Club Blitz Championship Tournament #2: G/3+2

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold the second of our blitz chess championship tournaments on Thursday, October 24th, at 7pm, a seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/3+2 time control over one evening. Our blitz championship is aimed at players with some rated or blitz tournament experience and may not be suitable for beginners or for children under the age of 10, given this event could last until almost 9pm on a school night. 

This tournament was preceded by the seven-round G/5+0 event the previous week. The individual who participates in both events over two weeks and has the highest combined score will be declared our Blitz Chess Champion and will receive an additional $100 prize. In the event of a tie there will be a G/3+0 playoff for both the prize and the title–first player to win a game is the victor.

Note that the US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess are slightly different than those the club typically follows in our impromptu blitz events so please spend the ~10 minutes needed to read the rules summary linked here.

Details for the G/3+2 event follow:

  • Format: Seven-round Swiss-system rated tournament in one section over one evening
  • Rounds: Round 1 begins promptly at 7:00pm and participants are strongly encouraged to check in by 6:45pm; subsequent rounds begin 1-2 minutes after previous round ends
  • Control: G/3+2 (blitz-rated game of 3 minutes for each player with a 2-second increment added after each move)
  • Entry Fee: $5 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes: Two prize groups based upon October US Chess regular, quick or blitz ratings (TD discretion for each player) with roughly 16 players per prize group, winner take all: Group 1, $100; Group 2, $60, based on 32 players
  • Byes: Zero-point byes are available for any round
  • Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
  • Boards, sets and clocks will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • The US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess is short, required reading
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Club Blitz Championship Tournament #1: G/5+0

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our first annual blitz chess championship beginning Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm, a seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/5+0 time control (no increment or delay) over one evening. Our blitz championship is aimed at players with some rated or blitz tournament experience and may not be suitable for beginners or for children under the age of 10, given this event could last until almost 9pm on a school night.

Note that the US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess are slightly different than those the club typically follows in our impromptu blitz events so please spend the ~10 minutes needed to read the rules summary linked here.

This tournament will be followed Thursday, October 24th, by another seven-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the G/3+2 time control, one which requires a separate registration and entry fee (see the Events page for a link). The individual who participates in both events over two weeks and has the highest combined score will be declared our Blitz Chess Champion and will receive an additional $100 prize. In the event of a tie there will be a G/3+0 playoff for both the prize and the title–first player to win a game is the victor.

Details for the G/5+0 event follow:

  • Format: Seven-round Swiss-system rated tournament in one section over one evening
  • Rounds: Round 1 begins promptly at 7:00pm and participants are strongly encouraged to check in by 6:45pm; subsequent rounds begin 1-2 minutes after previous round ends
  • Control: G/5+0 (blitz-rated game of 5 minutes for each player with no increment or delay
  • Entry Fee: $5 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes: Two prize groups based upon October US Chess regular, quick or blitz ratings (TD discretion for each player) with roughly 16 players per prize group, winner take all: Group 1, $100; Group 2, $60, based on 32 players
  • Byes: Zero-point byes are available for any round
  • Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
  • Boards, sets and clocks will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • The US Chess Rules for Blitz Chess is short, required reading
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 5

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

  • Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
  • Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes:  Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $100, $60, $40; Group 2: $80, $60, $40; Group 3: $60, $40, $20; Group 4: $60, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
  • Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
  • Register: Registrations are closed for this event
  • Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 4

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

  • Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
  • Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes:  Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $100, $60, $40; Group 2: $80, $60, $40; Group 3: $60, $40, $20; Group 4: $60, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
  • Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
  • Register: Registrations are closed for this event
  • Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 3

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

  • Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
  • Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes:  Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $100, $60, $40; Group 2: $80, $60, $40; Group 3: $60, $40, $20; Group 4: $60, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
  • Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
  • Register: Registrations most likely closed after round 1 was played but send email to info@menloparkchess.club to inquire about possible late registration
  • Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 2

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

  • Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
  • Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes:  Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $100, $60, $40; Group 2: $80, $60, $40; Group 3: $60, $40, $20; Group 4: $60, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
  • Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
  • Register: Registrations most likely closed after round 1 was played but send email to info@menloparkchess.club to inquire about possible late registration
  • Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

Third Menlo Park Chess Club Championship, Round 1

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold our third annual club championship beginning Thursday, November 7th, at 7pm, a five-round USCF-rated Swiss system event using the dual-rated G/45;d5 time control over five weeks . Our championship is aimed at players with at least some tournament experience (one or two rated events, say) and may not be suitable for children under the age of 10, given games could last until almost 9pm on a school night. Additionally, if your child has trouble sitting still or remaining quiet for an hour or two then we would humbly request that you consider registering him or her in one of our other rated events and forego the club championship (we love our junior players but there are a few who struggle to remain quiet during even the shorter time controls). Details follow:

  • Format: Five-round Swiss-system tournament in one section, one game per evening
  • Rounds: November 7th, 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th (there is no round November 28th, Thanksgiving)—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/45;d5 (dual-rated game of 45 minutes for each player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $20 (the entire entry fee will be returned in prizes)
  • Payment: PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12, Zelle: 6504006393
  • Prizes:  Four prize groups based upon November US Chess regular ratings with roughly 8 players per prize group (Group 1: $100, $60, $40; Group 2: $80, $60, $40; Group 3: $60, $40, $20; Group 4: $60, $40, $20, with adjustments as needed based on tournament/group size)
  • Byes: One half-point bye is available for any round save the last, but the bye must be requested at least two days in advance of the day of play
  • Register: Please sign up in advance using the ‘Register’ button, above
  • Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a clock if you own one)
  • All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Our tournament chess rules summary is worth perusing if you’re new to tournament play
  • For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Join our Facebook group to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

August Quads/Swisses Final Results

Below are the final results with prizes for our August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads and Swisses, which were again well received. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you once again to everyone who played in this event. Our next rated tournament, the 3rd club championship, will begin in mid-October and more information about that event will be shared here soon. Regards,

Mark Drury

August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 3

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, August 8th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as competitive as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (August 8th, 15th, 22nd) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

  • Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
  • Rounds: August 8th, 15th and 22nd—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $15 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
  • Prizes: First place in each quad receives $40, second place receives $20, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
  • Byes: No byes are available for this event
  • Register: Registrations close after the start of the first round
  • Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
  • Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
  • Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events

August Double-Round Quick-Rated Quads, Round 2

The Menlo Park Chess Club will hold US Chess quick-rated double-round quads and/or 6- or 8-person 3-round Swiss sections over three consecutive weeks beginning Thursday, August 8th, using the G/15;d5 time control and playing two games against each opponent during the same evening, one as white and one as black. Players will be grouped into quads or small Swiss sections based upon rating to keep things as competitive as possible. No byes will be available for this event so if you are unable to play all three weeks (August 8th, 15th, 22nd) please do not register. These quads are suitable for experienced players as well as newer US Chess members seeking to establish an over-the-board rating. Details follow:

  • Format: Double-round quads and/or small Swiss tournaments over three weeks, two games per evening against the same opponent, one as white and one as black
  • Rounds: August 8th, 15th and 22nd—games begin promptly at 7:00pm
  • Control: G/15;d5 (quick-rated game of 15 minutes per player plus a 5-second delay per move)
  • Entry Fee: $15 (PayPal: mark@drury.com; Venmo: @Mark-Drury-12); entire entry fee goes to the prize fund.
  • Prizes: First place in each quad receives $40, second place receives $20, any ties will split the cash prize(s)—Swiss sections will offer three prizes
  • Byes: No byes are available for this event
  • Register: Registration closes after start of first round
  • Equipment: Boards, sets, clocks, score sheets and pens will be provided by the Menlo Park Chess Club (bring a digital clock if you own one)
  • Membership: All tournament participants must be current US Chess members
  • Rules: Our tournament chess rules summary is mandatory reading if you’re new to tournament play
  • Info: For more information please send email to info@menloparkchess.club
  • Social: Join our Facebook group or email list to stay abreast of future club tournaments and events