This page has the short answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions we get regarding chess tournaments.

Q: What is an “Over-the-Board” Tournament?
A: An Over-the-Board (OTB) tournament is one to which players travel and play – as opposed to internet play or correspondence chess (by mail or email). A listing of USCF-rated tournaments across the country is included with each issue of Chess Life and is also offered on our website, Tournaments.

Q: What should I take with me to an “Over-the-Board” Tournament?
A: The tournament life announcement, also known as a "TLA", may state that sets and boards are provided. If not, you should bring a standard sized chess set and board. If you have a chess clock, you should bring it, although you may be able to borrow one at the tournament if your opponent also does not have a clock. For a catalog of chess equipment, please visit USCF Online Store. You should also bring your USCF ID card to show to the tournament organizer. If you are not already a member of the USCF, call ahead and see if you can join on site. If not, you can join the USCF online by going to Join online.

Q: After I become a USCF member and play in a USCF rated event, will I get a chess rating?
A: Yes. The organizer of the event will send the results to USCF and a rating will be calculated. You can request a copy of the USCF Rating flier for over-the-board and correspondence chess from USCF. Your chess rating(s) will appear on your mailing label on your magazine after certain rating criteria is met. You can also view your rating and history in our Member Services Area (MSA).

Q: Can I achieve a title?
A: USCF awards two titles for over-the-board play, National Master which is obtained by reaching a 2200 USCF rating after 26 games and Life Master is obtained by playing 300 games at 2200 or higher. In Correspondence Chess after 25 games you are Established and if your rating is: 2000-2199 the title is Candidate Master, 2200-2399 is Master and 2400+ is Senior Master.

Q: Where can I go in my area to play chess?
A: USCF provides listings of chess clubs for all regions of the United States, free. Please check our Club directory.

Q: Can my chess club organize a USCF-rated tournament?
A: Yes, it's easy! Simply request a copy of USCF's free pamphlet, "Step-by-step Brochure on Running Your First Tournament." Please be sure to include your mailing address with your request. Or check the online version offered in our Brochures & Forms area.

Q: How can my club advertise our USCF rated event?
A: USCF rated events run by affiliates can be advertised inChess Life. Please contact USCF ([email protected]) for prices for placing ads for your event. The ad area of Chess Life is also referred to as, "Tournament Life Announcements" (TLA's). This directory is also available online at: Tournaments.

Q: How does my chess club bid on a USCF National Event?
A: All USCF affiliates are encouraged to submit proposals to host USCF National Events. You can contact Joan DuBois ([email protected]) or Diane Reese ([email protected]) for more information. We offer our Bidding Brochure online at: Tournaments.

Q: I'm unable to travel to over-the-board chess tournaments. What does USCF offer for me if I join?
A: USCF has a Correspondence Chess program which offers rated chess events played using the post office or the Internet. Additional details can be found in our Correspondence Chess area.

Q: Is a tournament prize ever large enough that the tournament directors must withhold tax and/or report to the IRS? Are entry fees tax deductible only if they offset winning?
A:The USCF cannot offer tax advice.
For events run by the USCF, I am told that players who win $600 or more have to give their social security number for tax reporting purposes, and that $600 may be cumulative for prizes won over a calendar year. Correct. It is cumulative for prizes paid by the same organizer.

Those who are not US residents probably have to have taxes withheld from their checks. Bill Goichberg may be more familiar with that, since he gets quite a few foreign players in the World Open, so I'm copying him on this note. 30% is withheld from players who have no taxpayer ID number. Some of the foreign GMs have established such numbers to avoid this.

I don't know if entry fees would be deductible, and these are questions you should ask your tax advisor. I believe that all expenses (entry fees, travel, hotel, maybe even chess books or computers) are deductible for chess professionals, but a tax advisor can tell you how to qualify as a professional. - Bill Goichberg