Entry: $10 for the season.
Come join us for members only weekly chess. Each player can play up to two matches weekly, and will eventually finish a double round robin format. The first day of league includes a mandatory players’ meeting to explain rules and expectations in detail. We will be using the #chess channel in Discord for all announcements.
League Format
Each season will be a double round robin tournament – each player will play all other players with both white and black pieces.
Each week, the organizers will pair you with an opponent. You may optionally play up to one different opponent for a second league game.
Players may choose to play an untimed match or agree to use a game clock (both players get 20 minutes for the whole game).
The organizers may enforce a clock for the remainder of an untimed game, if needed.
You will earn 1 point per win and 0.5 point per draw.
Each unplayed match by the end of the season will lead to a double forfeit.
We would like to avoid having players scheduling games outside of the organized league time. If you wish to do this, you must first seek approval by one of the organizers.
“Challenge the Boss”
In addition to your weekly matches, players may also “Challenge the Boss” once a week.
Typically, this will be a timed match against one of the organizers, where winning will result in 4 additional league points. You will not lose points for losing a challenge.
Other special challenges may be added for additional points.
This is intended to be a fun way to play against higher level players, so don’t be shy and challenge them!
Gameplay
All players are expected to know all rules of the game. This includes the special moves en-passant, castling, and pawn promotion as well as the meanings of check, checkmate, and stalemate.
All players are expected to know how to set up a chess board properly, including “white on right” and “queen on her color” rules.
See https://www.chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess for more details.
Games will be played by using touch move rule:
If a player intentionally touches a piece that they can legally move, they must move it.
If a player intentionally touches an opponent’s piece that can be legally captured, they must capture it.
If a player unintentionally touches a piece, or touches a piece that cannot be legally moved/captured, they may move a different piece.
If a player wants to adjust an off-center piece or a piece that has fallen over, they must do so by first saying “I adjust”, then touching the piece to adjust it.
Demeanor/Sportsmanship
Casual conversation during play is allowed in our league, but please do not distract your opponent. Talking for the following reasons are always allowed:
Announcing “check” or “checkmate”
Adjusting an off-centered piece by saying “I adjust”
Offering a draw
Stating that you resign the game.
Having a discussion about a rules violation (see next section).
Asking a player to stop a distracting behavior.
All other Smetch Rat Social Club Rules apply.
Disputes and Arbitration
If a player believes that a rule has been broken, they must follow this procedure only on their turn:
Pause the clock.
Have a reasonably short discussion, as needed.
If an agreement cannot be reached, call for one of the organizers.
The organizer will ask for clarity on the situation and make a ruling – all rulings made by organizers are final.
Ending the Game
A chess game can end in several ways. For any of the scenarios, please feel free to request clarification to decide on the result:
Both players agree that a player has been checkmated.
Both players agree to a draw.
A player runs out of time.
If the player who runs out of time could possibly lose the game from the final position, then they lose.
If the player who runs out of time has no way of losing from the final position, then the game ends in a draw.
Recording Results
All results are to be reported to the organizer(s) upon completion. Reported results are final.
Prizing
Each participant will receive a magnetic travel chess set. You’ll have an opportunity to win other prizes (chess clock, free lessons, chess.com membership, etc.) based on performance and number of participants. Guild points will also be awarded for participation.