The Ice-Cold Scholastic Tournament

The Ice-Cold Scholastic Tournament

Hampton Inn and Suites Dulles

22700 Holiday Park Drive, Sterling, VA 20166

Sunday, December 21 at 10 am

Register here: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7393

Note about special rules for pairings:

This tournament will feature Monrad pairings, which is a variation on Swiss pairings that reduces mismatches. The use of Monrad pairings eliminates the need for multiple sections as players are often paired against closely related opponents, especially in early rounds. To read more about Monrad Swiss pairings, visit Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss-system_tournament#Monrad_system Because we are using Monrad pairings, which are better at reducing mismatches, there are no separate K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12 sections. Instead, there is just one section for everyone. To be eligible for grade-based prizes, please include the player's grade in the "grade" field when you register.

Advantages of Monrad Pairings:

• Fewer mismatches, more games against closely-rated opponents
• Eliminate need for multiple sections
• Anyone can win the tournament (lower-rated players are more likely to play each other, which means that anyone has a chance to win)
• Less playing down (higher-rated players are less likely to have to play down)

Tournament Information​

• Register here: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7393
• Four rounds: first round at 10 am, subsequent rounds occur as soon as possible
• One section: Monrad pairings reduce mismatches, eliminating the need for separate K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12 sections (see note above)
• Time control: Game in 25 minutes with a 5-second delay (US Chess regular and quick rated)
• Entry fee: $35 by 12/7, $40 by 12/14, $45 by 12/20, $50 on 12/21 (on-site registration closes 30 minutes before round 1)
• Boards and pieces will be provided for all players, but we don’t have enough clocks for everyone (those who have clocks are welcome to bring them)
• This tournament is US Chess rated, so an active US Chess membership is required. Click here to join the US Chess Federation for the first time or to renew an inactive membership: https://new.uschess.org/user/login?destination=/form/membership
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Click here to show mail address with any questions
• Trophies for 1st through 3rd in each section

Venue Information/Logistics

• PARKING: The hotel has plenty of free parking.
• Free water will be provided for attendees.
• There is no scheduled lunch break, but there is almost always time for players to have food between games. There aren't any scheduled round times--rounds will occur as soon as possible.
• See below for information about sleeping rooms if traveling from out of town.

How to Register

Register here: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7393