Maryland Chess Association
1st Annual Capital-Region Scholastic Championship
Hampton Inn and Suites Dulles
22700 Holiday Park Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
Sunday, September 14th at 10 am
Register here: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7146
Note about special rules for pairings:
This tournament will feature Monrad pairings, which is a variation on Swiss pairings that reduces mismatches. The use of Monrad pairings eliminates the need for multiple sections as players are often paired against closely related opponents, especially in early rounds. To read more about Monrad Swiss pairings, visit Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss-system_tournament#Monrad_system Because we are using Monrad pairings, which are better at reducing mismatches, there are no separate K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12 sections. Instead, there is just one section for everyone. There are still grade-based prizes, so make sure to include your
Advantages of Monrad Pairings:
- Fewer mismatches, more games against closely-rated opponents
- Eliminate need for multiple sections
- Anyone can win the tournament (lower-rated players are more likely to play each other, which means that anyone has a chance to win)
- Less playing down (higher-rated players are less likely to have to play down)
Tournament Information
- Register at this link: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7146
- Four rounds: first round at 10 am, subsequent rounds occur as soon as possible
- One section: Monrad pairings reduce mismatches, eliminating the need for separate K-3, K-5, K-8, and K-12 sections (see note above)
- Time control: Game in 25 minutes with a 5-second delay (US Chess regular and quick rated)
- Entry fee: $35 by 8/31, $40 by 9/7, $45 by 9/13, $50 on 9/14 (on-site registration closes 30 minutes before round 1)
- Boards and pieces will be provided for all players, but we don’t have enough clocks for everyone (those who have clocks are welcome to bring them)
- This tournament is US Chess rated, so an active US Chess membership is required. Click here to join the US Chess Federation for the first time or to renew an inactive membership: https://new.uschess.org/user/login?destination=/form/membership
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Click here to show mail address with any questions
How to Register
Register here: https://caissachess.net/online-registration/index/7146
PRIZES
Trophies for 1st through 5th in each section, plus special prizes for the 1st place winner in each section!
NOTE: To be eligible for grade-based prizes, make sure to include your child's grade in the "Grade" field when registering.
| Place | Category | Prize |
| 1st | Place Prize | Trophy & Free Entry into a 2025 DMV Online Holiday Camp* |
| 2nd | Trophy | |
| 3rd | Trophy | |
| 4th | Trophy | |
| 5th | Trophy | |
| 1st | Top Grade 6-8 | Trophy & Free Entry into a 2025 DMV Online Holiday Camp* |
| 2nd | Trophy | |
| 3rd | Trophy | |
| 4th | Trophy | |
| 5th | Trophy | |
| 1st | Top Grade 4-5 | Trophy & Free Entry into a 2025 DMV Online Holiday Camp* |
| 2nd | Trophy | |
| 3rd | Trophy | |
| 4th | Trophy | |
| 5th | Trophy | |
| 1st | Top Grade K-3 | Trophy & Free Entry into a 2025 DMV Online Holiday Camp* |
| 2nd | Trophy | |
| 3rd | Trophy | |
| 4th | Trophy | |
| 5th | Trophy |
*Note: For trophies, ties will be broken using standard US Chess tiebreaks. In the event of a tie, the free camp prizes will be determined by tiebreaks. If multiple players get a perfect score, each of them will receive a free online camp entry.
Venue Information/Logistics
- PARKING: The hotel has plenty of free parking.
- Free water will be provided for attendees.
- There is no scheduled lunch break, but there is almost always time for players to have food between games. There aren't any scheduled round times--rounds will occur as soon as possible.
- See below for information about sleeping rooms if traveling from out of town.