Himalayan Restaurant
Chess Tournament
Saturday, September 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM · 8265 W. Golf Road, Niles, IL 60714
Register
Official Rules & Terms
These rules are intended to provide a fair, welcoming, and well-organized single-elimination tournament for players of every age and skill level.
1. Eligibility & Registration
The tournament is open to players of all ages and skill levels. Everyone competes together in one unified bracket.
Participants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian. A parent or guardian must provide current emergency contact information.
Registration is confirmed only after the online form and $30 registration fee have been received. The fee includes the lunch buffet. Registration closes Wednesday, September 9.
2. Tournament Format
The event uses a single-elimination bracket. Winners advance; a loss eliminates the player from the main prize bracket.
Pairings, board assignments, colors, and any necessary byes will be determined by the tournament organizers.
Eliminated players are welcome to remain, enjoy lunch, watch quietly, and play casual side games in areas designated by the organizers.
3. Match Times & Breaks
The stated match time is the combined total for both players. Breaks occur between rounds and do not count as playing time.
| Stage | Total | Clock per player | Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | 25 min | 12:30 each | 5 min between rounds |
| Semifinals | 40 min | 20:00 each | 15 min before final |
| Final | 60 min | 30:00 each | No scheduled break after |
4. Attendance, Starting & Reporting Results
Players must report to their assigned board when their match is announced. Clocks may start at the scheduled time even if a player is absent.
A late player receives no additional time. A player who does not arrive before their clock expires forfeits the match.
After the game, both players should confirm the result and report it promptly to the Tournament Director or designated scorekeeper.
5. Game Results, Draws & Tiebreaks
A game ends by checkmate, resignation, time expiration, stalemate, agreed draw, or another draw recognized under standard over-the-board chess rules.
Because every elimination match must produce a winner, a drawn match is followed immediately by one blitz tiebreak with 5 minutes per player. Colors will be reversed when practical.
If the blitz tiebreak is also drawn, an Armageddon game will decide the match: White receives 5 minutes, Black receives 4 minutes, and Black advances if the game is drawn. Colors will be assigned by lot.
The Tournament Director may adjust the tiebreak procedure when necessary to keep the event on schedule. The procedure will be announced before play begins.
6. Over-the-Board Playing Rules
Standard over-the-board chess rules apply except where these event rules provide otherwise.
Touch-move applies. If a player intentionally touches one of their own pieces, they must move it if a legal move is available. If they intentionally touch an opponent's piece, they must capture it if legally possible.
A player who only wishes to straighten a piece must first say "adjust" and may do so only on their own turn.
Players must use the same hand to move a piece and press the chess clock.
7. Electronic Devices, Spectators & Fair Play
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be silenced and put away during play unless needed for an approved accessibility or medical reason.
Players may not use notes, chess apps, engines, another person, or any outside assistance.
Spectators must remain quiet and may not give advice, signal moves, react to positions, or interfere with a game.
8. Illegal Moves & Disputes
For an illegal move, clock problem, or dispute, pause the clock and call the Tournament Director immediately. Do not continue play or attempt to reconstruct the position without a ruling.
The Tournament Director may restore the position, adjust the clock, issue a warning, add or deduct time, declare a forfeit, or impose another fair remedy based on the circumstances.
Repeated, intentional, or unsporting illegal moves may result in loss of the game or disqualification.
All rulings of the Tournament Director are final.
9. Conduct, Sportsmanship & Venue Care
Players must treat opponents, organizers, restaurant employees, volunteers, and spectators respectfully.
Cheating, harassment, abusive language, intimidation, deliberate disruption, or serious unsportsmanlike conduct may result in immediate disqualification.
Players should acknowledge their opponent before and after each game and must respect all chess equipment and restaurant property.
Food and beverages must remain away from active chessboards and the tournament playing area unless organizers announce otherwise.
10. Prizes & Recognition
| First Prize | Second Prize | Third Prize |
|---|---|---|
| $300 | $150 | $50 |
Several inspirational consolation prizes will also be awarded.
Prize eligibility is subject to completion of the applicable matches, verification of results, and compliance with these rules.
11. Lunch Buffet, Allergies & Dining
The lunch buffet is included with registration.
Menu items may contain or come into contact with common allergens. Participants with allergies or dietary concerns should speak with restaurant staff before eating.
Participants are responsible for choosing foods appropriate for their dietary needs and for supervising the food choices of minors in their care.
12. Photography, Schedule Changes & Acceptance
Photography or video recording may occur during the event. Adults who prefer not to be photographed should notify organizers at check-in. A parent or guardian must provide consent for identifiable promotional use involving a minor.
The organizers may reasonably adjust pairings, board assignments, round start times, breaks, or tiebreak procedures based on attendance, delays, or other event needs. Material changes will be announced to participants.
By registering and participating, each player — and a parent or guardian when applicable — agrees to follow these rules and the rulings of the Tournament Director.