2026 SuperStates Blitz Championship

• 🏆 Trophies to the Top 25% of players (max 10 trophies if exceeding 40 players for one section)
• This is a US Chess Blitz-rated event. Current US Chess membership is required.

Format

• 2×4SS or 2×5SS (4 or 5 double-rounds with higher-rated partner playing White & Black against opposing higher-rated partner)
• Time Control: G/3 +2
• Touch-move (same as the main event)

Blitz Rules

The current edition of the Official Rules of Chess and the current online edition of “Rulebook Changes” shall be used to resolve any situation not covered by these Scholastic Blitz Rules.

1. Bring a clock. Each player is responsible for coming to the game with a clock. If neither player has a clock, then both players will receive a forfeit loss for both games. (Organizers will have a few clocks on hand, but not guaranteed.)
2. Know how to use your clock. All players are required to know how to operate their clock and how to make any changes that may be necessary during a game.
3. Only a TD can replace a defective clock. Only a TD may determine if a clock is defective and change the clock once the game begins.
4. Same hand rule. Each player must press the clock button with the same hand used to move the pieces. This also applies to castling and capturing.
5. Clock direction & seating. The TD may state the direction clocks face. The player with Black chooses which side of the table to sit on.

6. Pressing the clock.

   a) Except for pressing the clock button or straightening the clock, neither player should touch the clock.
   b) If a player knocks over the clock, the opponent gets one minute added to the opponent’s clock.
   c) If a player’s clock does not start, the opponent may try to start it by pressing the player’s clock button; if unsuccessful, signal for a TD.
   d) After moving, each player must always be allowed to press the player’s clock.
   e) Neither player should keep a hand on (or hovering over) the clock.

7. Knocking over a piece.

   a) It is unsportsmanlike conduct to knock over a piece and then press the clock.
   b) First offense: warning. Second: one minute added to opponent. Third: loss of the game.
   c) A player will not lose a game on time if the opponent knocks over a piece and presses the clock without picking it up; the player receives an additional minute to continue.
8. Disputes. Either player may stop the clock to summon a TD. The TD will consider testimony and reliable witnesses. Appeals must be made to the Chief TD.
9. Conduct. Excessive banging of pieces or clock will not be tolerated. The offending player may be penalized with loss of time.