Blitz and Blunders Summer Open
Tuesday | June 30th | 12:15PM - 7:30PM
Spokane Valley Library
22 N Herald Rd, Spokane Valley, WA
⏱️ Why Play This Event?
Spend an afternoon competing against local players and testing your tactical skills, calculation, and decision-making in a competitive over-the-board environment. Hosted by Blitz & Blunders, this rated tournament is open to players of all ages and experience levels.
The longer time control allows for deeper strategic play while remaining approachable for newer tournament players. Whether you're looking to earn a rating, gain tournament experience, or challenge yourself against strong local competition, this event offers a welcoming and competitive tournament experience.
⏱️ Schedule
Check-in: 12:15 PM
Round 1: 12:30 PM
Round 2: 2:15 PM
Round 3: 4:00 PM
Round 4: 5:45 PM
15-minute breaks between rounds.
♟️ Tournament Details
Format: Swiss
Rounds: 4 Rounds
Time Control: G/45; d5
Entry Fee: $20
Prizes:
• 1st Place – $60 Guaranteed
• 2nd Place – Free Entry to a Future Blitz & Blunders Tournament
Location: Diana E. Zahand East Room
Requirements: Current USCF membership required. Please bring a chess set and clock if you have one.
🍔 Additional Information
Outside food and drinks are permitted in accordance with library policies.
By entering the tournament, you grant permission for event photos to be used for publicity. Participants assume all risks associated with over-the-board play.
How to get a USCF rating?
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A USCF-rated game is an official chess game recognized by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), the national governing body for chess in the United States. In rated games, players' results are used to calculate their USCF rating, which is a numerical measure of skill. Ratings allow players to gauge their progress, compete against players of similar skill levels, and participate in organized events, from local tournaments to national championships. Ratings start at 100 and go up as players win games against stronger opponents.
How to Get Started:
Join the USCF: To play in rated games, you'll need a USCF membership. You can sign up online on the USCF website. Use my affiliation number A9280179 when registering.
Learn Tournament Rules: USCF-rated games follow specific rules, such as using chess clocks, maintaining written scores, and adhering to touch-move rules (if you touch a piece, you must move it). Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you play confidently.
Find Local USCF Tournaments: You can find rated tournaments on the USCF’s tournament calendar or at your local chess club, such as Blitz and Blunders. Our club offers beginner-friendly events to help you ease into competitive play.
Play in Your First Tournament: Once you’re registered, you’re ready to compete! Beginners typically start in lower sections, which are designed to match players with similar skill levels. As you play more games, your rating will be adjusted based on your performance.