Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners play at Arcadia Chess Club?
Can children play at Arcadia Chess Club?
What equipment should I bring to the tournaments?
How much does it cost to enter the tournaments?
Are there any prizes?
When will I get a USCF rating?
Can I play casual games at the club?
What are the tournament rules and time controls?
Q. Can beginners play at Arcadia Chess Club?
A. Yes, we have players of all abilities from beginners to masters. We do ask that you know how the pieces move, are able to operate a chess clock, and
know how to write down you and your opponent's moves.
Q. Can children play at Arcadia Chess Club?
A. Yes, we have a lot of children that play at our club. They range in ages from 6 or 7-years-old all the way up to 17-years-old. As long as
your child knows how the pieces move, how to use a chess clock and how to write down his/her moves, they are more than welcome to play. We do
request that everybody (including the adults!) br respectful of their opponent and of the games going on around them.
Q. What equipment should I bring to the tournaments?
A. Please bring your own board, pieces and chess clock. It is likely that your opponent will bring a set but you should not rely on this.
Score sheets are usually provided but we recommend buying your own score book or sheets. Please also bring a pen to write down your moves.
Q. How much does it cost to enter the tournaments?
A. Each tournament costs only $10 to enter. As most of our tournaments last for six rounds, that's less than $2 per game! We also require that
players be a member of Arcadia Chess Club in order to play in our tournaments. Membership is only $10 per year.
Please note that, because our tournaments are all rated, you will need to be a member of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) prior to joining.
Joining the USCF is simple and can be done online by going to
http://www.uschess.org.
Q. Are there any prizes?
A. Yes, each tournament typically has prizes for 1st and 2nd place, best Expert, and best Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D and below. We often pay out
100% of the entry fees in prize money. Prizes are given out the following week in the form of a check.
Q. When will I get a USCF rating?
A. You will get a rating when your first tournament has been finished and rated by the USCF. Your rating is provisional until you have
played 24 games. Provisional ratings tend to fluctuate more than established ratings because your true rating is still being determined.
Q. Can I play casual games at the club?
A. Yes, we have a separate room that is used for casual games and analysis. There are usually a number of people playing blitz or going
over a recently finished game with their opponent.
Q. What are the tournament rules and time controls?
A.
Please click here to read about the tournament rules, time controls and club etiquette guide.
