Maryland Chess Spectacular 2009 - FAQs


Please read the Chess Spectacular event flyer first if you have any questions. Also, read the USCF tournament documents it references before the tournament to prepare for the event.

When/where is the tournament?

The Chess Spectacular will take place on Sunday, May 10th, from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. It will be held at UMBC in the University Center, 3rd Floor. Directions are provided in the event flyer and a map of the UMBC campus is available on the UMBC website.

What do I need to bring to the tournament?

All participants must bring their own regulation chess set and clocks. Additionally, participants will be able to purchase a USCF membership ($19 for under 17 years old, $25 for under 26 years old) if they are not currently members. Participants will also need to bring their own lunch as none will be provided.

How is the tournament structured?

There are two tournament sections being offered: the Unrated Novice section and the Quick-Rated Open section. The top players from the Quick-Rated Open will advance to an Exhibition Match, Unrated Knockout Playoff.

What are the differences between the tournament sections?

The Unrated Novice Section The Unrated Novice section is a 3-round Swiss System tournament. It starts off at 10 a.m. with instructions on how to play in chess tournaments. It is intended for unrated scholastic players with no prior tournament experience. Accordingly, a USCF membership is not required. Matches in the Unrated Novice section are not rated. The top four players in the Unrated Novice section will receive a trophy for their accomplishments and will be given free entry to Chess Camp. Every participant who completes three or more games in the Unrated Novice section will also be given an event certificate.

The Quick-Rated Open Section
The Quick-Rated Open section is for rated and unrated scholastic players with prior tournament experience. Accordingly, a USCF membership is required for each participant. Matches in the Quick-Rated open section are rated. Trophies will be given out for various accomplishments: (1) the top ten players in the overall tournament, (2) the best player in elementary school, middle school, high school, and the unrated grouping, and (3) the best school in the elementary, middle, and high school groupings. Note that homeschooled students without an official school may play for their district school if they so choose. The top ten players will also receive free entry to Chess Camp. The top four players, and anyone with a perfect score, will advance to the Playoff round.

Exhibition Match - Unrated Knockout Playoff
The Playoff is only open to the top four players (and any player with a perfect score) from the Quick-Rated Open section. It is a single-elimination G/7 min. tournament with two games per match. Move-by-move sports commentary will also be provided for the Playoff.