1st International Chess Day Open Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

Rules & Regulations Organized by: Bhadohi Chess Association Occasion: International Chess Day – 20 July 2026 Venue: Woodword Public School, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh - 221301

  1. Tournament Format

The tournament shall be an Open Rapid Chess Tournament. Players of all ages and playing levels may participate, subject to the eligibility conditions specified by the organizer. The tournament shall be conducted under the Swiss System. The number of rounds shall be announced by the organizing committee before the commencement of the tournament. Pairings will be generated using approved tournament pairing software.

  1. Rate of Play

The tournament will be played under Rapid Chess time controls. Suggested time control: 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment per move. The exact time control will be announced in the final tournament schedule. Players are responsible for being present at their boards before the scheduled start of each round.

  1. Chess Laws

Games shall be played according to the FIDE Laws of Chess applicable to Rapid Chess. Players are expected to maintain fair play, sportsmanship and proper conduct throughout the tournament. The decisions of the Chief Arbiter / Arbiters on matters concerning the Laws of Chess shall be respected.

  1. Touch-Move Rule

The Touch-Move Rule shall apply. A player who deliberately touches a piece must make a legal move with that piece, where applicable. Players should clearly indicate any adjustment of pieces before touching them.

  1. Illegal Moves

Illegal moves shall be dealt with according to the applicable FIDE Rapid Chess regulations. The penalty for an illegal move will be determined by the Arbiter in accordance with the Laws of Chess and the tournament regulations.

  1. Default / Forfeit

A player who does not appear at the board within the prescribed default time after the start of the round may lose the game by default. The default time shall be announced by the Chief Arbiter before the first round.

  1. Pairings

Pairings will be prepared using tournament software. Once published, players must check their name, colour, opponent and board number. Requests for pairing changes will generally not be accepted unless there is an official administrative error.

  1. Bye

A player requiring a bye must inform the tournament office within the prescribed deadline. A bye may be granted subject to the tournament regulations and pairing system. A player receiving a bye shall receive the score prescribed by the tournament regulations.

  1. Scoring

Win: 1 point Draw: ½ point Loss: 0 points

Final standings shall be determined according to the applicable tie-break criteria announced by the Chief Arbiter / Organizing Committee.

  1. Tie-Breaks

Possible tie-break criteria may include:

Buchholz Cut 1 Buchholz Sonneborn-Berger Progressive Score Direct Encounter, where applicable

The final order and priority of tie-breaks must be announced before the tournament begins.

  1. Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices

Players must comply with the FIDE regulations concerning electronic devices. Mobile phones and other electronic devices should be switched off and kept as instructed by the organizers/arbiters. Any violation may result in penalties, including loss of the game, as applicable under the Laws of Chess.

  1. Conduct & Sportsmanship

Players are expected to:

Maintain discipline and sportsmanship. Avoid disturbing other games. Refrain from inappropriate language or behaviour. Follow the instructions of arbiters and tournament officials. Not interfere with or comment on ongoing games.

  1. Photography & Media

By participating in the tournament, players/parents or guardians acknowledge that photographs and videos may be taken during the event for official documentation, publicity, social media, website and promotional purposes of the tournament and Bhadohi Chess Association.

  1. Prizes

Trophies, medals, certificates and/or cash prizes, as applicable, shall be awarded according to the official prize structure. A player may be eligible for only one prize in case of overlapping prize categories, subject to the published prize regulations. Players must be physically present at the prize-distribution ceremony to claim prizes unless otherwise permitted by the organizers.

  1. Protest / Appeal

Any protest concerning a tournament decision should be submitted to the Chief Arbiter within the prescribed time. The decision of the Chief Arbiter on matters governed by the Laws of Chess shall be final, subject to applicable appeal procedures. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to take decisions on administrative matters not specifically covered in these regulations.

  1. Registration

Registration must be completed within the prescribed deadline. Participants must provide accurate details, including: Full Name Date of Birth Gender School/Institution, if applicable District/State Contact Number FIDE ID and Rating, where applicable The organizers reserve the right to verify participant information.

  1. Important General Conditions

Entry fees once paid shall not be refundable, except where specifically approved by the organizing committee. Players are responsible for checking the tournament schedule and pairing information. The organizers reserve the right to modify the schedule, number of rounds or other administrative arrangements when necessary. Any matter not specifically covered in these regulations shall be decided by the Chief Arbiter / Organizing Committee in accordance with the applicable chess regulations.

  1. Acceptance of Regulations

Participation in the tournament shall be deemed as acceptance of these Rules & Regulations and all decisions taken by the authorized tournament officials in accordance with the applicable rules.