Chess.com Official Event Rulebook Archive

CHESScom

Updated: Nov 22, 2023, 9:35 AM | 0 | Other

In this article, you can find the archive of official rules for all Chess.com events with prize money. Use the table of contents below to jump to a specific event. All prize money events are also subject to the Chess.com Competitive Events Policy and the Fair Play Policy.

For the current rules for upcoming or ongoing events, please see the Chess.com Event Rulebook.

Definitions
Speed Chess Championship 2022
Puzzles World Championship 2023
Pro Chess League 2023
Bullet Brawl (January through June 2023)
Arena Kings: Purple Reign 2023
Olympic Esports Series 2023
Speed Chess Championship 2023
Women's Speed Chess Championship
I’m Not a GM Speed Chess Championship 2023
Junior Speed Chess Championship 2023
Bullet Chess Championship 2023
ChessPunks Champs 2023

Definitions

Arena - Tournament play consisting of continuous matches for a pre-determined window of time, during which players will be repeatedly paired against each other based on the results of previous games in the Arena.

Color - White or black pieces in the context of chess.

Computer Inspection - A fair play measure in which a player must share their screen and task manager (PC) or activity monitor (Mac) on a video conference call.

Environment - The physical space that a player is playing from.

Environment Inspection - A fair play measure in which a player may be requested to show tournament officials the layout and contents of the player’s environment using a camera.

FIDE Title - Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), Candidate Master (CM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Woman International Master (WIM), Woman FIDE Master (WFM), or Woman Candidate Master (WCM).

Game - A single game of chess played on Chess.com between two players.

Match - Tournament play between two players that may involve multiple games.

National Title - National Master (NM)

Non-Titled Player - A player not recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE title or national title.

Physical Inspection - A fair play measure in which a player may be requested to 1) remove any glasses or eyepieces and show them to tournament officials using a camera; and/or 2) turn their head to one side, brush their fingers over their ear, and then repeat this process for the other side.

Single Elimination Bracket - Tournament play where players compete in matches, advance through a bracket, and will not be eligible to move forward if they lose one match in the bracket.

Swiss - Tournament play which consists of several rounds of games or matches, during which players will be paired against each other based on the results of previous games/matches in the Swiss.

Time Control - The total amount of time allocated to each player to make all of their moves during a game of chess. Time Controls are formatted as X+Y, where X is the initial amount of minutes on each player’s clock, and Y is the number of seconds added to a player’s clock when a move is played by that player.

Titled Player - A player recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE title or national title.

Tournament Official - Any Chess.com employee, or any other individual otherwise employed or contracted for the purpose of administration or operations of an event.

Speed Chess Championship 2022

Schedule

The Speed Chess Championship (SCC) consists of two qualifier events (each, a "Qualifier") and a knockout stage ("SCC Main Event"). The SCC schedule is as follows:

Date (2022)	Event	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
Nov 10	Qualifier 1 - Swiss	5 a.m.	8 a.m.	14:00	18:30
Nov 11	Qualifier 1 - Knockout	5 a.m.	8 a.m.	14:00	18:30
Nov 12	Qualifier 2 - Swiss	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30
Nov 13	Qualifier 2 - Knockout	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30
Nov 21 - Dec 23	SCC Main Event	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

Tournament Format

Qualifiers

Players will first be entered into the Qualifier stage for which they are registered. Players may participate in up to two Qualifiers, each of which consists of a “Swiss Phase” and a “Knockout Phase”. The top eight players from the Swiss Phase will advance to the Knockout Phase, which is a single elimination bracket. Players that have been extended invitations to the SCC Main Event or have already won a Qualifier are ineligible to participate in Qualifiers.

Swiss Phase

In the Swiss Phase, players will compete in a Swiss tournament with 14 rounds with a 3+1 time control. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top eight Players from the Swiss phase based on points will advance to the Knockout Phase. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the score of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent, minus the lowest opponent score
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
Points earned in games between tied players
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Number of game wins with black
Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the Tournament, with the lowest rating removed
Player Chess.com ratings immediately after the tournament

Knockout Phase

The Knockout Phase is a single elimination bracket with the top eight players from the Swiss phase. Matches will consist of two games with a 5+1 time control, four games with a 3+1 time control, and eight games with a 1+1 time control. Players will alternate colors between all games of the match. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. A match ends when a player reaches 7.5 points, at which time that player has won the match.

Knockout Phase Tiebreakers

In the quarterfinals and semifinals, if neither player reaches 7.5 points, additional games with 1+1 time control will be played, alternating colors from the last game of the match. The first player to win a game wins the match. If neither player reaches 7.5 points in the finals, four additional games with a 1+1 time control will be played, with players alternating colors. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The match ends when a player reaches 2.5 points in this tiebreaker, at which time that player has won the match. If neither player reaches 2.5 points, a single game of “Armageddon” will be played, as described in the next section.

Armageddon

If a game of Armageddon is to be played, each player will, in secret, communicate a “bid”, meaning the amount of time that each player is willing to play with the black pieces, to tournament officials. The player with the lower bid will play with the black pieces and begin the game with an amount of time equivalent to his/her bid. The other player will play with the white pieces and begin the game with 5 minutes. No additional time will be added to either Player’s timer during the game. The player that wins the Armageddon game wins the match. If the game is drawn, the player with the black pieces will be considered the winner of the match.

SCC Main Event

The SCC Main Event is a single elimination bracket with 14 players that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and two players that have qualified from each of the Qualifiers. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Match Format

Each Match of the SCC Main Event consists of three timed “Segments” each of which consists of continuous games and alternating colors at a specified time control.

Segment 1: 90 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 60 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 30 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Only games that have already started before the timer expires will count toward players’ scores. The player that has accumulated the most points by the time the timer expires will be the winner of the match.

Tiebreakers

If players are tied after all games in all segments have been played, four additional games with a 1+1 time control will be played, with players alternating between white and black. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The match ends when a player reaches 2.5 points in this tiebreaker, at which time that player has won the match. If neither player reaches 2.5 points, a single game of Armageddon will be played as per the procedure outlined in the section titled "Armageddon" above.

Eligibility

All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the SCC Main Event, including players who have won a Qualifier, will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.
All players must be recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE Title or National Title.

Fair Play

All players, for all matches, are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at a 45-degree angle on the mouse-hand side of the player with the player’s desk, PC, and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection.

Prizes

Up to $110,000 USD in prizes are available in the SCC. Payments will be made in United States dollars. Chess.com will award $5,000 for each SCC Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$1,000
2nd	$1,000
3rd (two players)	$700
5th (four players)	$400

Chess.com will award $100,000 for the SCC Main Event. Prizes will be awarded to participants of each match based on the winner of the match and the win percentage of each player in the match. For prizes split by win percentage, such win percentage is determined by a player’s total points accumulated in the match divided by the number of games played in the match. If a player forfeits within the last 10 minutes of the match, the win percentage will be capped at 30%.

Match	Total Prize Money (USD)	Winner Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money Split by Win Percentage (USD)
Finals	$20,000	$10,000	$10,000
Semifinals (two matches)	$12,000	$6,000	$6,000
Quarterfinals (four matches)	$6,000	$3,000	$3,000
Round of 16 (eight matches)	$4,000	$2,000	$2,000

Puzzles World Championship 2023

Schedule

The Puzzles World Championship (PWC) consists of Puzzle Rush Royale and Puzzle Battle KO as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
Jan 12	Puzzle Rush Royale	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00	22:30
Jan 13	Puzzle Battle KO	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00	22:30

Tournament Format

Puzzle Rush Royale

During Puzzle Rush Royale, all players will compete in up to 5 rounds of Puzzle Rush. During each round, all players will have 30 minutes to achieve a high score in a 3-minute Puzzle Rush. All attempts started within the 30-minute window will be counted. Players may abort attempts at any time. At the end of each round, players will be ranked for that round based on the highest score achieved during that round. If two or more players achieve the same highest score within a round, the following tiebreakers will be applied, based on the attempt in which the highest score was achieved:

Highest streak
Highest rating puzzle solved
Average time per puzzle

After each round, players will either be eliminated from further rounds or advance to the Puzzle Battle KO stage, according to the table below. Eight players in total will advance to Puzzle Battle KO.

Round	Players Eliminated	Players Advanced to Puzzle Battle KO
1	All players below 20th place	None
2-5	Bottom 3	Top 2

Puzzle Battle KO

Puzzle Battle KO is a double elimination bracket with the eight players that advanced to Puzzle Rush Royale, with seeding based on the round they qualified. All matches will be played in Puzzle Battle, with the winners bracket being best-of-8 games and the losers bracket being best-of-4 games. Grand Finals will be best-of-8 games, with a second set, if necessary, being best-of-4 games. If both players achieve the same score in a Puzzle Battle, the player with less strikes will win the game. If both players have the same number of strikes, the game will be a draw. If a match is tied after all games are played, the player that scored more cumulative points across all games of the match will be the winner.

Eligibility

All players must be approved by Chess.com to participate in the event.
Players may apply to participate in the event by submitting a live-streamed video clip of themselves achieving a 5-minute Puzzle Rush score of at least 50. The score must be achieved and submitted between January 9, 2023 at 12 a.m. CET and January 11 at 11:59 p.m. CET.
All players must live stream their participation in Puzzle Rush Royale.

Prizes

Up to $25,000 in prizes are available in the PWC. Payments will be made in United States dollars, according to the table below:

Event	Standing	Prize Money (USD)
Puzzle Battle KO	1st	$5,000
Puzzle Battle KO	2nd	$4,000
Puzzle Battle KO	3rd	$3,000
Puzzle Battle KO	4th	$2,000
Puzzle Battle KO (2 players)	5th	$1,500
Puzzle Battle KO (2 players)	7th	$1,000
Puzzle Rush Royale (3 players)	Eliminated in round 5	$800
Puzzle Rush Royale (3 players)	Eliminated in round 4	$600
Puzzle Rush Royale (3 players)	Eliminated in round 3	$400
Puzzle Rush Royale (3 players)	Eliminated in round 2	$200

Pro Chess League 2023

Schedule

The Pro Chess League (PCL) consists of the PCL Qualifier, PCL Main Event, Arena Royale, and Playoffs, as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	Start Time (PT)	Start Time (CET)
February 1	PCL Qualifier - Swiss	8:00 a.m.	17:00
February 2	PCL Qualifier - Knockout	8:00 a.m.	17:00
February 14-17	PCL Main Event - Week 1	7:30 a.m.	16:30
February 21-24	PCL Main Event - Week 2	7:30 a.m.	16:30
February 28 - March 3	PCL Main Event - Week 3	7:30 a.m.	16:30
March 8-10	PCL Main Event - Week 4	7:30 a.m.	16:30
March 16-17	PCL Main Event - Week 5	7:30 a.m.	15:30*
March 24	Arena Royale	8:00 a.m.	16:00*
May 11-12	Playoffs - Quarterfinals	6:30 a.m.	15:30
May 13-14	Playoffs - Semifinals & Finals	6:30 a.m.	15:30

* Note: Due to Daylight Savings Time, the time will be an hour earlier in India and China from March 12, and for Week 5 and Arena Royale in Europe.

Player Eligibility & Team Rosters

Team Personnel

Team "Rosters, defined as all individuals representing or supporting a team in the PCL, consist of the following personnel:

Player: Competes in any competition in connection with the PCL (PCL Qualifier, PCL Main Season, Arena Royale, and PCL Playoffs).
Manager: Represents a team for all official decisions and serves as the main point of contact for the team. A manager may also serve as a player.
Team Staff: Any personnel that is not a player.

Roster Requirements

Each team roster must have exactly one manager.
Each team roster is required to have a minimum of four players and a maximum of ten players.
Each team roster is required to have one "junior," defined as an individual born in the year 2003 or later.
Each team roster is required to have two women, defined as an individual recognized by Chess.com as appearing in any FIDE Women’s rating list.
All team staff must be officially declared and approved by Chess.com.
All players are subject to Chess.com approval before they may join a roster.
An individual may not simultaneously be part of more than one team roster.

Roster Changes

As long as the requirements listed above are met, managers may add players to a team roster only until February 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm CET.
A player may be removed from a roster unless that player has played at least one game in any competition in connection with the PCL (PCL Qualifier, PCL Main Season, Arena Royale, and PCL Playoffs). A player that participated in the Qualifier, but did not qualify, is eligible to be added to any team roster.
If a player is removed from a roster, that player may then join a different team's roster only with approval from Chess.com.

Player Requirements

All players must be approved by Chess.com.
All players will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com.
All players must be 13 years or older by February 1, 2023.

Team Lineups

For each competition in the PCL Qualifier, PCL Main Event, or PCL Playoffs, each team will participate with a “lineup” consisting of exactly four players from their roster, at that team’s sole discretion. The four players in each lineup will be designated as "Board 1", "Board 2", "Board 3", and Board 4", in order of their rating, highest to lowest (November 1, 2022 FIDE Standard). Lineups must be designated in advance and submitted to Chess.com by 11:59 pm CET on the Friday prior to each week, for teams playing on Tuesday or Wednesday, and by 11:59 pm CET on the Sunday prior to each week, for teams playing on Thursday or Friday. Teams may incur time penalties for lineup submissions or changes after the respective deadlines.

Lineup Requirements

All Lineups must adhere to the following requirements:

Total rating cap of 10200 (2550 average per player)
- All ratings in the PCL will be based on the November 2022 FIDE Standard list
- Players rated over 2700 count as 2700 toward the cap
- Women rated over 2350 count as 2350 toward the cap
- All players, regardless of rating, count as a minimum of 2200 toward the cap
All Lineups must contain at least one woman
For the Playoffs, all players in a team's lineup must have been on that team's roster prior to their first match in the PCL Main Event, or must have played at least one match in the PCL Main Event.

If a team is unable to field an eligible lineup, such team may, with approval from Chess.com, use a substitute player that is not on any other team roster. Substitutes may not be rated higher than 2500, based on the November 1, 2022 FIDE Standard rating list. If a team's lineup contains a substitute, that lineup will be subject to a total rating cap penalty of 100.

Team Relationships

These rules do not govern relationships between or among players and/or team staff on a team. The terms of relationships on teams are left to each of the teams and their rosters. However, disputes and conduct between team members may be grounds for disciplinary action for the team or any of its team members, as determined by Chess.com in its sole discretion.

League & Tournament Format

PCL Match Format

A match between two teams consists of four rounds, in which each player from a team's lineup plays a game with each player from the opposing team's lineup. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss for their respective team. All games will be played with a 10+2 time control and the first team to 8.5 points wins the match. The following table lists the head-to-head pairing methodology for each match. The player listed first in each pairing plays white.

Round	Game 1	Game 2	Game 3	Game 4
Round 1	Team B: Board 4 vs. Team A: Board 1	Team B: Board 3 vs. Team A: Board 2	Team A: Board 3 vs. Team B: Board 2	Team A: Board 4 vs. Team B: Board 1
Round 2	Team A: Board 1 vs. Team B: Board 3	Team A: Board 2 vs. Team B: Board 4	Team B: Board 1 vs. Team A: Board 3	Team B: Board 2 vs. Team A: Board 4
Round 3	Team B: Board 2 vs. Team A: Board 1	Team B: Board 1 vs. Team A: Board 2	Team A: Board 3 vs. Team B: Board 4	Team A: Board 4 vs. Team B: Board 3
Round 4	Team A: Board 1 vs. Team B: Board 1	Team A: Board 2 vs. Team B: Board 2	Team B: Board 3 vs. Team A: Board 3	Team B: Board 4 vs. Team A: Board 4

Tiebreaks

If a match is tied 8-8 in any match other than the Finals, round 4 will be repeated with swapped colors and a 3+2 time control. If the match is still tied, colors will be swapped again and another round will be played with a 3+2 time control. If still tied, this process will be repeated with a 1+2 time control. This process, with 1+2 time control, will then repeat until there is a decisive result.

If a match is tied 8-8 in the Finals, a "ladder tiebreaker" will be played. Board 4s will swap colors from round 4 and play one game. The losing player of this game will be eliminated and the winning player in this game will then play Board 3 from the opposing team with colors swapped. This process will be repeated, with each team using Board 3, Board 2, and Board 1 in that order until all players from one team are eliminated. The other team wins the match. If a game is drawn, both players are eliminated, except in the case of Board 1 vs. Board 1, in which case colors are swapped and another game is played. The time control for all tiebreak games is 3+2, unless Board 1 vs. Board 1 draws twice, in which case they will play at a time control of 1+2 until a winner is decided.

PCL Qualifier

Teams may register to compete in the PCL Qualifier, which consists of a Swiss Phase and a Knockout Phase. The top four teams from the Swiss Phase will advance to the Knockout Phase, which is a single elimination bracket. If 8 or fewer eligible teams register for the Qualifier, the Swiss Phase may be removed. Teams that have been extended invitations to the PCL Main Event are ineligible to participate in the Qualifier.

Lineups

Lineups in the PCL Qualifier must meet the requirements listed above under "Lineup Requirements". Lineups must additionally have a minimum average rating of at least 2400 (based on November 1, 2022 FIDE Standard).

Swiss Phase

In the Swiss Phase, four players from each team will compete in a Swiss tournament with 9 rounds with a 10+2 time control. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The four teams with the highest cumulative Swiss score will qualify for the Knockout Phase. If two or more teams in the top four are tied, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

The sum of each player's Buchholz System (Cut 1) score, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent, minus the lowest opponent score
The sum of each player's Buchholz System score, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
The sum of each player's Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the score of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between players on tied teams
Total number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Total number of game wins with black
The sum of each player's Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the Swiss, with the lowest rating removed
The sum of each player's Chess.com ratings immediately after the Swiss

Knockout Phase

The Knockout Phase is a single elimination bracket with the top four teams from the Swiss phase. Matches will use the PCL Match Format described above. The winner of the Knockout Phase will qualify for the PCL Main Event.

PCL Main Event

The PCL Main Event is an "Elimination Swiss" competition with 15 teams that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and one team that has qualified from the Qualifier. If any teams decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Season Format

The PCL Main Event consists of five rounds, as follows:

Rounds 1-3: A 3-round Swiss with initial pairings based on player ratings and Chess.com's discretion. Following round 3, the two teams with 3 match wins will qualify for the PCL Playoffs and the two teams with 3 match losses will be eliminated.
Round 4: A continuation of the Swiss with the remaining teams. Following this round, the three teams with 3 match wins will qualify for the PCL Playoffs and the three teams with 3 match losses will be eliminated.
Round 5: A continuation of the Swiss with the remaining teams. Following this round, the three teams with 3 match wins will qualify for the PCL Playoffs and the three teams with 3 match losses will be eliminated.

Arena Royale

Arena Royale is an Arena competition with 15 teams that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and one team that has qualified from the Qualifier. Teams must participate in Arena Royale with a minimum of four players and a maximum of ten players.

Arena Royale Format

All players on each team will compete in a 2.5-hour Arena with a 3+0 time control. Players will earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Consecutive wins will be worth additional points, with the second win in a row worth 3 points and every consecutive win thereafter worth 4 points. Teams will be ranked based on the cumulative Arena score of the top four highest-scoring players on each respective team. If two or more teams are tied, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Highest individual Arena score achieved by a team.
Second-highest individual Arena score achieved by a team.
Third-highest individual Arena score achieved by a team.
The number of players that participated (played at least 10 games) from a team.

PCL Playoffs

The PCL Playoffs is a single elimination bracket with eight teams that have qualified from the PCL Main Event. Matches will use the PCL Match Format described above. There will be a 3rd place tiebreaker match.

Fair Play

All players, for all games in the PCL Qualifier (Swiss & Knockout Phase), PCL Main Event, PCL Arena Royale, and PCL Playoffs, are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to share their screen and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection at any time in any match in connection with the PCL.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the PCL. If a player chooses to live broadcast, they must either disable any live chat functionality or set to "emote-only" mode. Broadcasting of any gameplay must also have a delay of at least 60 seconds. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $150,000 in prizes are available in the PCL. Payments will be made in United States dollars and paid to the manager of each respective team. Chess.com will award $2,000 for the PCL Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$0 (Qualified for PCL Main Event)
2nd	$1,000
3rd (two teams)	$500

Chess.com will award $5,000 for Arena Royale, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$2,000
2nd	$1,500
3rd	$1,000
4th	$500

Chess.com will award $133,000 for the PCL Main Season and PCL Playoffs, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$25,000
2nd	$20,000
3rd	$15,000
4th	$10,000
5th (four teams)	$7,500
Eliminated in Week 5 (three teams)	$5,000
Eliminated in Week 4 (three teams)	$4,000
Eliminated in Week 3 (two teams)	$3,000

Following the PCL Playoffs, Chess.com will award $10,000 in total for three "MVP Awards" for three different players. These prizes are awarded at Chess.com's sole discretion, paid directly to the players selected for the MVP Award.

MVP	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$5,000
2nd	$3,000
3rd	$2,000

Bullet Brawl

Schedule

Bullet Brawl takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month, with the following schedule.

Date (2023)	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
Jan 28	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30
Feb 25	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30
Mar 25	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	18:00	22:30
Apr 22	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
May 27	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Jun 24	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Jul 22	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Aug 26	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Sep 23	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Oct 28	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	22:30
Nov 25	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30
Dec 23	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	23:30

Note: Due to Daylight Savings Time, in 2023 the time will be an hour earlier in India from March through October and in Europe on March 25.

Tournament Format

Players will compete in a 2-hour Arena with score-based pairings and a 1+0 time control.

Eligibility

Bullet Brawl is open to all Chess.com members recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE Title or a National Master Title.

Prizes

Up to $2,500 USD are available in each Bullet Brawl, as follows:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$1,000
2nd	$750
3rd	$350
4th	$200
5th	$100
Highest-ranked woman player	$100

Only players recognized by Chess.com as appearing in any FIDE Women’s rating list are eligible for the highest-ranked woman player prize.

Arena Kings: Purple Reign 2023

Arena Kings will be replaced by "Arena Kings: Purple Reign" on August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2023, beginning at 12 a.m. ET/18:00 CEST. Official Rules for Arena Kings: Purple Reign are the same as Arena Kings with the following differences:

Tournament Format

Certain players will be designated as "Challengers," meaning they:
- Are a Twitch Affiliate or Partner
- Have a most-streamed game on Twitch that is not chess (according to TwitchTracker)
Challengers are eligible for additional prizes, described below, for completing all "Missions," as follows:
- Win three games in the Arena
- Win one game with the black pieces in the Arena
- Achieve a score of at least 20 points in the Arena

Eligibility

Streamers won't be eligible for prizing unless they stream their entire participation to a Twitch account with Affiliate or Partner status for a minimum of 100 minutes.

Prizes

Up to 700 Gifted Subscriptions are available in each Arena Kings Purple Reign, with 500 Gifted Subscriptions being awarded as follows:

Standing	Gifted Subscriptions	Approximate Retail Value (USD)
1st	90	$425
2nd	65	$300
3rd	50	$250
4th	40	$200
5th	30	$150
6th-10th (5 players)	20	$100
11th-15th (5 players)	15	$75
Highest ranked U2000	10	$50
Highest ranked U1800	10	$50
Highest ranked U1600	10	$50
Highest ranked U1400	10	$50
Staff Choice Award	10	$50

Under-prizes (U2000, U1800, U1600, and U1400) are based on Chess.com blitz rating immediately at the conclusion of the Arena. The Staff Choice Award is awarded to one player based on Chess.com's sole discretion.

Up to 200 Gifted Subscriptions are available in each Arena Kings Purple Reign to Challengers. The first 30 Challengers to complete all Missions will each be awarded five Gifted Subscriptions (A.R.V. $25 USD). Fifty Gifted Subscriptions (A.R.V. $250 USD) will be awarded to the Challenger that achieves the highest standing in the Arena, provided such Challenger has not already won this prize in a previous Arena Kings Purple Reign event. In such a scenario, this prize will be awarded to the next highest placing eligible Challenger.

Olympic Esports Series 2023

Schedule

The Olympic Esports Series ("OES") consists of "Qualifiers," "Trials," the "Preliminaries" and the "OES Finals," as follows:

Event	Dates (2023)	Start Time (PT)	Start Time (CET)
Qualifiers	Apr 1-7	5 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.	14:00, 16:30, 19:00
Trials	Apr 13-16, 20-22	5 a.m. & 10 a.m.	14:00 & 19:00
Preliminaries	May 4-5	8 a.m.	17:00
OES Finals	Jun 22-25	TBD	TBD

Tournament Format

Qualifier Stage

Non-FIDE-Titled Players may register to participate in the Qualifier Stage, consisting of 14 Qualifiers. Each Qualifier is a three-hour Arena with score-based pairings and a 3+2 time control. Players will earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Consecutive wins will be worth additional points, with the second win in a row worth 3 points and every consecutive win thereafter worth 4 points. Players will be ranked by total points. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Most consecutive game wins
Total game wins
Fewest game losses

Titled Players or players that have already placed third or better in a previous Qualifier are ineligible to participate in additional Qualifiers.

Trials Stage

Titled Players and players that placed third or better in any Qualifier may register to participate in the Trials Stage, consisting of 14 Trials. Each Trial begins with an 11-round Swiss with a 3+2 time control. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top four ranked players will advance to a single elimination bracket.

Matches in the bracket will consist of two games with a 3+2 Time Control. The higher-seeded player will begin with the white pieces, and colors will be swapped after each game. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. If Players are tied after both games are played, a single game of “Armageddon” will be played, as described below. The winner of each Trials event will qualify for the Preliminaries Stage.

Swiss Tiebreakers

If two or more players are tied in total points in a Qualifier or Trials Swiss, the following tiebreakers will be applied. For the purposes of calculating any such tiebreakers, forfeits and withdrawals will count as losses.

Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent minus the lowest opponent score
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the score of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between tied players (two-way ties only)
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Number of game wins with Black
Average rating of opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the tournament, with the lowest rating removed
Player Chess.com ratings immediately after the Tournament

Armageddon

If a game of Armageddon is to be played, each player will communicate to Tournament Officials a “bid” via a private message. The bid is the amount of time that the player is willing to play with having the color of choice. The maximum allowable bid is equal to the specified "base time" of the Armageddon game. The player with a lower bid will have the choice of color and begin the game with an amount of time equivalent to their bid. The other player will begin the game with the base time. If the bids are tied, those bids will be discarded, and players will submit another bid. Armageddon games are played with no increment. The player that wins the Armageddon game wins the set. If the game is drawn, the player with the black pieces will be considered the winner of the set.

Preliminaries Stage

The Preliminaries stage features 2 players that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and 14 players that have qualified from the Trials. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible by Chess.com, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com. The Preliminaries stage consists of five rounds, as follows:

Rounds 1-3: A three-round Swiss with initial pairings based on player blitz ratings. Following round three, the two players with three match wins will qualify for the OES Finals, and the two players with three match losses will be eliminated.
Round 4: A continuation of the Swiss with the remaining players. Following this round, the three players with three match wins will qualify for the OES Finals, and the three players with three match losses will be eliminated.
Round 5: A continuation of the Swiss with the remaining players. Following this round, the three players with three match wins will qualify for the OES Finals, and the three players with three match losses will be eliminated.

Each match in the Preliminaries stage will consist of four games with a 3+2 Time Control. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. If a player reaches 2.5 points, that player will be declared the winner of the match. The higher-seeded player will begin with the white pieces, and colors will be swapped after each game. If the match is tied after all games are played, a single game of Armageddon will be played, as described above.

OES Finals

Eight players will advance to the OES Finals from the Preliminaries Stage. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible by Chess.com, the International Olympic Committee, or FIDE, additional invitations will be extended at the joint discretion of Chess.com and FIDE. The OES Finals will take place live at an in-person location in Singapore. The official regulations are available here.

Eligibility

All Chess.com members in good standing, other than FIDE Titled Players, are eligible to participate in the Qualifiers provided they have already played at least 20 games on their accounts. Players that have already placed third or better in a previous Qualifier are ineligible to participate in additional Qualifiers. Qualifier participation may be capped at 2000 per Qualifier.
To be eligible for the Trials, a player must be recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE title or have placed top three in any Qualifier. Such Qualifier players must additionally execute a player agreement with Chess.com and personally identify themselves on their Chess.com profile.
All players that participate in the Preliminaries Stage will be required to execute a player agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in forfeiture of his/her spot at Chess.com’s sole discretion.

Fair Play

In all Swiss play in the Qualifiers and Trials, players are required to join a video conference call, upon request, for monitoring by tournament officials. To abide by this request, players must share their screen and/or have video and audio turned on for one or two cameras (as requested). One camera must camera, which must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. Players might be requested a second camera, which should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

In all other play in the OES, all players are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to share their screen and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection at any time in any match in connection with the OES.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the OES. Players that choose to live broadcast must either disable any live chat functionality or set chat to "emote-only" mode. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Prizes

Chess.com will not award prizes for OES. The eight players that qualify for the OES Finals will have travel expenses paid by the International Olympic Committee to attend the OES Finals in Singapore. The International Olympic Committee will award Olympic Esports Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Speed Chess Championship 2023

Schedule

The Speed Chess Championship (SCC) consists of two qualifier events (each a "Qualifier") and a knockout stage ("SCC Main Event"). The SCC schedule is as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
Aug 21	Qualifier 1 - Swiss	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	6:30 p.m.
Aug 22	Qualifier 1 - Knockout	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	6:30 p.m.
Aug 23	Qualifier 2 - Swiss	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	10:30 p.m.
Aug 24	Qualifier 2 - Knockout	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	10:30 p.m.
Sep 4-22	SCC Main Event	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

Tournament Format

Qualifiers

Players may participate in up to two Qualifiers, each consisting of a “Swiss Stage” and a “Knockout Stage.” The top eight eligible players from the Swiss Stage will advance to the Knockout Stage, which is a double-elimination bracket. Players that have been extended invitations to the SCC Main Event or have already qualified to participate in the SCC Main Event are ineligible to participate in the Knockout Stage of Qualifiers and are ineligible to win prizes in connection with the Qualifiers, but may participate in the Swiss Stage of the Qualifiers.

Swiss Stage

In the Swiss Stage, players will compete in a Swiss tournament with 14 rounds with a 3+1 time control. There is a planned six-minute break after round 4, round 8, and round 12. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top eight eligible Players from the Swiss Stage (based on points scored) will advance to the Knockout Stage. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent minus the lowest opponent score
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the scores of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between tied players
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Number of game wins with Black
Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the Tournament, with the lowest rating removed
Players' Chess.com ratings immediately after the tournament

Knockout Stage

The Knockout Stage is a double-elimination bracket with the top eight eligible players from the Swiss Stage. The top four eligible players in the Swiss Stage will begin in the Winners Bracket, and the next four eligible players in the Swiss Stage will begin in the Losers Bracket. Matches will consist of two games with a 5+1 time control, two games with a 3+1 time control, and two games with a 1+1 time control. Players will alternate colors between consecutive games of the match. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. A match ends when a player reaches 3.5 points, at which time that player has won the match.

The Grand Final match will not be played. Instead, the two players that advance to the Grand Final match will qualify for the SCC Main Event.

Knockout Phase Tiebreakers

If neither player reaches 3.5 points, a single game of “Armageddon” will be played, as described in the next section, with a base time of five minutes.

Armageddon

If a game of Armageddon is to be played, each player will communicate to Tournament Officials a “bid” via a private message. The bid is the amount of time that the player is willing to play with having the color of choice. The maximum allowable bid is equal to the specified "base time" of the Armageddon game. The player with a lower bid will have the choice of color and begin the game with an amount of time equivalent to their bid. The other player will begin the game with the base time. If the bids are tied, those bids will be discarded, and players will submit another bid. Armageddon games are played with no increment. The player that wins the Armageddon game wins the match. If the game is drawn, the player with the black pieces will be considered the winner of the match.

SCC Main Event

The SCC Main Event is a single-elimination bracket with twelve players that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and four players that have qualified from the Qualifiers. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Match Format

Each match of the SCC Main Event consists of three timed “Segments,” each consisting of continuous games and alternating colors at a specified time control.

Segment 1: 90 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 60 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 30 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Only games that have already started before the timer expires will count toward players’ scores. The player who has accumulated the most points by the end of the last segment is the winner of the match. Players may not forfeit the match except in the last 10 minutes of the 1+1 Segment.

Tiebreakers

If players are tied after all games in all segments have been played, four additional games with a 1+1 time control will be played, with players alternating colors. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The match ends when a player reaches 2.5 points in this tiebreaker, at which time that player has won the match. If neither player reaches 2.5 points, a single game of Armageddon will be played as per the procedure outlined in the section titled "Armageddon" above, with a base time of five minutes.

Eligibility

All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the SCC Main Event, including players who have won a Qualifier, will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.
All players must be recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE Title or National Title to participate in Qualifiers.

Fair Play

In the Swiss Stage of the Qualifiers, upon request, players are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. To abide by this request, players must have video and audio turned on for one camera which must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. In the Knockout Stage of the Qualifiers and the SCC Main Event, players are required to share their screen and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection at any time.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the SCC. Broadcasting of any gameplay must also have a delay of at least 15 seconds. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $150,000 USD in prizes are available in the SCC. Payments will be made in United States dollars. Chess.com will award $2,500 for each SCC Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st (two players)	$1,000
3rd	$800
4th	$600
5th (two players)	$500
7th (two players)	$300

Chess.com will award $140,000 for the SCC Main Event. Prizes will be awarded to participants of each match based on the winner of the match and the win percentage of each player in the match. For prizes split by win percentage, such win percentage is determined by a player’s total points accumulated in the match divided by the number of games played in the match. If a player forfeits within the last 10 minutes of the match, the win percentage will be capped at 35%.

Match	Total Prize Money (USD)	Winner Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money Split by Win Percentage (USD)
Finals	$30,000	$15,000	$15,000
Semifinals (two matches)	$15,000	$7,500	$7,500
Quarterfinals (four matches)	$8,000	$4,000	$4,000
Round of 16 (eight matches)	$6,000	$3,000	$3,000

Women's Speed Chess Championship

Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2023

Schedule

The Women’s Speed Chess Championship (“WSCC”) consists of one qualifier event ("Qualifier") and a Knockout Stage ("WSCC Main Event"). The WSCC schedule is as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	PT	ET	CEST	IST
Nov 8	Qualifier - Swiss	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	7:30 p.m.
Nov 9	Qualifier 1 - Knockout	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	7:30 p.m.
Nov 13-22	SCC Main Event	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

Tournament Format

Qualifier

The WSCC Qualifier consists of a “Swiss Stage” and a “Knockout Stage.” The top eight eligible players from the Swiss Stage will advance to the Knockout Stage, which is a double-elimination bracket. Players who have been extended invitations to the WSCC Main Event are ineligible to participate in the Qualifier and are ineligible to win prizes in connection with the Qualifier.

Swiss Stage

Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent minus the lowest opponent score
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the scores of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between tied players
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Number of game wins with Black
Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the Tournament, with the lowest rating removed
Players' Chess.com ratings immediately after the tournament

Knockout Stage

The Grand Final match will not be played. Instead, the two players that advance to the Grand Final match will qualify for the WSCC Main Event.

Knockout Phase Tiebreakers

If neither player reaches 3.5 points, a single game of “Armageddon” will be played, as described in the next section, with a base time of five minutes.

Armageddon

If a game of Armageddon is to be played, each player will communicate to Tournament Officials a “bid” via private message. The bid is the amount of time that the player is willing to play with, having the color of choice. The maximum allowable bid is equal to the specified "base time" of the Armageddon game. The player with a lower bid will have the choice of color and begin the game with an amount of time equivalent to their bid. The other player will begin the game with the base time. If the bids are tied, those bids will be discarded, and players will submit another bid. Armageddon games are played with no increment. The player that wins the Armageddon game wins the match. If the game is drawn, the player with the black pieces will be considered the winner of the match.

WSCC Main Event

The WSCC Main Event is a single-elimination bracket with six players who have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and two players who have qualified from the Qualifier. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Match Format

Each match of the WSCC Main Event consists of three timed “Segments,” each consisting of continuous games and alternating colors at a specified time control.

Semifinals

Segment 1: 75 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 50 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 25 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

Final

Segment 1: 90 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 60 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 30 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

Tiebreakers

If players are tied after all games in all Segments have been played, four additional games with a 1+1 time control will be played, with players alternating colors. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The match ends when a player reaches 2.5 points in this tiebreaker, at which time that player has won the match. If neither player reaches 2.5 points, a single game of Armageddon will be played as per the procedure outlined in the section titled "Armageddon" above, with a base time of five minutes.

Eligibility

All titled women players are eligible to participate in the WSCC.
All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the WSCC Main Event, including players who have won a Qualifier, will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in the rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.

Fair Play

In the Qualifier, players are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. To abide by this request, players must have video and audio turned on for two cameras, which must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. No virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle, with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection at any time.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the WSCC. Broadcasting of any gameplay must also have a delay of at least 20 seconds. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $75,000 USD in prizes are available in the WSCC. Payments will be made in United States dollars. Chess.com will award $2,500 for the WSCC Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st (two players)	$500 + qualified
3rd	$400
4th	$300
5th (two players)	$250
7th (two players)	$150

Chess.com will award $72,500 for the WSCC Main Event. Prizes will be awarded to participants of each match based on the winner of the match and the win percentage of each player in the match. For prizes split by win percentage, such win percentage is determined by a player’s total points accumulated in the match divided by the number of games played in the match. If a player forfeits within the last 10 minutes of the match, the win percentage will be capped at 35%.

Match	Total Prize Money (USD)	Winner Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money Split by Win Percentage (USD)
Finals	$20,000	$10,000	$10,000
Semifinals (two matches)	$12,000	$6,000	$6,000
Quarterfinals (four matches)	$7,125	$3,562.50	$3,562.50

I’m Not a GM Speed Chess Championship 2023

Schedule
The I’m Not a GM Speed Chess Championship (IMSCC) consists of a Group Stage and a Knockout Stage. The IMSCC begins on October 12, 2023, and concludes on October 19, 2023. Start times for the IMSCC are as follows:

Event	Date	Start Time (PT)	Start Time (ET)	Start Time (CEST)
Group A	12-Oct	8 a.m.	11 a.m.	17:00
Group B	12-Oct	12 p.m.	3 p.m.	21:00
Group C	13-Oct	8 a.m.	11 a.m.	17:00
Group D	13-Oct	12 p.m.	3 p.m.	21:00
Semifinal 1	16-Oct	11 a.m.	2 p.m.	20:00
Semifinal 2	17-Oct	11 a.m.	2 p.m.	20:00
Final	19-Oct	11 a.m.	2 p.m.	20:00

Tournament Format

Group Stage

In the Group Stage, players will compete in 4 round-robin groups consisting of 4 players per group. Matches will consist of two games of 5+1 time control, two games of 3+1 time control, and two games of 1+1 time control. The Player with the higher Chess.com Blitz rating at the start of the event will play with the white pieces first. Players will alternate colors between consecutive games of the match. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The first player to reach 3 ½ points wins the match. If tied 3-3, a single bidding Armageddon game will be played with a base time of 5 minutes. Within each group players will be ranked by their total points. The winner of each group will advance to the Knockout Stage.

In the event of a Two-way Tie, players will be ranked according to the tiebreakers below:

Two-way Tie (1st & 2nd place)

One tiebreaker match consisting of four 1+1 games will be played. The first player to reach 2 ½ points will be the winner. If neither player reaches 2 ½ points, a single bidding Armageddon game will be played with a base time of 5 minutes

Two-way Tie (3rd & 4th place)

Game differential, calculated by subtracting total games lost from total games won, excluding Armageddon games
Direct Encounter, based on the match played between the tied players during the Group Stage

In the event of a Three-way Tie within the group, players will first be assigned a tiebreak rank according to the tiebreakers below. For a Three-way Tie between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the player with the lowest tiebreak rank will be awarded 3rd place in the group and the other 2 players will break their tie according to the Two-way Tie (1st & 2nd place) procedures above. For a Three-way Tie between 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, the players will be ranked solely by tiebreak rank. If a Three-way Tie between 2nd, 3rd, and 4th exists after exhausting all tiebreaks, the players will remain tied within the group.

Three-way Tie:

Game differential, calculated by subtracting total games lost from total games won, excluding Armageddon games
Direct Encounter, calculated by subtracting total games lost from total games won among tied players only

In the event a Three-way Tie for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd within the group is not broken by the Three-way tiebreak procedures, additional matches will be played until a winner has been decided. Each player will play one 1+1 game against the other tied players in the group until a definitive winner has been decided.

The player with the higher Chess.com blitz rating at the start of the event will be given their choice of color.

Player A - Blitz Rating 1
Player B - Blitz Rating 2
Player C - Blitz Rating 3

Playing order to be determined by Chess.com blitz rating at the start of the event.

Game 1 - Player A vs Player B
Game 2 - Player B vs Player C
Game 3 - Player A vs Player C

Game 3 will only be played if Player B has not reached 2 points at the conclusion of Game 2. If there is not a decisive winner after Game 3, the process repeats with swapped colors unless only 2 players are tied for 1st place. In the event that 2 players are tied for 1st place at the completion of the tiebreaking process, tied players will compete in one 1+1 game. This process will repeat with swapped colors until a winner has been decided. The player with the higher Chess.com blitz rating at the start of the event will be given their choice of color.

Armageddon

If a game of Armageddon is to be played, each player will communicate to Tournament Officials a “bid” via a private message. The bid is the amount of time that the player is willing to play with having the color of choice. The maximum allowable bid is equal to the specified "base time" of the Armageddon game. The player with a lower bid will have the choice of color and begin the game with an amount of time equivalent to their bid. The other player will begin the game with the base time. If the bids are tied, those bids will be discarded, and players will submit another bid. Armageddon games are played with no increment. The player that wins the Armageddon game wins the match. If the game is drawn, the player with the black pieces will be considered the winner of the match.

Knockout Stage

The Knockout Stage is a single-elimination bracket with the top four players that progressed from the Group Stage.

Match Format

Each match of the IMSCC Knockout Stage consists of three timed “Segments,” each consisting of continuous games and alternating colors at a specified time control:

Segment 1: 75 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 50 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 25 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

The Player with the higher Chess.com Blitz rating at the start of the event will play with the white pieces first. Players will alternate colors between consecutive games of the match. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Only games that have already started before the timer expires will count toward players’ scores. The player who has accumulated the most points by the end of the last segment is the winner of the match. Players may forfeit a match in the last 10 minutes of the 1+1 segment.

Tiebreaks

Eligibility

All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the IMSCC will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com Failure to execute such agreement may result in rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.

Fair Play

Players are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to screen share and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and the immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event. Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection at any time in any match.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the IMSCC. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute any "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Group Stage

Chess.com will award $6,000 for the Group Stage, according to the following table:

Match Result	Prize Money (USD)
Win	$200
Loss	$50

Knockout Stage

Chess.com will award $9,000 for the Knockout Stage, according to the following table:

Match	Total Prize Money (USD)	Winner Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money Split by Win Percentage (USD)
Final	$4,000	$2,000	$2,000
Semifinals(two matches)	$2,500	$1,250	$1,250

Junior Speed Chess Championship 2023

Schedule

The Junior Speed Chess Championship (JSCC) consists of two qualifier events (each a "Qualifier") and a knockout stage ("JSCC Main Event"). The JSCC schedule is as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
May 16	Qualifier 1 - Swiss	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	6:30 p.m.
May 17	Qualifier 1 - Knockout	6 a.m.	9 a.m.	15:00	6:30 p.m.
May 18	Qualifier 2 - Swiss	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	10:30 p.m.
May 19	Qualifier 2 - Knockout	10 a.m.	1 p.m.	19:00	10:30 p.m.
Jun 13-20	JSCC Main Event	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies

Tournament Format

Qualifiers

Players may participate in up to two Qualifiers, each consisting of a “Swiss Stage” and a “Knockout Stage.” The top eight players from the Swiss Stage will advance to the Knockout Stage, which is a double-elimination bracket. Players that have been extended invitations to the JSCC Main Event or have already qualified to participate in the JSCC Main Event are ineligible to participate in Qualifiers.

Swiss Stage

In the Swiss Stage, players will compete in a Swiss tournament with 11 rounds with a 3+1 time control. There is a planned 6-minute break after Round 4 and Round 8. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top eight Players from the Swiss Stage (based on points scored) will advance to the Knockout Stage. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent minus the lowest opponent score
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent
Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the scores of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between tied players
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents)
Number of game wins with Black
Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com blitz ratings immediately after the Tournament, with the lowest rating removed
Players' Chess.com ratings immediately after the tournament

Knockout Stage

The Knockout Stage is a double-elimination bracket with the top eight players from the Swiss Stage. The players ranked first-fourth in the Swiss Stage will begin in the Winners Bracket, and the players ranked fifth-eighth in the Swiss Stage will begin in the Losers Bracket. Matches will consist of two games with a 5+1 time control, two games with a 3+1 time control, and two games with a 1+1 time control. Players will alternate colors between consecutive games of the match. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. A match ends when a player reaches 3.5 points, at which time that player has won the match.

The Grand Final match will not be played. Instead, the two players that advance to the Grand Final match will qualify for the JSCC Main Event.

Knockout Stage Tiebreakers

If neither player reaches 3.5 points, a single game of “Armageddon” will be played, as described in the next section.

Armageddon

JSCC Main Event

The JSCC Main Event is a single-elimination bracket with four players that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and four players that have qualified from the Qualifiers. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Match Format

Each match of the JSCC Main Event consists of three timed “Segments,” each consisting of continuous games and alternating colors at a specified time control.

Segment 1: 90 minutes of Games (5+1 time control)
Segment 2: 60 minutes of Games (3+1 time control)
Segment 3: 30 minutes of Games (1+1 time control)

Tiebreakers

Eligibility

All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the JSCC Main Event, including players who have won a Qualifier, will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.
All players must be recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE Title or National Title.
All players must have been born in the year 2005 or later.

Fair Play

All players, for all matches, are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to share their screen and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player, no virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the JSCC. Players that choose to live broadcast must either disable any live chat functionality or set chat to "emote-only" mode. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $50,000 USD in prizes are available in the JSCC. Payments will be made in United States dollars. Chess.com will award $2,500 for each JSCC Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st (two players)	$500
3rd	$400
4th	$300
5th (two players)	$250
7th (two players)	$150

Chess.com will award $45,000 for the JSCC Main Event. Prizes will be awarded to participants of each match based on the winner of the match and the win percentage of each player in the match. For prizes split by win percentage, such win percentage is determined by a player’s total points accumulated in the match divided by the number of games played in the match. If a player forfeits within the last 10 minutes of the match, the win percentage will be capped at 35%.

Match	Total Prize Money (USD)	Winner Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money Split by Win Percentage (USD)
Finals	$15,000	$7,500	$7,500
Semifinals (two matches)	$8,000	$4,000	$4,000
Quarterfinals (four matches)	$3,500	$1,750	$1,750

Bullet Chess Championship 2023

Schedule

The Bullet Chess Championship (BCC) consists of three qualifier events (each, a "Qualifier") and a knockout stage ("BCC Main Event"). The BCC schedule is as follows:

Date (2023)	Event	Los Angeles	New York	Paris	Mumbai
July 6	Qualifier 1	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00	9:30 p.m.
July 7	Qualifier 2	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00	9:30 p.m.
July 7	Qualifier 3	12 p.m.	3 p.m.	21:00	12:30 a.m. (+1)
July 17-21	BCC Main Event	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00	9:30 p.m.

Tournament Format

Qualifiers

Players may participate in up to three Qualifiers, each of which consists of an “Arena Stage” and a “Knockout Stage.” The top eight players from the Arena Stage will advance to the Knockout Stage, which is a double-elimination bracket. Players that have been extended invitations to the BCC Main Event or have already qualified to participate in the BCC Main Event are ineligible to participate in the Knockout Stage of Qualifiers.

Arena Stage

In the Arena Stage, players will compete in a one-hour Arena with score-based pairings and a 1+0 time control.

Players will earn 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Consecutive wins will be worth additional points, with the second win in a row worth 3 points and every consecutive win thereafter worth 4 points. Players will be ranked by total points. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Most consecutive game wins
Total game wins
Fewest game losses

Knockout Stage

The Knockout Stage is a double-elimination bracket with the top eight players from the Arena Stage. The players ranked first-fourth in the Arena Stage will begin in the Winners Bracket, and the players ranked fifth-eighth in the Arena Stage will begin in the Losers Bracket. Matches will consist of 15 minutes of continuous games with a 1+0 time control and alternating colors. The higher seed will begin with the white pieces. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Only games that have already started before the timer expires will count toward players’ scores. The player that has accumulated the most points by the time the timer expires will be the winner of the match.

If players are tied after all games are played, players will continue to play additional games with a 1+0 time control and alternating colors. The first player to win a game wins the match.

The two players that advance to the Grand Final match will qualify for the BCC Main Event. The Grand Final match will not be played.

BCC Main Event

The BCC Main Event is a double-elimination bracket with ten players that have been directly invited to participate by Chess.com and six players that have qualified from the Qualifiers. If any players decline or are deemed ineligible, additional invitations will be extended at the sole discretion of Chess.com.

Match Format

All matches will consist of 30 minutes of continuous games with a 1+0 time control and alternating colors, except for the Winners Semifinals, Winners Final, and Grand Final (excluding Grand Final Reset) which will be 45 minutes. The higher seed will begin with the white pieces. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. Only games that have already started before the timer expires will count toward players’ scores. The player that has accumulated the most points by the time the timer expires will be the winner of the match, provided such player is ahead by at least 2 points.

If neither player is ahead by at least 2 points after all games are played, players will continue to play additional games with a 1+0 time control and alternating colors. The first player to lead by at least 2 points wins the match. If neither player achieves this win condition by the 6th additional game, the player currently in the lead after the 6th additional game will be declared the winner of the match. If the match is tied after the 6th additional game, the next player to win a game will be declared the winner of the match.

Eligibility

All players invited by Chess.com to participate in the BCC Main Event, including players who have won a Qualifier, will be required to execute a participation agreement with Chess.com. Failure to execute such an agreement may result in rescinding of the invitation at Chess.com’s sole discretion.
All players must be recognized by Chess.com as having a FIDE title or national title.

Fair Play

All players, for all matches in the Qualifier Knockout Stage or Main Event, are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. Players are required to share their screens and have two cameras. One camera must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. No virtual or blurred backgrounds are allowed. The other camera should be placed behind the player diagonally at approximately a 30-degree angle, with the player’s desk and monitors clearly visible. One camera must have audio turned on. Non-compliance may result in a player’s removal from the event.

Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection, an Environment Inspection, and/or a Physical Inspection.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in the BCC. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute the "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $100,000 USD in prizes are available in the BCC. Payments will be made in United States dollars. Chess.com will award $2,000 for each BCC Qualifier, according to the following table:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st (two players)	$375
3rd	$300
4th	$250
5th (two players)	$200
7th (two players)	$150

Chess.com will award $94,000 for the BCC Main Event, according to the table below:

Placing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$20,000
2nd	$16,000
3rd	$12,000
4th	$8,000
5th (two players)	$6,000
7th (two players)	$4,000
9th (four players)	$2,500
13th (four players)	$2,000

ChessPunks Champs 2023

Schedule

ChessPunks Champs consists of four rating-based sections, each with a “Qualifier” stage and a “Knockout” stage as follows:

Date	Event	Start Time (PT)	Start Time (ET)	Start Time (CEST)
September 16	Qualifier 1	9 a.m.	12 p.m.	18:00
September 17	Qualifier 2	9 a.m	12 p.m.	18:00
October 22	Knockouts	9 a.m	12 p.m.	18:00

Tournament Format

Players will be split into four rating sections, each of which consists of a Qualifier stage and a Knockout stage. A player’s rating section will be determined by their rapid rating at the time of entering a specific qualifier. Rating sections are as follows:

2000+
1700-1999
1300-1699
1299 and under

The top three players in each Qualifier will advance to the applicable Knockout stage of the event, totaling six qualified players per rating section. Two players will be invited directly by Chess.com into the Knockout stage for each rating section, totaling eight players per Knockout. Players who have been extended invitations to the Knockout stage or have already qualified to participate in the Knockout stage are ineligible to participate in Qualifiers.

Qualifiers

Players will compete in a nine-round Swiss tournament with a 10+2 time control. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top three players of each rating section will advance to compete in the applicable Knockout Stage of the event. If two or more players are tied in total points, the following tiebreakers will be applied:

Tiebreakers:

Buchholz System (Cut 1), defined as the sum of the scores of each opponent minus the lowest opponent score.
Buchholz System, defined as the sum of scores of each opponent.
Sonneborn-Berger score, defined as the sum of the score of each defeated opponent and half the score of each drawn opponent.
Points earned in games between tied players (only if all tied players played each other an equal amount of times).
Number of game wins (including forfeits by opponents).
Number of game wins with Black.
Average Rating of Opponents (Cut 1), defined as the average rating of opponents, based on Chess.com rapid ratings at the start of each round, with the lowest rating removed.
Players’ Chess.com rapid rating immediately after completion of the tournament

Knockouts

Invited and qualified players will compete in an eight-player single-elimination bracket. All matches consist of two games with a 15+5 time control. Draw offers are not permitted during the Knockout stage. Players will earn 1 point for a win, ½ point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. If a match is tied after the completion of both games, a single tiebreaker game with a 5+1 time control will be played. The player with the highest average accuracy score at the conclusion of the second game will play with their choice of color. If this game is drawn, players will switch colors and play another 5+1 game. This process will repeat until there is a decisive result.

Eligibility

ChessPunks Champs is open to all Chess.com members who have a minimum of 20 rapid games completed by the time they join the tournament and who are recognized by Chess.com as members of the ChessPunks community. To be recognized as a member of the ChessPunks community, players must meet the following requirements:

Be a member of the ChessPunks club on Chess.com
Be 18 years of age prior to October 16, 2023

Fair Play

Players in this event are not required to join a video conference call for monitoring during Qualifiers. During the Knockout stage, players are required to join a video conference call for monitoring by tournament officials. To abide by this request, players must have video and audio turned on for one camera, which must clearly show the player’s full face and immediate surroundings beyond the player. Players may further be requested to submit to a Computer Inspection and/or an Environment Inspection.

Broadcasting

Players may live broadcast their participation in ChessPunks Champ. Players are not permitted to broadcast or distribute any "Fair Play" video conference call, including player cameras and video, in whole or in part, without permission from Chess.com.

Prizes

Up to $10,000 USD in Chessable courses and Chess.com premium memberships are available in ChessPunks Champs, including a free year of Chessable PRO and Chess.com diamond memberships for all players who compete in Knockouts.

The four finalists of each Knockout also win Chessable credits to acquire premium courses:

Standing	Chessable Credit Value (USD)
1st	$1,000
2nd	$750
3rd	$500
4th	$250

Additionally, Chess.com will award $2,500 in cash for each rating section, as follows:

Standing	Prize Money (USD)
1st	$1,000
2nd	$750
3rd	$500
4th	$250