New York State Scholastics:

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions  (Updated 3/7/2022)

1.  Where do I check-in?  You don’t need to check in if you’ve already registered and paid the entry fee.  You already paid, so we expect you to be here by 11:00 am!  If you have not yet paid or registered, or if your USCF membership is not current, or if you are in the wrong section, on the other hand, you should do that before 10:00 am!

2.  What time is the next round?

In all sections, the games begin Saturday at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm and Sunday (Eastern Daylight Time) at 9:00 am, 12:00 Noon and 3:00 pm.

3.  Do we have to use clocks?  Yes, if either player has one.  If neither player can get a clock, they can start their game without one.  However, if their game goes too long, we may need to find a clock to put on on the game, with both players having a limited time to finish the game at that point (for example, five minutes each). As we advertised in advance, the tournament does not supply clocks.

4.  What are the correct clock settings?  The clocks should be set for one hour each player, with a 10-second time delay for each move for each player. If you have a clock without a time delay, set it the same as above, except that you don’t set a delay if the clock doesn’t have a delay.

5.  How long do the games last?  The games could last up to two hours, or even a bit more if both players take all their time.  Generally, the older and more experienced the players are, the longer the games take.  Probably the K-1 games will be done pretty quickly, and the High School games will take a lot longer.

6.  Where do I wait while the players are playing their games?  Some schools with lots of players have team rooms.  These team room assignments should be posted at the hotel and maybe on the tournament website as well.  If you don’t have a school team room, then the waiting areas would be in the M1 Room (1st Floor) of the Saratoga Springs City Center and also in the Canfield/Carousel Room at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel as well.

7.  Where are the games played?  The High School sections will play in the Excelsior Ballroom next to the Courtyard Marriott Hotel (11 Excelsior Avenue), about a 10 minute walk from the Hilton. The Primary Championship, K-3 Under 800, K1 Championship and K1 Under 400 Sections will be in the Saratoga Ballroom of the Saratoga Hilton Hotel. All the other sections will be in the Main Hall (1st floor) of the Saratoga Springs City Center, adjacent to the Saratoga Hilton via an indoor walkway, and in the adjacent Salon C Room (1st Floor) of the Saratoga Springs City Center.  To reduce crowding in the Saratoga Ballroom Foyer, the Primary Championship may be moved to the City Center, Main Hall D instead.

8.  When and where are the trophies awarded?  The Awards Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm Sunday, as previously advertised. Most of the Awards Ceremonies should take place in the same general areas as the games, because the trophies will already be in the rooms.  However, if an Awards Ceremony is in a different room we will post this outside the rooms and announce it as well.  Players who win a trophy but do not stay to receive it will need to contact Crown Trophy Company in Brooklyn at 718-769-4112 (ask for Larry Brown) to make arrangements to purchase a replacement trophy (which can also be engraved with the winner’s name) and pay for the shipping.

9.  How do I know whom I should play?  The pairings should be posted a few minutes before each game, in the foyers outside the entrances to the playing rooms above.  Look for your name posted on the yellow pairing sheets, check to see which Board Number you have been assigned (the Board Numbers are on the far left-hand side of the yellow sheet), and check if you are supposed to play White or Black.  MAKE SURE YOU ALSO CHECK YOUR OPPONENT’S NAME TOO—  we don’t want you playing the wrong person or with the wrong colors!  If possible, we will try to text your pairings (if you registered online and selected the texting pairings option) and post them on our website.

10. What if I can’t play all the games?  In that case we need to know that!  We expect that you will play all your games, and if you don’t tell us otherwise ahead of time, you will get paired against somebody and then end up losing your game on forfeit.  We don’t want that.  If you know ahead of time that you can’t play, we can give you half-point byes (unrated draws) for up to two such unplayed games.  However, if you want half-point byes, you need to request them before Round 2 (2:00 pm Saturday) and then after Round 2 starts you cannot take them away.  If you need to request half-point byes because you won’t be able to play the first Round or because you have to miss both Round 1 and Round 2, we need to know that in advance, before you get to the hotel.  If you want to request and commit to taking byes beginning in Round 3, we don’t want to know this until after you get to the hotel, in case you change your mind in the meantime (but you still have to commit to the byes before Round 2 in any case).  If it’s too late for half-point byes, but you are not going to come to the next game, then we still need to know that.  WE DON’T WANT YOU TO GET PAIRED IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PLAY AND THEN LOSE BY FORFEIT!

11. Who gets a trophy?  The top 10 scorers in each section. For players who do not win a place trophy, additional (class) trophies are also awarded to the two top-scoring Unrated players in each of the following five sections: the K-1 Under 400, K-3 Under 800, K-6 Under 600, K-8 Under 900 and K-12 Under 1200 sections. Other class trophies go to the two top-scoring players in the following rating classes:  the 2 top rated Under 1900 and Under 1700 in the High School Championship Section; the 2 top rated Under1600 and Under 1400 in the K-12 Under 1800 Section; the 2 top rated Under 1000, Under 800 and Under 600 in the K-12 Under 1200 Section; the 2 top rated Under 1800, Under 1600 and Under 1400 in the Middle School Championship Section; the 2 top-rated Under 1400, Under 1200 and Under 1000 in the K-8 Under 1600 Section; the 2 top rated Under 700, Under 500 and Under 300 in the K-8 Under 900 Section; the 2 top rated Under 1700 and Under 1500 in the Elementary Championship Section; the 2 top rated Under 1200 and Under 1000 in the K-5 Under 1400 Section; the 2 top rated Under 800 and Under 700 in the K-5 Under 1000 Section;  the 2 top rated Under 500, Under 400 and Under 300 in the K-5 Under 600 Section; the 2 top rated Under 1400, Under 1200 and Under 1000 in the Primary Championship Section; the 2 top rated Under 600, Under 500, Under 400 and Under 300 in the K-3 Under 800 Section; the 2 top rated Under 800, Under 600 and Under 400 in the K-1 Championship Section and the two top-scorers rated Under 300 and Under 200 in the K-1 Under 400 Section.  You only get one trophy, the bigger one (the place trophy takes precedence over the “class” trophies, which is why the place trophies are supposed to be bigger than the class trophies).  The seven top-scoring school teams win a trophy too.  Please check to make sure that you are listed under your correct school (NOT your Chess Club), otherwise your school’s team score may not be counted correctly.  You need to have at least two players from the SAME school playing in the same section to count as a team.

12. How many points do I need to get a trophy?!  5½ points is a pretty good bet (six points even better)!  Otherwise you need to check to see how the other players in your section are doing and see who could get more points.

In the High School (K-12) sections, there are also Mixed Doubles Bonus prizes as well!  A Mixed Doubles Team is a special kind of team:  only two players, one male and one female, and they don’t have to play in the same section or even attend the same school.  But the average team rating of both Mixed Doubles teammates must be Under 2200.  Both players on the five top-scoring Mixed Doubles teams receive a chess set labeled with their Mixed Doubles prize!  Register as a Mixed Doubles team on-site only, before both players begin Round 3 and it does not cost anything extra!

13. What about the other free entry prizes?     The top-scoring New York player born after 9/1/02 in grades 9-12 in the High School Championship qualifies for the Denker National Tournament of State High School Champions at the 2022 U.S. Open in Rancho Mirage, California; the top-scoring New York player in grades 6-8, born after 9/1/06, in the Middle School Championship qualifies for the Barber National Tournament of State Middle School Champions, and the top-scoring New York player in grades K-5, born after 9/1/09, of  the Elementary Championship qualifies for the Rockefeller National Tournament of Grade K-5 Champions, also at the 2022 U.S. Open!  First place individual (in any state) in the Championship Sections also wins 6 months of free or reduced entry to Continental Chess non-youth tournaments with all prizes 100% guaranteed, 4 months to 2nd and 3 months to 3rd. Individual free/reduced entry prizes in the other sections are 4 months to 1st, 3 months to 2nd and 2 months to 3rd.  NY players who score 6-0 receive a 2-month bonus on their prize period!  Prizewinners whose prize period includes the World Open and/or Foxwoods receive a $100 discount on the entry fee to the events covered.  Players whose official Online Regular Rating is more than 100 points over the section maximum cannot win a First Place individual trophy or any free entry prizes.

14. There must be more rules?  Like “Touch Move,” “en passant,” etc.? Of course!  The rules we have posted here and on our website are used for this tournament.  Other rules also apply, and they are found in the Official US Chess Federation Rulebook (which might even be on sale at the tournament).  We have a number of National Tournament Directors at this event (that’s the highest level recognized by the US Chess Federation, BTW), and they have a lot of experience dealing with a lot of strange things which sometimes happen in these tournaments.

15. How are the tiebreaks calculated?  By computer!  The tiebreak rules are somewhat complicated, and they are listed in the Parents’ And Coaches’ Guides at the tournament and also posted on our website.  The trophies and plaques and free entries are awarded using the players’ final standings, using tiebreaks to break ties, if necessary.  However, ONLY for players who score 6-0, we have a special speed playoff, because tiebreaks do not work for players who have perfect 6-0 scores.

16. How are the pairings made?  By computer (hopefully)!  General pairing explanations are found in the Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide (a more detailed explanation is found in the USCF Rulebook).

17. How many rating points do I get?  You should wait until Monday and check the USCF’s website at:  http://www.uschess.org/msa/MbrLst.php

NOTE:  The standings listed on the USCF website DO NOT INCLUDE ANY TIEBREAKS!  They are often listed in a different order than the order in which we award the trophies, because our standings include the correct tiebreaks (hopefully)!

18. Why is my child in a different section than I originally selected?  This could be for a number of reasons.

       We use the USCF Official March Rating Supplement, and his/her official March published rating may have been too high for the section originally requested.  In that case, the player is moved up to the next highest section for the player's grade level.  If you would like a different section, (assuming the player is also eligible by grade), please email us this information before it is too late to director@chess.us (list the player's name, USCF ID and which section you are seeking to enter).

        The player may have selected a grade which is too high for the section.  In that case we would move him up to the next lowest section above that grade.

         The player's coach may have switched the player for other reasons.  In that case, someone has to confirm which eligible section to use.

19. Where do I get food?  The City Center has a special food concession prepared for the Chess Tournament and the Hilton and the Courtyard Marriott have premade items for sale as well. The hotels do not wish outside food being brought into the meeting rooms or public areas, so please don’t get yourself (and us) in trouble!

20. When is the Bughouse tournament?  8:00 pm Saturday, probably in the Saratoga Ballroom.  Registration is from about 7:00 – 7:50 pm.

21. What if I get nervous or bored while my kid is playing?  In that case, we have a special tournament for you!  It’s a separate, one-day tournament, called the Parents and Friends Tournament.  It begins at 10:30 am EDT Sunday (register at Chess Control in the Hilton between 9:30 – 10:15 am).  This event is four games, 30 minutes + 5-second delay each player, rated by the US Chess Federation (USCF membership is required therefore).  The entry fee is only $30, but parents, coaches or those affiliated with the NY State Scholastics (as well as alumni from previous years) get a $10 discount!  Trophies are awarded to the 3 top-scorers!  The Parents and Friends game times are 10:30 am, 12:00, 1:30 and 3:00 pm Sunday (two half-point byes are available if you lock them in by 12:00 pm).  You have to supply your own set and clock!  NOTE: This tournament will be held in the Hilton or the City Center.  If you have to seat your child for his or her games on Sunday, you might end up being late for your own tournament game and may find that you have used up time on your clock in so doing!  Vaccination and masks required.

22. Is there anything else?  Yes!  We are hosting a New York State Chess Association (NYSCA) Meeting and Open House on Saturday at 9:15 am, in the Wedge Room of the City Center. Here is your chance to provide feedback on the tournament and find out more about the New York State Chess Association!

MORE QUESTIONS??  Check our websites at www.chesstour.com and www.chessevents.com for more information!

Thank you for playing in and supporting one of the US Chess Federation’s

Longest-running scholastic chess tournaments, now in its 54th edition!

NEW YORK STATE SCHOLASTICS COVID-19 POLICY

By entering the tournament, players agree that Continental Chess cannot guarantee that they will not as a result become infected with COVID-19. Entrants further certify that during the 10-day period before the tournament, they have not experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or had close or direct contact with anyone who is either confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19.

Players also certify that they are or will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the first day of this tournament.  The same also applies to parents and coaches (who should be prepared to show proof of vaccination at the tournament if requested by the tournament staff).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers an individual fully vaccinated if they are 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.  Misrepresenting oneself as fully vaccinated may result in my being banned from future CCA events and other penalties. 

Masks are also required in all public spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, players in games, tournament staff, and other attendees. The mask and vaccination requirements for Continental Chess are announced at chessevents.us and in the free emailed CCA Bulletin. If you do not receive the free CCA Bulletin, you can subscribe at chessevents.us. Failure to observe mask and vaccination requirements may result in being excluded or removed from the event .

Players are encouraged to receive pairings by text or email. You should be able to check standings online prior to entering the playing hall. Pairings will probably be posted at the site, but you should endeavor to find your information BEFORE you arrive.

Crowds should not congregate around pairings or standings or outside doors of the playing halls. Please respect social distancing principles in effect at the event and any markers.  Failure to observe social distancing if required may result in removal from the tournament and/or site, without refund.

Non-playing spectators may be restricted, depending on circumstances. 

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Please try to limit the number of non-players in tournament areas.  If you have a group of young players competing, please consider assigning no more than one or two parents to wait for those players at any given time. This will reduce the crowds around exits and in hallways, which promotes a safer atmosphere for everyone.

Within 10 days of the tournament, if you experience any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please do NOT attend. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, respiratory distress, and shortness of breath. If within 10 days of the tournament, you have any close or direct contact with anyone who is either confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19, please do NOT attend. This includes close or direct contact with anyone who is experiencing or displaying any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.