A: A USCF-rated tournament is an event sanctioned by US Chess, where the outcomes of the games played are submitted to US Chess for the purpose of player rating. If this is your first USCF-rated tournament, you can refer to this document for more information and insights.
A: Onsite registration is possible, but we strongly encourage players to register online in advance to avoid delays and ensure a spot in the tournament. Please note that onsite registration is subject to availability and space may be limited.
A: Indoors.
A: Chess players are responsible for bringing their own chess set, clock, and scoresheets (The USChess Certified Electronic Notation Devices are allowed in this tournament.). We may have a limited number of sets and clocks available for use, but this is not guaranteed, especially for clocks. Players are responsible for setting up their clocks appropriately before the tournament.
A: Spectators are welcome to watch the games as long as they adhere to all tournament rules and respect the players by remaining quiet during the matches. Please maintain a quiet atmosphere and limit your stay in the play hall to no more than 5 minutes (we will keep the play hall door closed during the tournament). For the top board games (usually the top 4 boards), we will have live streaming available, so you can watch those games online from your mobile device at live.iceachess.org.
A: Absolutely. You can request byes for any rounds by filling out the registration form or emailing team@icea1.org at least one hour before the requested round starts. In the form or email, specify which rounds you would like to skip. You can receive up to one half-point bye in the 1000+/1800+ section (note that a bye for the last round will be a 0-point bye).
A: Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend the tournament and notify us before the tournament, we can hold your registration for a future tournament at your convenience.
A: If you win a prize while still onsite, you will receive a check immediately after the tournament concludes. If you leave before the end of the tournament, we will contact you for digital payment through Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. You can also reach out to us at team@icea1.org to provide your preferred digital payment method when you see your name listed in the winner’s email, which we send out within one day after the tournament finishes. If you don't receive an email, check your spam folder and ensure you can receive emails from chess@icea1.org or team@icea1.org.
A: Yes, as a 2100+ rated player, you can play for free and are also eligible for a prize.
A: Yes, you can register for a higher section. However, your section placement will be adjusted prior to the tournament based on your current month's supplemental rating or your most recent rating.
A: We will also consider your peak rating from the past six months to determine section eligibility. If your peak rating during this period qualifies you for the target section, you will be allowed to remain in that section. Otherwise, your section will be adjusted before the tournament.
A: Yes, you can absolutely participate in ICEA Chess’s monthly tournament even if you don’t have a US Chess membership yet. However, you will need to sign up for a US Chess membership in order to officially compete in our USCF-rated tournaments. You can register for a membership here: Join US Chess.
If you have an established FIDE rating, we will use it as a reference for section eligibility. We will use following formula (published by USChess in March 2024) to convert your FIDE rating to a USCF rating for the section eligibility and pairing:
USCF = 932 + 0.564 × FIDE (if FIDE ≤ 2000)
USCF = 20 + 1.02 × FIDE (if FIDE > 2000)
A: Click on the "Pairings & Standings" link and navigate to the "Byes" tab. There, you can verify that your name and the requested bye rounds are correctly listed.