Rules & Regulations

Pairings and Tie Breakers

The tournament will follow a 7-round Swiss pairing system, managed by official pairing software in accordance with FIDE standards. There will be no play-off matches. In the event of equal points at the end of the tournament, final rankings will be determined using the following tie-break criteria, applied in order:

1. Direct Encounter
2. Number of Wins (including forfeits)
3. Buchholz Cut 1
4. Buchholz
5. Sonneborn-Berger
6. Toss of Coin (if all else is equal)

Pairings will be published and announced before the start of each round. It is the responsibility of all players to check their board and opponent assignments before each game.

FIDE Ratings

The Masters Category of the UWC Chess Challenge 2025 is a FIDE-rated event. All games played in this category will be submitted to FIDE and will count towards each player’s official rapid rating. As such, all participants in the Masters Category must have a valid FIDE ID prior to the event. Players without a FIDE ID will not be eligible to compete in this category.

The Amateurs Category is not FIDE-rated, and no FIDE ID is required to participate. This category is designed to provide a more casual yet structured environment for newer or non-competitive players.

Playing Venue

The UWC Chess Challenge 2025 will be held at 1207 Dover Rd, Singapore 139654 UWC South East Asia (Dover Campus).

To ensure a smooth and professional playing environment, the following venue rules will be strictly enforced:

• Spectators are not allowed in the competition area at any time. A designated Spectator Arena will be available, and all viewing must take place from there.
• No eating is allowed inside the competition area.
• Electronic devices (including mobile phones and smartwatches) are strictly prohibited inside the playing hall. Any visible, audible, or detectable device may result in immediate disqualification.
• Players who have completed their games must leave the playing area immediately and will be treated as spectators. They are not permitted to linger or observe ongoing games.

We kindly request all players, coaches, and attendees to respect these guidelines to maintain fairness and focus for all participants.

Parents

To ensure a smooth and professional tournament experience for all participants, we kindly request all parents and guardians to adhere to the following rules:

• Do not enter the playing area. Only players and tournament officials are allowed inside the competition hall.
• Spectating is only permitted in the designated Spectator Arena. Please remain in that area at all times during the rounds.
• Avoid any interaction with players during games. Offering advice, gestures, or any form of communication—intentional or not—may lead to penalties or disqualification.
• Respect the quiet environment. Chess requires concentration. Please keep noise to a minimum around the venue.
• Do not use flash photography or recording devices during active games.
  Ensure your child is aware of the rules regarding electronics, food restrictions, and post-game procedures.
• Encourage good sportsmanship—the goal is growth, not just winning.

Your cooperation helps us create a fair, focused, and enjoyable environment for all players. Thank you for your support.

Categories Differences

Awards

• The organizers reserve the right to merge or adjust player categories in the event of low turnout or uneven distribution across divisions. This is to ensure a fair and efficient tournament experience for all participants.
• Final category groupings will be confirmed and published prior to the start of Round 1. Participants affected by any adjustments will be notified in advance where possible.

Organiser

By registering for the UWC Chess Challenge 2025, all participants, parents, and guardians acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

1. Category Merging & Adjustments

The organizers reserve the right to merge, split, or adjust participant categories based on registration numbers or operational considerations. These changes are made to ensure a smooth and competitive event structure.

2. Schedule Adjustments

Round timings may be brought forward or delayed without prior notice, depending on the event’s flow and logistical needs. All participants are expected to remain flexible and ready.

3. Registration Closure

The organizers may close registration early once capacity is reached or for any other operational reason. Late entries may be accepted at the organizers’ discretion but are not guaranteed.

4. Prize Collection

All prizes must be collected on the day of the event. If not collected, they may be claimed at the Chess Grande office (39 Jalan Pemimpin, S577182) within 2 weeks. Unclaimed prizes after this period will be forfeited.

5. No Refund Policy

All registration fees are strictly non-refundable. Requests for special consideration (e.g., withdrawals or emergencies) must be emailed to getinfo@chessgrande.com, but approval is not guaranteed.

6. PDPA & Media Consent

By participating in this event, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data, including photographs and videos taken during the tournament, for event administration, publicity, and future promotion, in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) of Singapore.

7. Conduct & Compliance

The organizers reserve the right to remove any participant or spectator who breaches tournament rules or disrupts the event environment. All decisions by the Chief Arbiter and organizing committee are final.

8. Incorrect Registration Handling

If a participant registers for the Masters Category but fails to provide a valid FIDE ID, the organizers will automatically transfer the registration to the Amateurs Category without notice. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure all eligibility requirements are met before registering.