1. General Tournament Rules
Format: This is a Swiss-System Tournament. This means every player is guaranteed to play five (5) rounds, regardless of wins or losses. You will be paired against opponents who have a similar score to yours each round.
Time Control &Game Duration: Each round is scheduled for 30 minutes. If a game is still ongoing after 30 minutes, a Tournament Director (TD) will place a digital clock (phone app) on the table. Both players will then be given 2 minutes each to finish the game. If a player’s 2-minute time runs out, they lose the game (unless the opponent has insufficient pieces to checkmate).
Players must not start their own phone timers. Only a designated Tournament Director may intervene and place a clock on the board to conclude a long game.
If the 2-minute extension is triggered, the game enters 'Sudden Death' mode. All standard Blitz rules apply, and the TD's decision on time-forfeits is final.
Players must press the clock with the same hand they used to move the piece. Banging or hitting the clocks forcefully is not permitted.
Touch-Move Rule: If a player deliberately touches one of their own pieces, they must move that piece if there is a legal move available. If a player deliberately touches an opponent's piece, they must capture it if legally possible. Announce (I adjust) if you only wish to straighten a piece on the square.
Recording: Notation (writing down moves) is not required for this event.
Forfeiture: Players who arrive more than 10 minutes late for their scheduled round start time will forfeit the game (0 points).
2. Sportsmanship and Conduct
Hygiene Rule: For the health and safety of all players, all participants are required to wash or sanitize their hands immediately before the start of each round.
Silence: During play, absolute silence is required. Players must not talk to their opponents or anyone else, nor should they sing, tap, or make distracting noises.
Respect the Board: Only the two players involved in the game should be near the board. Do not offer advice, commentary, or point out possible moves to any player.
Disputes: If a dispute arises (e.g., an illegal move, a draw claim, or a clock issue), raise your hand quietly. A Tournament Director (TD) will come to the board and resolve the issue. Players must accept the TD's final decision.
Electronics: All electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches) must be switched off and stored away during play. Having an active electronic device during a game may result in an immediate forfeit.
3. Ending the Game
Checkmate: A game is won when the opponent's King is in check and cannot escape.
Stalemate/Draws: If a game ends in a draw (Stalemate, Threefold Repetition, or Insufficient Material), both players must agree and immediately inform the TD.
Reporting Results: Once the game is over, the winner must clearly mark the result (Win, Loss, or Draw) and confirm it with the TD before leaving the playing hall.
4. Indemnity & Liability:
Please note that this event is organized and run by volunteers. By registering, you agree that the Hilton Chess Club, Hilton Kids Chess Club, its organizers, volunteers, venue partners (the Library), and sponsors cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft of property, or injury to persons occurring at the venue or during the event. Participation is at your own risk.
5. Supervision & Safety:
While we provide a safe and structured environment for the tournament, parents/guardians remain responsible for the supervision of their children at all times, especially in the designated Outdoor Social Zones.
6. Parents and spectators
Parents and spectators must remain in the designated Social Zone once a round begins. No 'sideline coaching' or hovering over boards is permitted, as this distracts the players.