FAQ

What events does the Manitoba Chess Association run ?

The Tuesday Night Tournaments (TNT) tournaments is our main ‘event’ – the events are typically 4 weeks long – 1 game per week. These are Chess Federation of Canada  (CFC) rated. (CFC Membership required – see below). One does not have have to be a member of the University.

 We do have the occasional tournament on weekend days, and “fifth” Tuesdays.  Unfortunately, we do not have any ‘casual’ chess times currently.
Where else can I meet some players for chess ?
The Millennium library has a games room where people play casual chess. (I haven’t been to either, so I can’t give you a first-hand review),
Recently, the Rocker Chess Club has been formed.  Please see their website for latest information http://rockerchess.ca/
 I see mention of CFC membership required for most tournaments.  What can you tell me about that ?
 The Chess Federation of Canada  (CFC), founded in 1872, is a registered non-profit organization in Canada  whose mandate is to promote and encourage the knowledge, study and play of the game of chess in Canada. The CFC is the governing body for chess is Canada. The CFC is affiliated with the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
The CFC administers the national rating system in Canada.  Most of the ‘serious’ events run by the MCA are rated by the CFC, and thus all players in the tournament must be members of the CFC.
Membership in the CFC can be purchased at the time of registration for a tournament on-site through the MCA, or online at http://chess.ca/.  We recommend buying onsite so that we can provide you with advice on options.
Through the MCA (we have reduced-subsidized fees for starting Jan 1, 2019)

CFC memberships are $ 36 $ 25 for 12 months; for first time members, we are waving the Manitoba Chess Association membership requirement which would otherwise be an additional $ 13. There is also an one-tournament option for $ 16 – but if you intend to play in 3 or more rated tournaments in the 12 month period – the $ 36 $ 25 option is clearly better value. Junior fees are $ 17 for 12-months, or $ 10 for a one-tournament CFC membership.

(These are over and above the  tournament entry fee. For the Tuesday Night Tournaments (TNT) it is $ 15 or $ 20 for longer events. Special events may have a different entry fee)

Who typically play in the ‘serious’ tournaments ?

As for the ‘spread’ of skill at the tournaments. I am not sure of your chess experience, but in general I would say the range can be from former provincial champions to players in their first or second tournament. There may be only one or two in the latter category per tournament, but to be honest for the most part most of the players are experienced tournament players. But they all started as beginners at some point and persevered.

What is the age range of the players in the Tuesday night tournaments?

Most players are adults, but there a few very experienced youths that play.  For the young players, one must consider that the game could potentially end near 11 pm.

 I have never played in a formal tournament before. What else should I know ?

Below is some information that may be useful.

1. Players must keep a record of the game on the scoresheet.

I found the following article that may help in learning chess notation.

http://www.chesshouse.com/how_to_read_and_write_chess_notation_a/166.htm

As well, you may interested in this page where virtually every serious game in Manitoba from the past several years is recorded.

http://www.chessmanitoba.org/tournaments.html

2. Here is also an explanation of the Swiss system pairings.  In a nutshell, “the principle of a Swiss tournament is that each player will be pitted against another player who has done as well (or poorly) as him or herself.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss-system_tournament

3. And last but not least, below is useful recap of common chess etiquette I found on the internet.

Chess Etiquette

Location: 101ChessTips.com

Internet Research By: “KingsEnemy”

There are some official and unofficial rules of etiquette in the game of chess. The general theme of chess etiquette is to be a good sport and to be respectful. Some of the more common official rules of etiquette are as follows:

• Every game must begin and end with the players shaking hands.

• Between the two handshakes, no talking is permitted. “Check” need not be said. Players are responsible for noticing where all of the pieces on the board are located, and what threats are pending.

• Never do anything to distract any other player in the tournament, especially your opponent.

• Always use the “touch move” rule.

• If an illegal move is made, the tournament director should be summoned. In a tournament using a “Sudden Death” time control, the other player receives an extra two minutes when one player makes an illegal move.

• Never gloat over a victory, or become despondent or hostile following a defeat. It is always best to analyze the game with your opponent, after the game ends, and in a different room from where you played. Leave the playing room quietly when you finish so as not to distract the other people who are still playing.

• Never comment on a game that is in progress, whether the game is yours or one that you are just watching.

• The tournament director has the authority to punish breaches of etiquette, and may add or subtract time as a sanction. In extreme cases, players may be forfeited for violating the rules and spectators may be banned from the site.

These rules of etiquette generally apply to tournaments, but it is always a good idea to follow these. Being a good sport in chess and having fun generally makes for a better chess player.