Format

Times

Teams should plan to arrive at the venue at 9:00am in anticipation of a 9:30am start to the first game.

Some events have modified times (eg. Many regional events start at 10am). Please check the Tournament Summary information for details.

If you are going to be running late arrangements can be made – please notify the organisers.

Games

The “Swiss Format” ensures that all students will play against players of a similar standard; we expect both beginners and experts to enjoy a fun, learning and social experience.

All players play 7 games, regardless if they win or lose.

If a player wins a game, they score 1.0 point. In the subsequent game they play against a harder opponent. If a player draws a game, they score 0.5 points. In the subsequent game they play against a similar opponent. If a player loses a game, they score 0.0 points. In the subsequent game they play against an easier opponent.

(Where possible) students from the same school will not compete against each other.

Each game will be timed, with a maximum of 15 minutes per player, per game (see Rules for Players).

Divisions

Primary competitions are open to all players from Prep – Grade 6 (Grade 7 in SA and QLD - or ages 5-12 years)
Middle Years competitions are limited to players from Grade 5 – Year 9 (ages 11-15 years)
Open Secondary competitions are available to all players from Year 7 – Year 12 (ages 13-18 years)

Your age for the current season is calculated as <current year>-<year of birth>. For schools with accelerated learning programs a student may compete in the year level they are currently in or the year level they would have been in if not in an accelerated program.