Princeton Day School Chess Tournament

Scholastic Chess Arena

Step up and play

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Princeton Day School  ·  K–12

A full afternoon of competitive chess, matched by level, with trophies, medals, and a clear schedule so families know what to expect.

Rated or brand new, every K–12 student has a section. No previous tournament experience is required.

Or go to www.onthechessboard.com

Sections

Unrated

No Score (K–1, new players)
K–1 (must know how to checkmate)
Novice 1 (K–6 beginners)

Rated — US Chess membership required

Novice 2 (K–8, under 600)
Reserve (K–12, under 800)
Open (K–12, under 1000)
Championship (K–12, 1000–1399)

Join US Chess: secure2.uschess.org

Format and time control

Swiss pairings. Under 1000 and unrated sections: 4 rounds, G25/d5 or G/30.
Championship: 3 rounds, G40/d5.
Half-point bye available if requested in advance by email.

Awards

Every player receives a medal, or trophy.
Trophies for the top six players and top three teams in each scored section.
Over-1000 sections: top four individual trophies; no team awards.
Teams: at least two players from the same school or club. Top three scores count. Team awards are for under-1000 and unrated sections.

What to bring

Clock, if you have one. Pen or pencil for notation. Nut-free lunch or snacks, if you prefer your own.
Boards and pieces are provided. Snacks, and drinks are sold on site.

Season dates

All Saturdays at Princeton Day School. Online registration closes the day before each event.

For parents

Free on-site parking. Use the entrance near the Gymateria. Do not park in the fire lanes.
A parent or guardian should stay for the tournament. Please keep children in the playing and break areas.
Campus Center Wi-Fi is available.
Snow day: early announcement at pds.org and by email. Online entries move to the makeup date unless you cancel.

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