
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Foundation Chess tournaments.
❓ What time should we arrive?
Please arrive between 8:30–8:45 AM to check in. Round 1 begins at 9:00 AM sharp. Arriving early helps avoid delays.
❓ Where is the tournament held and how do we park?
Venue details and parking maps are provided in your tournament email. Most events are hosted at school gyms or student centers. Look for signs or volunteers when you arrive.
❓ Can parents stay and watch the games?
Parents are welcome to take photos during the first few minutes of Round 1. After that, we ask that all parents wait in designated areas (like the cafeteria or lobby) to help players focus.
❓ Is this an elimination tournament?
This is a Swiss-style tournament (not an elimination event) — all players will play in every round, regardless of their results.
❓ How long will the tournament last?
Tournaments usually finish between 4:00–5:15 PM, depending on how quickly rounds finish. Awards follow the final round.
❓ Will food or drinks be available?
Yes! Concessions (pizza, snacks, and drinks) are often sold onsite by school groups or local vendors. You may also bring your own food. Water bottles are welcome in the playing area, but no snacks or sweet drinks.
❓ What prizes are awarded?
🏆 Trophies for 1st place in each section
🥈🥉 Medals for 2nd and 3rd place
👥 Team trophies for top schools in Elementary, Middle, and High School
🎉 Certificates for all brand-new players
❓ Do players need to bring any equipment?
Nope! We provide boards, clocks, pencils, and notation sheets.
Players are welcome to bring their own pencils or personal notation sheets, but it’s optional.
❓ Is notation required? What about clocks?
🖊️ Notation is required in the top sections and encouraged in all others.
⏱️ Clocks are required in most rated sections. For beginners, clocks may be used if games run long.
❓ What is the time control for the tournament?
Most of our scholastic events use a G/25;d5 time control.
That means each player has 25 minutes for the entire game, with a 5-second delay on each move before the clock begins to count down.
This format is dual-rated by the US Chess Federation in both Rapid and Classical categories.
🕰️ Need a refresher on chess clocks?
👉 Watch: How to Use a Chess Clock
❓ Can I drop off my child for the tournament?
Yes, if your child is 13 or older and mature enough to manage on their own.
For younger players, an adult must stay or designate a responsible person onsite during breaks.
❓ How do bye requests work?
If your child needs to miss a round, you may request a ½-point bye. All bye requests must be submitted before Round 3 begins.
❓ Where can I check the player list or get updates?
Player rosters are available via link in your tournament email and are updated daily. We also send a final info email the night before the tournament with any last-minute details.