Scholastic Chess Tournaments in the USA: How They Work for Parents and Kids

If your child plays chess in the United States, sooner or later they will hear about scholastic tournaments: weekend events for school-age players. They are friendly, fast-moving and a great way to gain experience. Here is how scholastic chess tournaments in the USA work, and how to prepare your child.

What is a scholastic tournament?

A scholastic tournament is a chess event designed for school-age children. Players are usually grouped by school grade rather than by age, so a child plays against others in a similar grade. Events are run by schools, clubs, regional organisers and state chess associations, and range from small local events to very large national championships.

How sections work

Most scholastic events divide players into sections by grade, for example kindergarten to grade 1, kindergarten to grade 3, kindergarten to grade 6, and so on, up to high school. Some events add rating-based sections, so that a beginner and an experienced rated player are not paired together. Always read the event announcement to see how sections are arranged.

Individual and team events

• Individual events award trophies and medals to top finishers.
• Team events add up the best scores from players at the same school or club, so children also compete for their school.

How a typical event runs

1. Registration and check-in in the morning.
2. Four or five rounds in a day, most often in a Swiss system, so each round you play someone with a similar score.
3. Time control often around 25 to 30 minutes per player, possibly with a small increment. Check the notice. See chess time controls explained.
4. Prize giving at the end.

Event formats vary, so use the official announcement as your guide.

Membership and ratings

Many events that are rated by US Chess, the national federation, require players to hold a current US Chess membership, and organisers will say so in the announcement. Results from rated events build a US Chess rating. Read USCF chess ratings explained for how ratings work, and realistic rating goals for how to think about them.

What to bring

• A pen or pencil and a scoresheet or notebook, if you are asked to record moves. See chess notation for kids.
• Water and healthy snacks, plus a packed lunch for long days.
• Any equipment requested. Many scholastic events provide boards and clocks; check the announcement. See chess equipment for kids.
• A jacket, since playing halls can be cold.

Rules your child should know

• Touch-move: if you touch a piece you must move it. See chess special moves.
• Raise your hand for the tournament director if there is a question or dispute.
• Be quiet in the playing hall and respect other games.
• Shake hands at the end and be a good sport.

How to prepare

1. Play practice games at the tournament time control.
2. Practise writing moves.
3. Do daily puzzles. See how to practise puzzles.
4. Review the special rules together.
5. Get a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.

Read our first tournament tips and how to help your child handle losing.

How a coach helps

A coach can recommend suitable events, help your child choose a section, prepare openings and time management, and help them recover after a tough round. Our live online classes include weekly tournament practice, and our coaches have played many events themselves. See best online chess classes for kids in the USA and meet our coaches.

Frequently asked questions

What is a scholastic chess tournament?

A chess event for school-age players, usually arranged in sections by grade, often with team and individual prizes.

Does my child need a membership to play?

Many US Chess-rated events require a current membership. Check each event's announcement for requirements.

How long is a scholastic chess tournament?

Many are one-day events with four or five rounds, and some are weekend events. The announcement lists the schedule.

Do kids need to write down their moves?

Often yes in longer games, with exceptions at some very short time controls. Check the event rules and practise notation beforehand.

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