The Boylston Chess Club prides itself on being a fun and friendly place to play and learn. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask the Tournament Director.

All Boylston Chess Club Tournaments

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • No smoking
  • No computers
  • USCF membership is required for all tournaments except for specially listed casual or unrated events
  • Boards, sets, and clocks are provided

Directions to the site

Byes

A maximum of two half point (½) byes are allowed in a four round Swiss tournament, one half point bye in a three round Swiss tournament. In tournaments of six or more rounds, three half point byes are allowed.

If the bye is for the last round, it must be declared before the start of round two.

Half point byes may not be requested after a player receives a full point bye.

Zero point byes are allowed in all Swiss tournaments for any round. Please inform the Tournament Director at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the round.

Withdrawing

Players must inform the Tournament Director if they intent to withdraw from the tournament. Players may let the TD know ahead of time in person or by emailing the club at least half an hour before the round (info@boylstonchess.org).

Re-Entry

Re-Entry is not allowed in BCF tournaments.

Quads & Round Robins

Withdrawing is not allowed from round robin events or quads; forfeit penalties may apply.

Forfeits

Players forfeit one hour after the start of the round. Players may be re-paired (or given a bye) after 30 minutes unless they have let the TD know that they will be late in advance.
Any player who forfeits a game by not showing up, or by withdrawing without letting the Tournament Director know in advance will be fined $25. This player will be withdrawn from the affected event without a refund of their entry fee, and will not be allowed to play in any BCF events until the fine is paid.

Electronic Devices

Players may not use or possess electronic devices while playing. This includes cellphones, smart watches, fitness trackers, ear buds, or any other device capable of chess analysis and/or communication. Any electronic device belonging to a player must be turned off and placed next to the chessboard or stored in a bag that is left at the table during games.

Spectators may not bring electronic devices into the playing room, and players who have finished their games must leave the playing room before turning electronic devices back on.

Section Limits

Unrated players may play in any section. Rated players rated within 200 points of the lower section maximum may play up one section. Players are not eligible for prizes in sections below the section in which they register.

For weeknight tournaments, the winner(s) of a section may play up one section regardless of their rating during the next month.

For eligibility purposes, the higher of a player's supplement and live rating is used.

If a player is otherwise unrated, a live rating from MSA may be used at the tournament director's discretion.

Sections with fewer than ten players may be combined. If sections are combined, accelerated pairings may be used.

Free Entry for GM's/IM's (and sometimes masters)

Any player holding the title of either Grandmaster or International Master may play in any BCF tournament with no entry fee. If the player registers online in advance, the entry fee will also not be deducted from any prize he or she wins.

Any club member rated 2200+ may play in the Tuesday or Thursday Night Swiss with no entry fee. If the player registers online in advance, the entry fee will also not be deducted from any prize he or she wins.