RVA Pieces Rapid @ Black Iris

• Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025. Games start at 1:00 PM; check-in closes at 12:45 PM.
• Location: Black Iris Social Club (321 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220)
• $300 in guaranteed prizes ($500 with 40 entries)
• Entry Fee: $15 through November 16, $20 afterwards
• Capacity: 48 players. Preregistration is required. Players are encouraged to bring their own chess sets and clocks, as equipment may be limited.

Format

• Open to players of all ages and skill levels, including those who have never played in a tournament before.
• 5 rounds, no elimination (Swiss system)
• Chess clocks will be in use. Games are 15 minutes per player, with a 10-second increment per move (G/15+10).
• Not USCF-rated
• Touch-move is in effect: if you touch a piece on your turn, you have to move it.
• Players are encouraged to take chess notation during games, but it is not required. Chess notation is helpful for claiming a draw by repetition, resolving a disagreement, or analyzing games after the tournament. Score sheets and pencils will be available for taking chess notation.

Sections

The tournament features two sections:

• Under 1400 Chess.com. This section is exclusively for beginner and low-intermediate players. Rating scales vary across platforms, but this is a great section for you if your Chess.com Rapid rating is under 1400, if your Lichess Rapid rating is under 1500, if your USCF rating is under 1100, or if you don’t have a rating.
• Open. This section is open to all players. Beginner and low-intermediate players are welcome to join this section.

Not sure which section is right for you? Get in touch with us on Discord or via email.

Registration & Check-in

• Preregistration is required. Early registration is highly encouraged, as space is limited. To register, click here.
• Register by November 16 for a discounted entry fee of $15. After November 16, the entry fee increases to $20.
• On the day of the tournament, all players must check in between 12:00–12:45 PM at the front of Black Iris. Only players who have checked in will be paired. This helps us pair everyone smoothly and start on time.

Schedule

• Doors open – 12:00 PM
• Check-in closes – 12:45 PM
• Round 1 – 1:00 PM
• Round 2 – 2:00 PM
• Round 3 – 3:30 PM (extra half-hour break for lunch)
• Round 4 – 4:30 PM
• Round 5 – 5:30 PM

Prizes

$300 in guaranteed prizes!

Open

• 1st – $100
• 2nd – $50
• 3rd – $25

Under 1400

• 1st – $65
• 2nd – $40
• 3rd – $20

With the entry of 40 players or more, the prize fund increases to $500:

Open

• 1st – $155
• 2nd – $90
• 3rd – $55

Under 1400

• 1st – $100
• 2nd – $65
• 3rd – $35

Other Information

• Between rounds, players will be able to take a break upstairs at Black Iris. Black Iris offers a full-service bar. There are also restaurants available within walking distance of Black Iris.
• Players are encouraged to bring their own chess sets and clocks if they have them, as equipment may be limited.
• Street parking is available, but it may take a few minutes to find a spot. There are also paid lots nearby on Grace Street.

Contact

For questions, get in touch with RVA Pieces on Discord or via email.