Hey Ferndale student chessplayers!
Come on down to Checkmate City!
Beginner or expert, preschool or 12th grade, you're all invited to the...

It's a drop-in, free-for-all chess tournament!

You can show up late, or leave early!

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2016 -- Play in one or all:
Battle Royale VI --- Thursday, February 11
Battle Royale VII -- Thursday, March 3
Battle Royale VIII -- Thursday, March 24 - cancelled
Battle Royale IX --- Thursday, April 14

Where at: Ferndale High School cafeteria
Also known as: Checkmate City
What time: 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Sponsored by: Ferndale HS Chess Club
Cost: Free

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Here's how it works:
Show up and register. Stay in the Wait Zone until you are paired, then go play. When your game is done, both players set up the pieces and report the result to the Pairings Table, where you'll be quickly paired again. Score 3 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, 1 point for a loss. Highest scorer at 8:15pm is the Battle Royale Grand Champion!

BATTLE ROYALE FAQ

What tournament rules are being used?
Touch move -- if you touch a piece, you must move it. If a clock is available, each side gets 15 minutes, with a five second delay. After 7:45, Game/10 with delay. Move the pieces and press the clock with the same hand. Notation is not required. Games are unrated.

How are pairings determined?
Players are paired as soon as possible, with whomever is available. You can't play the same player twice in a row. Players with similar scores will be paired if possible. Elementary school players will not be paired with high schoolers. First graders and younger will not be paired with middle schoolers.

Who gets the white or black pieces?
Colors are determined by "pawn pick", that is, one player hides a white pawn in one hand, black pawn in the other, hands out front, then the other player picks a hand.

Will there be individual and team awards?
The Battle Royale Grand Champion will get his name on the Green Victory Plate, and receive a medal. The top five scores from a single school will determine the school's team score, and the highest scoring school will get a Sweet Prize and their name on the rotating Checkered Flag Award.

What's the full Battle Royale schedule?
6:30 -- Registration opens.
6:45 -- Announcements, then games begin.
8:05 -- Official pairings cease. Finished players can play speed or bughouse until 8:20.
8:15 -- Alarm or bell rings at 8:15 sharp, Battle Royale ends.
Unfinished or unreported games will not count. Results are calculated.
8:20 -- Awards ceremony.
8:25 -- Everyone, help put gear away, thanks!
8:30 -- Done.

Can I take a break in the middle of a Battle Royale?
Sure, just tell the pairings table. Your pairings card will be set aside. Check back in when you wish to resume play.

What if a problem or question comes up in my game?
Tell your opponent "I'm calling a judge", pause the clock, raise your hand and a floor judge will assist. You can also yell "Judge!" if you need to.

What do I do when a game is over?
First, make double sure you both agree on the result. Second, shake hands and set up the pieces. Then you report the result together at the Pairings Table.

About the Touch Move rule ... what if I accidentally knock over a piece?
The touch move rule does not apply if you accidentally touch a piece, for example, if you brush a piece with your sleeve. But if you put your fingertips on it, you must move it. If you wish to adjust a piece that's off center, you may do so on your turn only by first saying "I adjust", or "J'adoube".

If I'm walking towards the Pairings Table when the 8:15 bell rings, will you count my game?
No, sorry. You must be at the table before 8:15.

Can we agree to a quick draw?
No. If two players play a good, long, hard game of chess that ends up a draw, it makes sense that such an epic battle should earn points for each player. Agreeing to quick draws just for points is poor sportsmanship, and will not be allowed. If you want to offer a draw because you feel the position justifies it, ask a floor judge for permission first. Similarly, deliberately resigning to help your opponent or any form of point manipulation or coercion will result in a SLAP. (Severe Lasting Authoritarian Punishment.)

Hey, I'm in elementary school, and I want to play high schoolers. May I?
Young padawan, you must earn the privilege. When an elementary school student wins a Battle Royale, that player is Promoted and can be paired with high school players in future Battle Royales.

For further information, or to volunteer to assist, email Randy.Kaech@ferndalesd.org.