MADISON – Madison Elementary School will host the 2018 MCS Fall Scholars Chess Tournament on Sept. 29. Registration is now open for the tournament, open solely to Madison students.

Madison City Schools sponsors this contest annually at the end of September.

“This is the only tournament of the year conducted by Madison City Chess League that is closed for Madison students only,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said. “It’s also unique in that the top two elementary finishers in the Championship section in grades K-6 will be invited to train with the middle school chess teams for your feeder pattern.” 

The Championship section will offer 60-minute games played in four rounds, while the other sections (rated under 1000; rated under 500; and non-rated) offer 30-minute games played in five rounds.

Three rated sections are subdivided in increments of 500 ratings points: U500, U1000 and Championship. “More sections mean more awards this year,” Bartlett said.

The two Non-Rated sections will be K-2 and 3-6. “If you’re in grades 7-12 and unrated, you’re required to play in Rated U500 section and register for a USCF membership,” she said. “If you want to try your first rated tournament, the Under 500 section is a great section to compete in during Fall Scholars.”

Students will receive trophies for first, second and third places. The fourth- through sixth-place winners and top female will earn medals. Students must have USCF membership to compete in Rated (Championship & Under) sections.

Non-Rated will include grades K-2 and 3-6. Students in first through tenth places and top female will receive medals.

Players will gather for a mandatory meeting at 9 a.m. Round times in Championship section will be 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Round times for other sections will be 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.

“The top two elementary students in Championship Section will be invited to train with MCS middle school chess teams,” Bartlett said.

Registration fee is $20 for MCCL members. Players who aren’t members will pay $25. “You’ll need to renew your MCCL membership for 2018 to pay the reduced registration fee of $20,” Bartlett said.

Registration deadline is Sept. 26. On-site registration will not be available. For more information, visit madisonchess.com.