USBCA Summer Classic - Rules of the tournament - lichess platform

Summer Classic Tournament Rules - Lichess Platform

You can navigate this document using level-three headings.

The rules consist of 17 articles.

1. Organizing Committee

The tournament is organized by the USBCA.

2. Platform and Start Date

The tournament begins on Monday, July 7, 2025, and will be played on the Lichess platform.

3. Tournament Format

Free theme, standard chess.

4. System and Tiebreaks

Swiss system, 7 rounds. Tiebreaks: Head-to-head result, Buchholz, Median Buchholz, Progressive. Each round lasts two weeks. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases (e.g., OTB events or force majeure).

5. Time Control

Single phase: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move starting from move 1.

6. Official Time and Match Days

Official time: UTC. Games must be played from the Monday following the pairing announcement.

7. Official Communication Channels

Pairings, results, and PGN files will be posted at:

• Chess-results: https://chess-results.com/tnr1212822.aspx?lan=1
• Email: usblindchess@groups.io

8. Player Agreements

Players must privately contact each other and propose a date and time between Monday and Wednesday (until 24:00 UTC) of the first week of the round. The player who fails to propose loses the right to the default time. A player who does not respond and insists on playing only at the default time will be removed from the tournament.

Rescheduled games must be reported to the Committee via official channels. Only one reschedule per game is allowed.

9. Default Match Time

If no agreement is reached, both players must connect on the final Sunday of the round at 20:00 UTC. If from different continents than America, the default time is 17:00 UTC.

10. Waiting Time and Absences

Maximum waiting time is 15 minutes.

The present player is not obliged to accept a reschedule.

If one player fails to show without prior notice, they lose. If both are absent, both lose. If one informs of their absence beforehand and the other also notifies before the scheduled time, neither needs to connect.

11. Walkover

A walkover occurs when a player doesn't show up or connects but makes no moves.

12. Win by Default

One point is awarded if:

• Lichess declares the player as winner
• The opponent fails to appear

13. Draws

Half a point is awarded if:

• Lichess declares a draw
• Players agree to a draw after move 20

If less than 20 moves (Black side), the game must continue until 20 moves are completed. Otherwise, both players lose. Exception: Claimed threefold repetition.

14. Disconnections

No penalties unless Lichess adjudicates a result.

15. Withdrawal from Tournament

A player will be withdrawn if they:

• Accumulate two walkovers
• Use engines or receive external assistance
• Fail to respond to the Tournament Director or opponent during a round
• Disrespect participants or Committee members

16. Right of Admission

The Committee may deny entry to players who:

• Were expelled from previous tournaments
• Were sanctioned for misconduct
• Abandon tournaments frequently
• Ignore messages from the Committee or opponents

17. Unforeseen Cases

Matters not covered here will be resolved according to FIDE regulations or at the discretion of the Organizing Committee and will be communicated through official channels.

End of rules, return to top

---