Chess Tournament Checklist for Kids

Using This Checklist

This checklist is designed for young players — roughly ages 6 to 14 — and their parents preparing for a USCF-rated scholastic tournament. Review it together the night before, not the morning of.

A rushed morning adds stress. A calm, prepared morning gives your player the best possible start.

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The Night Before

Gear to Pack

• Chess clock — is it charged or do fresh batteries need to go in?
• Scorebook or score sheets
• Pencils — at least 2 or 3
• USCF membership card or write down your USCF ID
• Registration confirmation (email printout or screenshot)
• Water bottle — refillable
• Food: lunch, snacks, and something for between rounds

Clothing

• Comfortable clothes — nothing too tight or scratchy
• A layer or light jacket — tournament rooms can be cold
• Comfortable shoes — you’ll be sitting and walking a lot

Other Things to Prepare

• Check what time registration opens and what time Round 1 starts
• Know where you’re going — confirm the venue address
• Get enough sleep — aim for your normal bedtime, not later

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Morning of the Tournament

• Eat a real breakfast — don’t skip it
• Double-check the bag: clock, scorebook, pencils, water, food
• Leave early enough to arrive before registration closes
• Bring a quiet activity for waiting between rounds (a book, simple puzzles)

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At the Tournament

At Registration

• Check in with your USCF ID or membership card
• Get your section assignment (Open, U800, U1000, etc.)
• Find out where your section plays — some venues have multiple rooms
• Note the round start time and where pairings will be posted

Before Each Game

• Find your board number on the pairing sheet
• Note your color (White or Black)
• Sit down before the round starts
• Set up the clock if White has the clock responsibility (check the tournament’s rules)
• Shake hands or greet your opponent before the game begins

During the Game

• Keep score — write each move in algebraic notation
• Manage your clock — don’t forget to press it after your move
• Stay calm if you make a mistake — focus on the next move
• Don’t talk to your opponent about the game while it’s in progress
• Raise your hand if you have a question for the tournament director

After Each Game

• Shake hands and thank your opponent regardless of the result
• Report the result to the TD if required
• Eat and drink something
• Take a short break before reviewing the game (if you do at all during the event)

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The Most Important Rules to Remember

Touch-move: If you touch a piece, you must move it (if a legal move exists). Think before you touch.

Clocks: After making your move, press the clock with the same hand you used to move the piece. Don’t slam the clock.

Quiet: No talking during games unless to offer a draw, claim a draw, or call the TD.

Questions: If something unusual happens — your opponent makes an illegal move, the clock is wrong, or you’re not sure what to do — raise your hand and wait for the tournament director. Don’t try to resolve it yourself.

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Common Mistakes Young Players Make

Forgetting to press the clock. It happens. Develop the habit of pressing immediately after every move.

Touching pieces without thinking. Take a second before reaching for any piece. Look at your move first, then touch.

Getting upset visibly after a loss. It’s hard. But staying composed is part of playing in tournaments. Walk away from the board calmly, even when it stings.

Running out of food or water. Hunger affects focus. Make sure the bag has enough for the whole day.

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For Parents

Your job at a tournament is logistics and support — not coaching. Don’t analyze games between rounds unless your child asks and has clearly settled down emotionally. Don’t hover near the playing area if it’s restricted.

Have a plan for the day that doesn’t depend on watching every game. Bring something to keep yourself occupied. Check in on your player’s energy and food intake, and encourage them to rest and eat between rounds rather than immediately diving into post-game analysis.

The result matters less than you might think in the long run. How your player handles wins, losses, and the full day of competition is what shapes them as a tournament chess player.

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Related: What to Bring to a Chess Tournament | How to Prepare the Night Before