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Mr. Heisman can run a chess tournament at your home. The tournament may be a fun event with any rules you wish or can be a rated event by the US Chess Federation (USCF). Mr. Heisman is a USCF Senior Tournament Director and qualified to run rated events anywhere. 

Prizes may be awarded – the entry fee should be ~ $15 + any prize money needed to pay for prizes. The $15 pays the rating fee to the US Chess Federation and compensates Mr. Heisman for his time. A slightly lower entry fee can be used if the tournament is not going to be rated (but that is not as exciting for the players...)

In order to run a tournament, the following is helpful/necessary:

• If the event is rated, then all players must be members of (or join) the US Chess Federation. It causes the least confusion if new members join, or members whose membership has expired renew, with Mr. Heisman during tournament registration on the day of the tournament. Existing USCF members must either bring their USCF card or tear off a label from a recent USCF Magazine Chess Life to prove that their membership is current. Otherwise, they will be required to extend their membership with an additional year’s dues. Dues are currently $19/yr for Under 14, $25/yr. for 14-17, $49/yr for adults, slightly less if you join thru an affiliate like the Main Line CC.

• You should decide at least three weeks ahead of time what kind of tournament to run. For example, a swiss system can accommodate any even number of players. A round robin would also require a small number of even players, each of whom would play every other participant. So a round robin of six players requires five rounds. To calculate the total time, take the time limit for each player, multiply by two, and multiply by the number of rounds. For example, since the minimum amount of time for a rated round is G/30 for each player (one hour total), a six player round robin (five rounds) could take up to five hours without scheduled breaks (unlikely, but possible). A flyer with all the requisite information can be supplied by Mr. Heisman.

• A suitable place to play should be identified. Areas should be quiet and comfortable and there should be a "Skittles room" where players who are done their game can go and play and analyze while waiting for the other players to finish. Most apartments can accommodate a small tournament of six players.

• Players at an invitational tournament need to commit to play ahead of time. This is necessary so that not only can it be ensured there is an even number of players (so that no one sits around doing nothing), but also so that everyone knows when the players have arrived and the tournament may begin. It is a good idea to have a contingency plan to provide an even number should someone get ill or have a family emergency. About one-half hour is required to get the tournament started. Entry information includes new USCF forms for new members, renewal forms for those with expired memberships, USCF member’s ratings, USCF ID’s, and all money collected.

• In order to get all new players ratings, the tournament should have at least four rounds. NO ONE IS ELIMINATED!. Chess is played with a clock, when one is available, so each player would normally get 30 or 45 minutes, depending upon how long the tournament is set up to run.

• All tournaments will be run using the USCF rulebook. Members are encouraged, but not required, to purchase a copy. They are available from USCF (1-800-388-KING) or at the USCF website or even a local bookstore. Two important rules are: 1) A tournament game is between two players – no one may interfere for any reason – such as observing an illegal move - unless he observes a player purposely cheating (such as using a computer) where the opponent could not see, and 2) At any time a player may stop the clock if he has a legitimate question or complaint (about someone disturbing him, etc.) for the tournament director.

Mr. Heisman is a full-time chess instructor. He teaches individuals and groups, and gives exhibitions. He is a rated Master and is the PA Scholastic Coordinator. In that capacity he also helps schools set up chess programs.

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