Introduction to
The “Rated Beginners Open” (RBO) is a series of rated chess tournaments that are limited to beginning chess players and players who new to rated play. These events offer players the ability to take an easy step into the world of rated chess, without having to face more experienced players. These RBO events are structured as 6 rounds of Game 30 (up to 60 minutes total per game), and there is always a break for lunch. This ensures that players achieve provisional ratings after just one event, and also provides them with more playing opportunities than most other rated events which usually only have 4 rounds.
What is Rated chess?
Rated chess offers an environment that allows players to get a numerical rating based on their performance and abilities. Participation in rated tournaments offers a more controlled environment that aims to help players not only improve their abilities but to also have fun. These tournaments are designed to pair players based on their abilities, not by age or grade. This offers players of all ages the ability to compete and to be challenged by other players who have similar chess skills.
Differences between Rated and non-Rated chess:
1) Participation in rated chess requires membership in the United States Chess Federation (USCF). The USCF provides players with their official rating, the ability to play in USCF-rated chess tournaments, and access to a monthly or bi-monthly national chess magazine. One year memberships range from $16-$42 (based on age) as well as an optional Single Tournament Membership for $7-$12. Detailed costs are outlined below, and can also be viewed at www.uschess.org.
2) Chess clocks are used to help both players manage the time they use to complete their games. A chess clock is a special type of clock that is designed to be used by two players. Once a player makes a move they are able to stop their clock face and start the other one that is used by their opponent. There is no limit on the amount of time that can be used per move, but there is a limit on how much time each player has to complete all their moves in the game. An example of a normal time control is Game 30 (G30). This means that each player has 30 minutes to complete all their moves in the game, so a single game could theoretically last 60 minutes, if each player uses all of their time.
Due to the cost of chess clocks ($25-$40), we do not require beginner players to provide their own chess clocks, but do encourage their use. If you do own a chess clock, you are encouraged to bring it to the tournament and use it for your games. As your chess skills progress and you attend larger tournaments, chess clock requirements are strictly enforced.
3) Keeping score is encouraged. Keeping score consists of writing down your own moves and your opponent’s moves. The normal formula for keeping score follows “Algebraic Notation”. A search of the internet for “Algebraic Notation Chess” will provide you with many good online resources that explain how Algebraic Notation works. One good site is http://www.logicalchess.com/hcc/scholastics/tutorials/notation.html.
Keeping score, while daunting at first, is a fairly simple skill to master and is absolutely necessary for continued chess advancement. Some of the benefits of keeping score include: being able to review your games after they are finished to find improvements and the ability to read different chess lessons and books which can aid in skill development.
Score sheets and pencils are provided at the tournament so that players may keep score without being responsible for bringing their own materials. As many beginner players have not yet mastered this skill, we encourage players to keep score but do not require it. However, as in the case of using a chess clock above, this is a useful skill to possess and is required in larger chess tournaments.
4) All games are “Touch Move”. If you touch a piece, you have to move it (if moving it is legal). And if you take your hand off a piece after having moved it, that's the square where it must stay. There are no "take backs."
5) The chess sets and boards that are used all follow the USCF Standard. The most standard sets are made of plastic and contain a 3 ¾” tall King, while the board usually has 2 ¼” squares with a total size of 20”. As with Chess Clocks, if you own a standard chess set you are encouraged to bring it to the tournament, but some sets are available on-site for use. For the chance to obtain a free chess set, board and bag please review the flyer for the “Play 4 Pieces” program.
Ratings:
The chess rating is a number that is determined based on performance at Rated chess tournaments and is based on the number of wins, losses and draws a player has along with the chess skill of the opponents. Ratings start at 100 and can go well beyond 2000.
Benefits from obtaining an official USCF Chess Rating:
1) The ability to compare your skill level to other chess players. Chess skill is in not directly related to age and the opportunity to have a calculated rating allows players to play people who have similar abilities. This allows players to not only be challenged with each game but allows players to develop their skills.
2) The ability to measure increases in chess skill and knowledge. As players increase their skills and win more games, their ratings will also improve. A chess rating provide a measurement of improvement over time and ensures that as a player’s skills grow they get more challenging opponents to continue to grow.
3) It is very important to remember chess is primarily about having fun and regardless of their ratings; all of the players are there because they love the game.
USCF Dues:
*** the difference between the “Regular” and “Premium” memberships below is that the Premium gets a mailed copy of the magazine, while the Regular get electronic access online. Scholastic memberships get 6 issues of the bi-monthly Chess Life for Kids. All other memberships get 12 issues of the monthly Chess Life.
Membership Type Regular Premium
Scholastic (Age 12 & Under) $16 $23
Youth (Age 15 & Under) $20 $27
Young Adult (Age 24 & Under) $24 $32
Adult (Age 25-64) $29 $42
Senior (Age 65 & Older) n/a $36
Adult Tournament Membership $12
Youth Tournament Membership $7