Have you dreamed of playing in a team chess event only... you don't have a club or school team? 

No problem! 

This wildcard tournament was designed just for you.  So, get busy and build your dream chess team and come to Clatskanie to win!  If you can't find enough players to form a team... Email us and we'll put you in touch with other kids.

How does it work?  Your four man team is placed in order by strength.  Strongest at board 1, next strongest at board 2, etc.  Each round, your four man team is matched with another four man team at a four-board table.  Board one plays board one, board two plays board two, etc.   On the pairing sheet, color is determined by board one and is then alternated.  If board one is white, board two is black, etc. 

Team A      Board 1 (W)       Board 2 (B)        Board 3  (W)       Board 4 (B)

Team B      Board 1 (B)        Board 2  (W)      Board 3 (B)         Board 4 (W)      

Each team has a captain.  For a list of their duties, see the Wildcard Team Rules.  If a team wins most of the games in a round they receive 1 point, if the teams tie then each team receives 1/2 point. 

Individual Requirements:   You must be a student age 5-18 and you must be breathing.  That's it!  (The ability to play great chess would also be important, but is not a requirement.)

Team Requirements:  Total team rating may not exceed 4800.  USCF or NWSRS ratings will be used, whichever is highest.  Unrated players (or players who have competed in less than 3 rated tournaments) will receive a rating of 1200.

Entry Fee:  $48/Team in advance, $96/team at the door

Awards:  1st through 3rd, plus additional class trophies if registration exceeds estimates.  The Tournament Director reserves the right to add additional awards and/or sections depending on the number of entries.  Please register early so additional awards may be purchased.

Team Roster:  Complete your roster of 4 players and what board they will play.  Your strongest player goes on board one, next strongest on board two, etc.  For important information about putting teams in order see the Wildcard Team Rules.  Choose a team captain (typically board 1, but may be any board).  Roster replacements may be made prior to the beginning of the tournament.  Once everyone is in place and the first round has started, no replacements will be allowed without prior approval from the tournament director.  

Please read over the rules prior to the beginning of the tournament Wildcard Team Rules.

Format:  Four round Swiss, G/45. Clocks and notation are mandatory. The Official Rules of Chess (USCF version) will be used. The Tournament Director will be the arbiter on all matters of interpretation of these rules.

Awards as soon as possible after the last game ends.