TCMS CHESS - ROOKIE RUMBLE 2026

General Information:

TCMS Chess is hosting a rated tournament one Saturday per month for TCMS Students. All proceeds go towards the TCMS Chess Club's entry into future tournaments. Participants must fill out a form, and submit it to the Chief TD prior to the tournament on 9/12. Doors will open starting around 9:15 AM, Tournament starts at 10:00 AM and it will last until around 1:30 PM.

Please remember that all participants must have supervision. One parent chaperone could watch a small group. If parents are quiet, and there are less than 10 in the playing area, they are allowed to observe unrated events. If there are too many parents, the outside patio is the waiting area with air conditioning inside by the front office if needed. There should be no talking, loud noises, or technology and any violations could result in a loss of game or consequences from the TCMS administration. Thank you for abiding by the rules and regulations of TCMS and the US Chess Federation.

Tournament Information:

Cost: $20 (Please fill out our registration form)

Location: 10735 Raulerson Ranch Rd, Tampa, FL 33637

Style: 3 Rounds Swiss Format - UNRATED

Divisions: Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced (Online ratings can be divided by Beg=Unrated-400; Int=U800; Adv=800+)

Equipment: Chess notation pad & pen/pencil (Chess notation is required until 5 minutes is left on the clock). Board & clock will be provided, but are optional to bring if they meet the USCF requirements.

Awards: Top record(s) will receive a trophy - All participants receive a voucher for their US Chess Ratings.

Tiebreaks: Tied records will have a rated rapid tiebreak to determine the award distribution. If there are an odd number of tied records, the first place winner of the original tournament will be granted a playoff bye.

Standard Time Control: G/20+10 (Dual) - Players should be using chess notation until there are 5 minutes left on the clock.

Tiebreaks of Tournament: Standard USCF Tiebreaks (Mod. Med, Solk, Cumul, Op. Cumul. Head-To-Head(1 on 1) if there is a tie for first place to decide the trophy placement.)

Tiebreak Time Control: G/5+3 (Blitz)

Contact: Chief Organizer/TD - Michael Belyea

(PLAYERS MUST BE TCMS STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE - EXCEPTIONS NEED TO BE APPROVED MY TCMS ADMINISTRATION)