NYChessKids Tournament Policies

NYChessKids attempts to provide a positive chessplaying experience for scholastic chessplayers of all ages and levels - from kindergarten to 12^th grade, complete beginner to national champion. For this reason, we sometimes allow deviations from our published section “bounds.”

Championship section: Intended for students rated 1500 and above, students rated 1400 and above can apply to participate in this section if they would like an extra challenge. THIS SECTION IS USCF RATED, and sponsored by NYChessKids Shop as a reward to students who have worked very hard to achieve their level, and to encourage older and advanced students to return to playing in scholastic chess tournaments.

Open section: Intended for students rated 1100-1499, students rated 1000 and above can apply to participate in this section if they would like an extra challenge. THIS SECTION IS USCF RATED, and sponsored by NYChessKids Shop as a reward to students who have worked very hard to achieve their level, and to encourage older and advanced students to return to playing in scholastic chess tournaments.

Reserve section: Intended for students rated 700-1099, students rated 600 and above can apply to participate in this section if they would like an extra challenge. THIS SECTION IS USCF RATED.

Primary section: Open to students K-3, rated below 700. Students who are in grade 4 or above, or who are rated 700 or above are not allowed to participate in this section. THIS SECTION IS USCF RATED.

Novice 2 section: Intended for students in grades 3-12, who are not very experienced. Students in grades K-2 may apply to participate in this section. THIS SECTION IS NOT USCF RATED.

Novice 1 section: Intended for students in grades 1-2, who are not very experienced. Students in Kindergarten may apply to participate in this section. THIS SECTION IS NOT USCF RATED.

No Score section: Intended for pre-K and kindergarten students, students in grade 1 who are absolute beginners may apply to participate in this section. THIS SECTION IS NOT USCF RATED, and the results are not announced. Everyone in this section will receive a prize.

All decisions to allow students to play in a section who do not fit into that section’s bounds are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Organizer and Chief TD.