Tournaments

Tournament Procedures and Etiquette

Be polite and respectful at all times.
Always shake hands with your opponents and wish them "good luck" before starting.
Try to find more than one move before you touch one of your pieces. Rank your moves good, better and best.
You cannot ever take back a move.
Once you have touched one of your pieces you must move it, if it is legally possible to do so, even if it would be a mistake.
If you have touched your piece, you may only change your mind about where to move it, and only until you let go of it.
If you have touched one of your opponent's pieces, you must take it if you can do so.
Do not talk to your opponents while it is their turn. Let them think.
Learn to play with one hand. It is less distracting and easier for both players to follow. Pick up your piece, move it, capture, and press the button on the clock, all with the same hand.
If you have any question at all, pause the clock and raise your hand. Someone will come to help you. No moves may be made when the clock is paused. Once the game is complete and the result recorded, it is too late to make your request/complaint/query.
Do not eat or drink at the board unless you are given permission to do so.
If you think there is a checkmate, raise your hand so that the Tournament Director can check it and record the result.
Both players have the responsibility to report the result to the Tournament Director and should do so together.
The Tournament Director may need to adjudicate a situation or a game.
When the game is finished, you should always congratulate your opponent, whether you win, lose or draw.
Once the Tournament Director has recorded the result, return the pieces to their original positions.
Analyze your game.
The Tournament Director usually likes to have each round follow the previous one quickly, sometimes with minimal breaks. If you feel that you were not given enough time to rest between rounds, please tell the Tournament Director. If you need a washroom break during your game, it should be on your time.
Some tournaments have a very specific schedule and players need to be there at the start of each round. The Tournament Director may start the clocks at the scheduled time.
If you are allowed to watch other games, stand arms-length away and remain silent. It would be unfortunate if your actions or mannerisms end up affecting the outcome of some else's game.

Tournament Drop-In

We have spaces available for students (ages 6-15, all levels) who wish to participate in open tournaments. Please contact the Bearspaw Junior Chess Club at bearspawjuniorchessclub@gmail.com.

Tournament Dates

Fall: October 10th, 2025, November 21st, 2025

Winter: January 23rd, 2026, March 13th, 2026

Spring: May 1st, 2026, June 12th, 2026

Time
Novices: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Intermediate and Advanced: 4:30 start, finishing between 6:30 - 7:30

Cost
$15.00 per tournament (this cost only applies to students who are not enrolled in lessons with the Bearspaw Junior Chess Club)

Drop-in students are required to fill-out the Bearspaw Junior Chess Club drop-in registration form.

Tournaments

Tournament Procedures and Etiquette

Tournament Drop-In

Drop-In Registration Form