy chess, practice new ideas, and connect with other players in a less competitive setting.
What is a tiebreak? (Click here to learn more!)
Why do some players have clocks by their boards?
Some players practice and choose to play with a clock to keep the G30 time control. Per WSCF rules, if your opponent brings a clock to your match, you must use it. If a game seems to be taking time, a Floor TD may put a clock at that board to be sure the round ends on time. If you haven’t used a clock before, ask for a quick lesson from the Floor Tournament Director (Floor TD)! Be sure you understand how to use the clock before your match starts or resumes.
What can I do while my student is playing in a tournament?
Volunteer! WSCF tournaments depend on host clubs and volunteers to effectively manage the event. Every tournament requires volunteers to support registration/check-in,floor tournament directors, scorekeeping, standings posters, setting up awards, not to mention setting up boards and packing equipment back up afterwards.
Play a chess game! Any participant, including those who are not competing in the main tournament or even spectators, may join skittles games.
Other parents or chaperones may bring another board game, book, or even some work with them to pass their time while their student plays.
What do you recommend for equipment for our club?
Roll up vinyl boards and pieces like these from Wholesalechess.com. We recommend that each student have their own board for lessons during club time.
Do we need a clock?
Clocks aren’t really necessary for beginners. You may wish to get one clock for club use, but they are not needed for every board for beginning clubs.
What do we need to start a club?
Interested students, interested parents or volunteers to support the students, a location and a modest budget for any needed supplies.
Why chess class/club?
Creating a chess community encourages students to learn new skills for life. Chess is more than just a game; it’s a path to developing strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills. Check out this article on Why Chess for Kids.