Section Descriptions

Celebrating over 30 years of developing after school chess programs in the greater NY area.

General Chess Rating Details

BEGINNER:

Pre K - 1st Grade: NOT RATED

This section is designed for players that are new to tournament chess. It will help them to see what tournament chess is all about, without the pressure of rated tournament games because none of the games are rated by the USCF (US Chess Federation). Almost all of these students have learned how to play recently in one of our after school chess programs. Players are not required to notate and clocks will not be used.

Players rated Under 250 are also eligible to play in this section.

If a player wins all 4 games (4-0) they will be asked to move up to the next section the next time they play.
Trophies are awarded to the top 15 players in the section. Any player scoring 2 points and not getting into the top 15 will win a high scorer trophy. Medals with an engraving of the tournament name and date will be awarded to all others.

NOVICE:

K-2 Under 600: G/30 RATED

This section is for young players most of whom have played in tournaments before, though some will be unrated. If you do not yet have a rating, you will get one after playing the 4 games in this section. Most of the players in this section have been participating in an after school chess program for a year or more. It is not Mandatory to keep score in this section, but it is encouraged. Chess Clocks can also be used. If your opponent has a clock and wants to use it, you must use the clock.

If neither player has a clock, the game will be played without one. However, there is a one hour time limit one each game. If a game passes 45 minutes, the players will be put on the clock by one of our tournament directors and each player will have 7 minutes each to complete the game. If a player wins all 4 games (4-0) twice, they will be asked to move up to the next section the next time they play.

Trophies are awarded to the top 15 players in the section. Any player scoring 2 points and not getting into the top 15 will win a high scorer trophy. Medals with an engraving of the tournament name and date will be awarded to all others.

ELEMENTARY:

2-6 Under 500: G/30 RATED

This section is for players who are a bit older, but have not yet excelled to be a high level tournament players. It is also a great place for students who have learned the game recently but are too old to play in the K-2 Novice section. Most of the players in this section have been participating in an after school chess program for a year or more. It is not Mandatory to keep score in this section, but it is encouraged. Chess Clocks can also be used. If your opponent has a clock and wants to use it, you must use the clock.

If neither player has a clock, the game will be played without one. However, there is a one hour time limit one each game. If a game passes 45 minutes, the players will be put on the clock by one of our tournament directors and each player will have 7 minutes each to complete the game. If a player wins all 4 games (4-0) twice, they will be asked to move up to the next section the next time they play.

 Trophies are awarded to the top 15 players in the section. Any player scoring 2 points and not getting into the top 15 will win a high scorer trophy. Medals with an engraving of the tournament name and date will be awarded to all others.

RESERVE:

K-9 Under 800: G/40 RATED

ADVANCED:

K-12 Under 1000: G/45 RATED

CHAMPIONSHIP:

K-12 Under 1400: G/45 RATED

Reserve | Advanced | Championship

These sections are for more serious scholastic chess players. Many of the players in these sections are taking private lessons with a personal chess coach as well as participating in an after school chess program for years. Many have competed at Nationals as well. Notating is mandatory. Chess Clocks must be used in all games.
Trophies are awarded to the top 10 players in the section. Any player scoring 2 points and not getting into the top 10 will win a high scorer trophy. Medals with an engraving of the tournament name and date will be awarded to all others.

Under 1800:

K-12 Under 1800: G/60 3 rounds only

This section is for very high level tournament players. Almost every player has had serious chess coaching by a professional for years.

Most have competed at Nationals. Notating is mandatory. Chess Clocks must be used in all games. 

Prizes are awarded in CASH! 35% of entry fees to 1st place, 25% to 2nd and 20% to the top player rated Under 1600.

Advanced Chess Tournament Entries

Register Online and your entry will appear automatically on our Advanced entries page! Players will see in advance which players are competing in a specific tournament & the schools they are from.  

Chess Programs

Monthly Chess Tournaments

Tournaments at Bryant Park are divided into 7 sections based upon age and strength.  Players can play "up" into any section.  The top section includes Adults and offers Cash prizes.  Trophies, plaques and medals to all others.

Summer Chess Camps

Providing students chess activities throughout the summer months in the NY area. Contact Us for more details and schedule for next Summer.

Private Chess Lessons

One of the best ways to improve your game is to bring the score of your tournament games to your chess coach & have them analyze the game with you.