Improvers' Marathon: Round 4 Pairings are now published!

Dear Improvers,

The Round 4 pairings were published last night. You have until Sunday, March 22, end of the day to play your game.

As always, if you notice any errors in previous rounds, please use the Google form to let me know. I don't check the comments below or the DMs. Google Form helps me to keep track of requests and reports, and helps me to stay accountable  

Also, please make every effort to play your game. It's great to see fewer and fewer forfeits  

TWO IMPORTANT POINTS:

1) I kindly ask all Marathon players to update their settings to allow friend requests and/or DMs. Makes it much easier for players to connect  

2) Please read this announcement carefully, as it contains important information and it should answer most of your questions.

Important links:

• Standings & Pairings are posted in this Google Sheet.
• Any requests must be submitted via this Google Form. No DMs or emails, please! I have volunteers helping me, so all requests need to be done via this form!

Event Format:

• 5 rounds, Swiss-system
• Each round lasts about 2 weeks: you have those 2 weeks to contact your opponent and play your game.
• Time control: 60 minutes with a 10-second increment per each move!
• Rated games only please! If you don't like rated games, this tournament isn't for you.

Rules:

1. Pairings are posted on Monday (Pacific Time zone) or soon after! You have a few days to arrange a time to play with your opponent. If your opponent does not respond by the end of the weekend, submit a report via the Google Form. You will receive a full point (forfeit win) for that round.

2. If your opponent responded, but you did not find time to play, please also submit via the Google Form. 

3. Games must be played by the end date of each round (Sunday, next week).

4. Do NOT change your username, please!

5. We will not repair or update pairings.

6. Byes: Sections that have an odd number of players, there will be one player who won't get an opponent. That player will receive a so-called assigned bye, which is a full point for that round. Once you receive a full point bye, you can not receive another one in this tournament. Check back for the next round.

After the game: Players must submit the results of their game via the Google Form.

Steps for a Successful Tournament:

1. Update your settings to allow DMs from any user.

2. How to find your pairing:
Open the Google Sheet and use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) to search for your username.
If you say you can't find your name on the list, but you are there, you surprise me with a coffee Deal?

3. Send a friend request to your opponent, then DM them with your availability. Use chat for faster coordination.
Note: If you are unable to send a DM or add them as a friend, please post/check in this dedicated Forum.

4. Show up at your agreed time!  

5. Send a challenge:

• Go to www.chess.com/play/online
• Click Opponent, enter your opponent’s username in the Search box.
• Click on Custom Challenge
• Click on the down arrow next to the 3 mins (Blitz) to open up more time controls, and scroll down to More Time Controls and type in: 60 mins and 10-second increment.
• Choose your color, and make sure the game is rated.
• Click on Start Game or Share the challenge link with your opponent.

Here is a quick demo video on how to issue a challenge. 

Fair Play reminder: All games will be submitted to the Fair Play Team for screening. Do not use any outside assistance or engines, play honestly, and enjoy the challenge!

Schedule Overview:

• Round 1: Jan 26 - Feb 8
• Round 2: Feb 9 - Feb 22 
• Round 3: Feb 23 - Mar 8
• Round 4: Mar 9 - Mar 22
• Round 5: Mar 23 - Apr 5

Any questions, please submit them via the Google Form.

Thank you, and have fun playing your Round 2 game!