First Chess Tournament: A Practical Checklist for Parents

Before a child's first chess tournament, confirm the event format, practise the basic playing routine and agree that the goal is to complete the experience and learn. You do not need a new opening repertoire the night before. You need clear information from the organiser and a child who knows how to ask for help.

This checklist covers both online and over-the-board events. The event's published regulations determine its entry requirements and procedures. A friendly academy tournament and a rated competition may have different arrangements, so check the specific event rather than assuming they work alike.

Confirm the details before entering

• Is the event online or at a physical venue, and what is the correct reporting time and timezone?

• Which age or experience category should your child enter?

• Is a federation registration or player ID required?

• How many rounds are planned, and when is the expected finish?

• What is the time control, including any increment?

• What are the entry fee, withdrawal terms and contact details?

• Where may parents wait, and what supervision arrangements apply?

Ask what the child should bring or set up. Do not assume that every organiser supplies a board, clock, scoresheet or online account. Keep a copy of the event instructions so you can check details without relying on messages forwarded by someone else.

Practise the routine as well as the moves

Play a practice game using the event's time control if that is manageable. Make sure your child understands whose clock is running and what happens when their thinking time runs down. If the event requires move recording, ask the coach to introduce that routine beforehand.

For an over-the-board event, rehearse making a move and pressing the clock with the same hand. Discuss touch-move: intentionally touching a piece can create an obligation to move or capture it when legal. These points come from the FIDE Laws of Chess, Articles 4 and 6; ask the arbiter about the rules used at your event.

Practise asking an official for help calmly. If a child thinks an illegal move occurred or does not understand a procedure, they should call the arbiter rather than argue with the opponent or rely on a parent to decide.

For online events, test the actual setup

Check the login, device, internet connection and any camera or supervision requirements before the start. Make sure your child knows how to move a piece, promote a pawn and contact the organiser. Read the event's policy for a disconnection rather than promising that a lost connection will always be excused.

During a competitive game, parents should not suggest moves or allow engines, notes or outside advice. Official FIDE online events follow the FIDE Online Chess Regulations; other organisers should publish their own applicable fair-play rules. Resolve any permitted technical assistance with the organiser in advance.

Plan for the time between rounds

Allow time for travel, check-in or joining the online playing area. Bring water and suitable food where venue rules allow them. Check the arrangements for breaks, toilets and locating the next pairing. Children may finish games at different times, so agree where you will meet.

Keep electronic devices away from restricted areas. The FIDE Laws of Chess, Article 11.3 restrict unapproved devices during play; event rules can specify permitted storage. Ask the organiser about phones and watches before entering the playing venue.

Choose goals the child can act on

Useful goals for a first chess tournament include finding the correct board, following the playing routine, checking an opponent's threat and asking an official when unsure. Winning is enjoyable, but a result is partly determined by the opponent and the position.

Between rounds, start with a practical question such as “Would you like a break?” Save detailed analysis for a suitable time. After the event, choose one game or one remembered moment to discuss with the coach. Identify something that worked and one thing to practise next.

Build experience through suitable practice games

Project64 runs weekend online tournaments for academy students, with games revisited in class. These provide opportunities to practise competition routines from home. They should not be assumed to award a FIDE rating; ask about the status and rules of any event you join.

If your child is starting out, book a free online demo and discuss their current level. The coach can help identify the skills to practise before the next event.