Pairings
- When: February 14, 2026
- Where: Roby Elementary School, 1148 KY-44, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
- Bring camp chairs! There is no seating provided in the skittles/parents area in the Gym.
Final Standings (Blitz posted)
Schedule
- Doors Open: 8:00 AM
- There is no check-in. Late players will receive 0 point byes for the missed 1st Round.
- Blitz tournament: Each round will consist of two games against the same opponent, switching colors after the first game.
- Round 1: 9:00 AM.
- Rounds 2–5: ASAP
- Blitz Awards: estimated around 11:30 AM
- All sections (K3, K5, K8, K12) will play concurrently.
- Lunch: 1 hour lunch break after the blitz tournament. (approx. 11:30-12:30 PM). Concessions will be available from 10 AM to 2 PM. If you are not playing in the Bughouse tournament, you may leave.
- Bughouse tournament:
- If you are coming for the bughouse tournament only, you must arrive by 12 PM, since we will be entering teams into the computer on-site.
- Round 1: Not before 12:30 PM
- Rounds 2-5: ASAP
- Awards: Estimated around 3 PM.
- No partner? No problem! At 12 PM we will match unpaired kids to make bughouse teams.
Tournament Rules
- If your child is a beginner, make sure they understand:
- if they are ever unsure about anything in their game, they should pause their clock and raise their hand for a tournament director.
- if they make an illegal move, they lose!
- if they run out of time, they usually lose, but should call a tournament director to be sure.
- The same goes for their opponent.
- Call a TD for any of these situations!
- If your child is experienced, they may wish to read the US Chess Blitz Rules and Bughouse Rules
- Equipment: Clocks, Boards and pieces provided.
- Notation: Not required at this tournament
- Byes: One 1/2-point bye available if requested during online registration.
Layout
- Skittles Area will be in the gym.
- Pairings will be posted in the lobby, on the trophy cases.
- Restrooms for non-players and players not in active games: in the lobby.
- Playing Hall for K-1, K-3, K-5: in the cafeteria. No non-players should come into the hallway to the cafeteria. Exception: Parents of K-1 students may escort them to their boards and may wait for them outside the playing hall.
- Restrooms near the cafeteria are only for active players in these sections. Players in active games may not leave this hallway.
- Playing Hall for K-8 and K-12: The “Hub” in the center of the building. Due to unexpected plumbing problems, the bathrooms in this area do not work, so players will need to use the restrooms in the lobby. Players in active games are not permitted to talk to anyone while going to the restroom and vice-versa.
- Awards will be in the lobby.
Amenities & Safety
- Supervision: Players under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
- Concessions: Available for purchase on-site from 10AM – 2PM, with proceeds benefiting our host school.
- Seating: Parents/players are strongly encouraged to bring camp chairs and folding tables as there will not be any seating in the skittles area.
For more general information on chess tournaments, see A Parent’s Guide to Scholastic Chess in Kentucky.