Information (Last updated 2/19/08... Changes are in highlighted in maroon)

Updates 2/19/08 On 2/17/08, we received feedback from several parents to reduce the rating differences between players and to offer longer time controls for more advanced players. Accordingly, the following changes are effective 3/29/08 (and they generally effect advanced players, so you can skip this if the player is rated below 1100):
1. The monthly BayAreaChess tournament in 6 sections based on USCF ratings of the latest supplement available. The rating bands will be in increments of 300 starting at 500 (1. unrated and under 500; 2. 500-799, 3. 800-1099, 4. 1100-1399, 5. 1400-1699, 6. 1700 and up). The sections will be numbered as above to simplify references but the trophy labels will not change.
2. The ratings cutoffs will be enforced and can only be bypassed by paying a "play-up" fee of $15. (This play-up fee finances the overhead of extra sections and trophies). In case a players qualifies for a section based on the rating supplement used, the play-off fee will be refunded.
3. The u500 and 500-799 sections will be 5 rounds of G/30 (each player gets 30 minutes). The 800-1099 section will be 2 rounds of G/30 followed by 2 rounds of G/45. The 1100-1299 section will be 4 rounds G/45. The1300-1699 and 1700+ will be 4 rounds of G/60. The 1300-1699 and 1700+ section will offer a free entry to the next tournament as its only prize (free entry is not eligible for another free entry prize :)).
4. Adults will be permitted to play in Sections 4, 5, and 6 only.

Ratings will generally be based on the latest available supplement (except quads will be arranged by most current ratings). TD’s discretion may be used to assign player ratings. In Kids Swiss, Playing up one section is allowed by requesting by the Thursday 11:59 PM before the tournament day. A $10 late fee is required for play-up requests after that. Minimum rating of 1200 is required for playing up in the 1300+ section (except for adults).
Rules: All U1300 sections will use CalChess Scholastic official rules as well as the USCF Rule Book. Adults/regular Swiss (Open & Reserve) as as well as 1300+ section will be run based on adult/regular USCF rule book only. Exact round times & advance entries will be posted on site.
Indemnification: Players and all their representatives shall indemnify and hold harmless BayAreaChess, Granada, MCA, its directors, volunteers, lessors, affiliates, lenders, trustees, successors and assigns from and against any and all claims, demands, fines, assessments, causes of action, suits, proceedings, liabilities, damages (including consequential and punitive damages), losses, out-of-pocket costs and expenses, including, without limitation, the reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which are incurred by the Indemnified Parties relating to or arising out of the delivery of the services.

Adult/Regular Quads (Saturday Schedule on 2/23)
SECTIONS: 4 players arranged by most current ratings (possibly adjusted for players from same school/club).
SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: 4-7:45PM for u900; 4-9:15PM for others. Open to all USCF Members REQUIRED check-in 3:45-4:15 PM; Awards after each quad; Approximate playing time U900: 4:45-7:45 PM; 900+: 4:45-9:15 PM. On-site registration & REQUIRED check-in 3:45-4:15 PM. U900: 3 rounds each player gets 30 mins. 900+: 3 rounds each players gets 45 mins. Late fee waived for Swiss players.
PRIZES: Top player(s) in each quad (incl. ties) gets a trophy. Other Awards/Prizes to all players who don’t receive a trophy! Adults who are clear winners of the quad (no ties) may pass up their trophy for a free entry.

Adult/Regular Quads (Sunday Schedule on 4/27, 6/29, 8/24)
[Generally last Sunday of every even month starting April...Apr, Jun, Aug...]
SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: On-site registration & REQUIRED check-in 1:40-2:00 PM; Awards after each quad; Approximate playing time u1000: 2:30-5:00 (max about 5:30 PM); 3 rounds each player gets 30 mins.1000+: 2:30-6PM (max. about 7:00 PM). :45-9:15 PM. 3 rounds each players gets 45 mins. Late fee waived for Swiss players.
SECTIONS: 4 players arranged by most current ratings (possibly adjusted for players from same school/club).
PRIZES: Top player(s) in each quad (incl. ties) gets a trophy. Other Awards/Prizes to all players who don’t receive a trophy!

Adult/Regular Swiss+ (Cash Prizes) [Jan. 19, Mar. 8, May 24, Jul. 12]
SECTIONS: Open (1600+); Reserve (u1600). If there are less than 10 players in a section, the sections may be merged at the TD’s discretion. Advanced children are welcome but needed to know that the tournaments are played under adult rules in a quiet atmosphere.
SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: 4 rounds-each G/60 (each player gets 60 mins.)
On-site registration: 9-9:30 AM (check-in not required). Rounds: 10:00 AM, [Lunch], 12:40, 2:50, 5:00 PM.
PRIZES: Open - 1st $200, 2nd $100, Top u1800 $50, Highest USCF rating increase $50. Reserve - 1st $150, 2nd $75, Top u1400 $75, Top u1200 $75, highest USCF rating increase $50. Minimum 3 players required in a class for class prizes. Prize fund of $825 is based on 45 paid entries and may be adjusted. Some volunteers (or their kids) may get free entries. Other entry fees are lowered to encourage increased participation. Please help the prize fund by getting more players.
Ratings will generally be based on the latest available supplement (except quads will be arranged by most current ratings). TD’s discretion may be used to assign player ratings.
Playing up one section is allowed with a $20 play-up.
Rules: All sections will use adult/regular USCF rule book only. Exact round times & advance entries will be posted on site & at www.bayareachess.com/entries/entry_all.php.

Adult/Regular Blitz+
SECTIONS: Number of sections based on entries.
SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: 8-10 rounds (4 double rounds)-each game 5 minutes each (4x2 x G/5) Approximate Schedule: On-site registration 7:00-7:15. Rounds at 7:30-9:10PM aprox. Late fee waived for players and relatives registered for Swiss on the same day .
PRIZES: 80% of entries minus $70 returned in prizes.

Fun Blitz (absolute beginners to advanced) [Generally last Saturday of every odd month... Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov. Also on 3/8 and 7/12]
SECTIONS: Number of sections based on entries.
PRIZES: Trophies to all with a winning score. Prizes to all others.
SCHEDULE & TIME CONTROL: 8-10 rounds (4-5 double rounds) each G/5 (4x2 x G/5), Late fee waived for Swiss players. On-site registration 4:30-5pm. Rounds start at 5:20 (end around 7:20pm).

Memorial Day [DRAFT]
ADULT/REGULAR MAIN EVENT: 2 sections Open, u1600. Entry $55 (under 18 $49). 2&3-day merge in Round 4.
SCHEDULE: 3day 6 x 30/90 G/60; 2day 3 x G/60 & 3 x 30/90 G/60;
Onsite registration: 5/24 10-10:30am; 5/25 8:15-8:45am.
3day 5/24 11am, 4pm; 5/25 11am, 4:30pm; 5/26 10am, 3pm
2day 5/25 9:20, 11:30am, 2, 4:30pm; 5/26 10am, 3pm. Entry fee: $55 (jr. $49). CalChess Members Discount $2.
PRIZE FUND: $1475 prize fund based on 55 fully paid entries and will be increased or decreased by $40 per entry. Rating groups must have min 5 entries for prize to be awarded. Open 1st 300 2nd 150; u2000 1st 100 2nd 75; u1800 1st 100 2nd 75; biggest rating gain 50. Reserve (u1600) 1st 200 2nd 100; u1400 1st 100 2nd 75; u1200 1st 100 2nd 75; biggest rating gain 50.
SIDE EVENTS:
Day 1- Adult/Regular 1-day Swiss: 10am-7pm (4x G/60)
Kids Swiss: 10am-5pm (5 x G/30 or 4 x G/45); Kids Blitz: 6-8 pm (8 x G/5)
Day 2- Kids Quads: 4-7pm (3 x G/30) ;
Advanced Kids & Adult Quads: 4-9pm (3 x G/45)
Day 3- Adult Blitz: 8-10 pm