Signup link

2026–2027 League Rules Summary

1. League Format

  • The regular season consists of 7 monthly matches, played from September through March.
  • Playoffs will be held in April.
  • Each team selects a home venue (within the Greater Boston area), a weeknight, and a start time during registration.
  • Teams without a suitable home venue may schedule matches at the Boylston Chess Club on Thursday or Friday evenings.

2. Team Composition

  • Each match consists of at least four boards.
  • Teams may register additional players throughout the season.
  • Players must be added to the roster at least two days before participating in a match.
  • A player may appear on the roster of more than one team only if those teams represent the same club or organization and compete in different divisions.

3. Match Format

  • Each board plays two games against the same opponent:
    • Game 1: Home team plays Black
    • Game 2: Home team plays White
  • Each game uses a time control of Game in 45 minutes with a 5-second increment (G/45 +5).
  • Each game is scored:
    • Win = 1 point
    • Draw = ½ point
    • Loss = 0 points
  • The team scoring the most game points wins the match.

4. Team Lineups

  • Teams are grouped into divisions based on estimated playing strength.
  • Captains must submit lineups in rating or approximate strength order.
  • Adjacent players whose ratings differ by 80 points or less may be swapped.

5. Team Affiliations

  • A club or organization may enter multiple teams in different divisions.
  • Affiliated teams may share players during the season.
  • Team captains are expected to field lineups that accurately reflect the strength of each division.
  • The League Director may deny or require changes to any lineup that appears designed to gain an unfair competitive advantage or that materially changes a team's strength relative to its division.

6. Rules of Play

  • Games are not US Chess rated.
  • Current US Chess rules govern play except where modified by league rules.
  • Touch-move is in effect.
  • Electronic devices may not be used to obtain assistance during a game.

7. Scheduling

  • Matches should be played on the scheduled date whenever possible.
  • Any rescheduling must be agreed upon by both team captains.
  • Teams should notify opponents promptly if unexpected circumstances arise.

8. Registration

  • Team registration closes August 31.
  • The registration fee is $50 per team.
  • All registration fees are returned as individual and team prizes.

9. Sportsmanship

Players are expected to:

  • Treat opponents, teammates, and organizers with respect.
  • Follow the instructions of league officials.
  • Compete fairly and in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Unsportsmanlike conduct or cheating may result in penalties, including game or match forfeiture or removal from the league.

10. League Administration

The League Director is responsible for interpreting these rules, resolving disputes, and administering the league. Decisions of the League Director are final unless otherwise provided by league policy.

About the League

The Boston Metropolitan Chess League has a history spanning more than 120 years. Before the rise of weekly chess tournaments, it served as the primary venue for organized team competition among chess clubs throughout the Greater Boston area. Today, the league continues that tradition by providing friendly, competitive team chess for players of all strengths.