Rules & Expectations

When you arrive & depart

  • Sign-in begins at 11:45am, with the first pairings happening around 12:15pm. Find the purple tent where everyone signs in with their first and last name and group.

  • Groups are determined by skill and desired challenge, not by age. Players only need to know the basic fundamentals of chess in order to participate.
    A = Most challenging
    B = Skilled, but less challenging
    C= Getting to know the game
    D= Beginner, with knowledge of how the pieces move

    Players may change their group at any time if they feel like they need more or less of a challenge. This can be done at sign-in, or between rounds.

  • Once pairings are called, your child can find their name on the pairings sheet. This will let you know which chess board number and color they will be for that round.

  • You are free to arrive late. We’ll get you signed in at any point, so if you can make it for the second or third rounds, your family can still participate.

  • Once signed in, kids are automatically signed up for each round of chess. If you need to leave early, let us know so we can pull them out of future pairings for the day.

  • Please also note that it is not required to attend each Wednesday, and you can also join at any time (in case you have yet to come out to the park). 

Chess Club Expectations for Players

  • The Number One Rule is GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP! When you sit down to play, introduce yourself, shake your opponent’s hand, and wish them well for the game. This includes speaking kindly to and about your opponent during and after a game.

  • Chess is a quiet game. Since we do meet outside, in a public space, distractions are inherently part of our time together. The boards are also pretty close together, so a neighboring conversation or even a game is likely a challenge for players to ignore. We ask that conversation remains at a minimum and is focused on the game itself. If you finish and other games are happening, you can watch but without getting involved or speaking to the players who are still in the middle of a match.

  • Make sure all pieces are present at the beginning of your game. Queen is always on her color, and white moves first.

  • We use clocks to practice using them for official tournament play, and to keep the games moving. If a player runs out of time, that does count as a loss.

  • We use the Touch Move rule during play: If a player touches a piece, they must move that piece (unless they say “adjust” ahead of time because a piece needs to be corrected).

  • If there are any questions during games, pause the clock and come to the front. Someone will be able to help you.

  • At the end of the game, reset your board and record your score.

    0= Loss 1= Win 0.5 or 1/2 = Draw or Stalemate
    If one player fore fits, the other player wins.

  • Clean-up happens at the end of the third round. Pack your pieces in the blue bags, bring them with your board, number, and clock to the front.

Chess Club Expectations for Parents

  • Families can setup at the other tables, as space allows, or anywhere in the park. Sometimes there are school groups who have the other tables reserved, but usually we have much of the area to roam and setup in freely. 

  • An email will be sent to confirm chess club each week. The home page of the website will also be updated with confirmation, in case you did not receive the email.

  • During games, please refrain from getting directly involved, including suggesting moves. If there are questions or discrepancies regarding the game, players can ask a volunteer at the front for assistance. We will be able to help solve issues neutrally, and will sometimes ask other experienced players for assistance in resolving issues.

  • You are invited to remain close – especially for younger players who might need help staying focused on their games. Visiting with other parents is of course welcome. While games are happening, please be mindful of loud or distracting conversation near the tables.

  • If you notice kids getting rowdy, interrupting games, etc, feel free to gently remind that players are trying to focus and to either quiet down and focus on their own game, or to move to the side for conversation if they are not currently playing.

  • In between games, kids are free to play throughout the park, however, please remind them to stay close enough to hear when the next round of chess is getting paired.

  • If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with me (after the third round is paired is usually best!), or email at aahchessclub@gmail.com.

  • Chess Club is not a drop-off event. You are free to walk around the park, or have another parent be the guardian, but please let volunteers know who to get in touch with if there is an emergency.

About Pease Park

The Pease Park Conservancy is the organization that keeps everything tended to and functioning around the park. In the past they ask that we remind our kids to be respectful of the space. This includes staying out of the garden beds, pulling down tree limbs, and generally doing anything destructive to the park or nature they are trying to preserve.

We have reserved the two center tables for our chess meetings, and do our best to utilize as much shade for our players as possible. You’re welcome to setup at other tables, in the grass under the trees, etc.

Parking can be a little tricky at Pease Park. There is a small lot, and free parking along the street in designated areas. Please note that some families have to park farther down Kingsbury as it turns into Parkway. You are welcome to drop off your child while you look for parking.

There is a splash pad that is scheduled to be on until Halloween! So, keep in mind that your kiddo might end up getting in the water – especially if the weather is still warm. Keep those towels and extra clothes in the car for a little longer!

Commonly Used Terms

  • Check means “the king is in danger.” This means the king is in a direct line of fire from one of his opponent’s pieces. If the king were any other piece (pawn, rook, queen, bishop, or knight), it would be able to be captured on the next move.

  • Checkmate means “the king is in check and there is no way to get out of check.”

  • Stalemate means “the king is not in check and the player has no legal moves.” King cannot move himself into check (this would be an illegal move). If the king is trapped and has no moves, but the opponent also has not put the king in check, it is a stalemate.

Chess Rules The following are official rules of the United States Chess Federation.

  • Touch Move: If you touch a piece you have to move it.

  • If you touch an opponent’s piece you must capture it, if it is a legal move.

  • If you take your hand off a piece you have just moved it must stay.

  • If you need to adjust an opponent’s piece (or your own) say “Adjust” while adjusting the piece.