Free-Entry Tri-Cities Dual Rated Tournament (Rated & Unrated)
Sunday | June 14th | 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Richland Public Library
955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA
⏱️ Why Play This Event?
Join us to connect with the Tri-Cities chess community and enjoy friendly competition, hosted by Jim Diamond as part of Blitz and Blunders. Put your tactical skills, quick thinking, and decision-making to the test in a FREE dual-rated chess format open to players of all ages and experience levels. The fast-paced time control keeps games engaging without being overwhelming, making this event an ideal entry point for beginners playing their first rated or unrated tournament, as well as a refreshing, competitive challenge for more experienced players.
⏱️Schedule
Unrated players free play: 11:15AM to 4:00PM
Check in 11:00AM; Cutoff for registration 1130 am. Please register ahead of time!
Round 1 starts at 12:00PM
♟️ Tournament Details (Quad)
Rounds: 3 rounds
Time Control: G/30; d5
Entry Fee: Free!
Sections: Rated & Unrated
Prizes: Bragging rights!
Requirements: Rated section requires a current USCF ID. Bring a chess set & clock if you have one.
🍔 Extras
The tournament takes place in an open public area, and some outside noise is expected
***By entering the tournament, you grant permission for event photos to be used for publicity. Participants assume all risks associated with over-the-board play***
Blitz & Blunders Open Tournament
Saturday | June 6th | 09:30AM to 5:30PM
Spokane Valley Library - Conference Room B
22 N Herald Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
⏱️ Why Play This Event?
Compete in Spokane’s rated-only open chess tournament, designed for players who want a focused and competitive experience where every game counts. Players are paired by rating for fair, challenging matchups that test calculation, strategy, and resilience. This is an opportunity for both improving and experienced players to face strong opposition and engage with the Spokane chess community
⏱️Schedule
9:30 AM - Check-in
10:00 AM - Round 1
12:00 PM - Round 2
2:00 PM - Lunch Break
3:00 PM - Round 3
5:00 PM - Awards & Cleanup
♟️ Tournament Details
Rounds: 3 rounds
Time Control: G/45;d5
Entry Fee: $20
Entry Limit: 16 Players Max
Prizes: 1st Place: $60; 2nd Place: Free entry to next Blitz & Blunders tournament
Requirements: a current USCF ID.
🍔 Extras
Boards and sets provided
Please bring a clock if you have one
All ages and skill levels
The tournament takes place in an open public area, and some outside noise is expected
***By entering the tournament, you grant permission for event photos to be used for publicity. Participants assume all risks associated with over-the-board play***
How to get a USCF rating?
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A USCF-rated game is an official chess game recognized by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), the national governing body for chess in the United States. In rated games, players' results are used to calculate their USCF rating, which is a numerical measure of skill. Ratings allow players to gauge their progress, compete against players of similar skill levels, and participate in organized events, from local tournaments to national championships. Ratings start at 100 and go up as players win games against stronger opponents.
How to Get Started:
Join the USCF: To play in rated games, you'll need a USCF membership. You can sign up online on the USCF website. Use my affiliation number A9280179 when registering.
Learn Tournament Rules: USCF-rated games follow specific rules, such as using chess clocks, maintaining written scores, and adhering to touch-move rules (if you touch a piece, you must move it). Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you play confidently.
Find Local USCF Tournaments: You can find rated tournaments on the USCF’s tournament calendar or at your local chess club, such as Blitz and Blunders. Our club offers beginner-friendly events to help you ease into competitive play.
Play in Your First Tournament: Once you’re registered, you’re ready to compete! Beginners typically start in lower sections, which are designed to match players with similar skill levels. As you play more games, your rating will be adjusted based on your performance.