Pairings
Schedule
- Mandatory Check-In: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM.
- Running late? E-mail k12@kychess.org by 8:30 AM to ensure your child is paired for Round 1.
- Round 1: 9:00 AM.
- Rounds 2–5: ASAP.
- Lunch: A lunch break of at least 30 minutes will be provided between Round 2 and Round 3 (approx. 11:00-11:30 AM, but different sessions will finish round two at different times). Concessions will be available for purchase.
- Awards: As sections finish; estimated completion by 3:00 PM for slowest section. K-1 and K-3 typically finish much earlier.
Tournament Rules & Logistics
- Teams: Teams are ranked based on their top four scorers. The top four teams in each section qualify for state. Teams are scored, ranked, and qualify separately for each section. In some years, additional “wild card” teams will qualify. Regulations concerning team composition, homeschool teams, etc. can be found in section H of the Blue Book. For questions, e-mail k12@kychess.org .
- Equipment: Boards and pieces provided. Some clocks will be available, but bring your own if you have one. We strongly encourage students to have their own notation book.
- Notation: Required for players in K-8 & K-12. Players not taking notation will be assessed a time penalty. Players are responsible for bringing their own notation sheets and writing utensils. Printable score sheets can be found here and some extras will be available. Electronic scoresheets are prohibited.
- Byes: One 1/2-point bye available if requested during online registration.
- Special Qualifications: Any Kentucky-resident girl who finishes undefeated qualifies for the inaugural Kentucky Girls Championship (Spring 2026).
- Technical Rules: Rule 15A (writing moves prior to making them) and 10I2 (touching rook first when castling) are in effect. Accelerated pairings may be used. The TD reserves the right to use live Regular or Quick ratings for pairing purposes. The “No-Show” or “Forfeit” time for late arrival is 30 minutes for all sections.
- Registering for the tournament includes consent to be contacted by the KCA for future tournaments.
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, with proceeds benefiting our host school.
- Seating: Parents/players are strongly encouraged to bring camp chairs and folding tables.
Trophies and Tiebreaks
Trophies to the top 10 individuals and top four teams in each section. Tiebreak medals will be given for scores of 3.5+, subject to supply.
Tiebreaks basically boil down to “strength of schedule” in various forms. They are quite complex but details can be found in section O of the Blue Book.
For more information on chess tournaments, see A Parent’s Guide to Scholastic Chess in Kentucky.