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Events Rules

Dual-Rated Events – New Time Control

Our Dual-Rated events that count towards USCF Regular and Quick ratings have had their time controlĀ reduced from G/40; d15 to G/30; d15.

This means that it is no longer 40 minutes base time, but 30 minutes. We are making the change to shorten up these events, as the 2nd round depends on the 1st round’s results and the last event went longer than usual.

They will still be “close ratings” meaning that you will play someone close to your rating in the first round guaranteed. In the second round, we pair by the first round results (win/lose/draw) but also try to keep the ratings close as well. Unrated or provisionally rated players may be paired with rated players of similar skill as per USCF recommendations.

Categories
Rules

USCF Time Controls – Regular, Quick, Blitz… What are the Differences?

The US Chess Federation website isn’t too clear on the differences in the three time controls that show up on your page:

  • Regular
  • Quick
  • Blitz

For those used to online play and the time control categories there, the USCF time control descriptions map this way:

  • Regular = Classical
  • Quick = Rapid
  • Blitz = Blitz (minimum of 3+2, anything lower cannot be rated)

OK, that’s great. But what specific time controls correspond with these descriptions? Here’s a breakdown of what USCF Regular, Quick, and Blitz mean.