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Hello Coachella Chess Club members! This is Steven, posting on behalf of Axel, our club organizer. We’re planning to start hosting monthly tournaments at the La Quinta Library on Thursdays, and we’d love your input on what time controls you prefer. We meet from approximately 4:30 PM to 6:45 PM, so we’re limited to time formats that allow us to complete tournaments within that window. To help us organize fun and fair events, please take a moment to vote by replying to this post with your favorite option(s) from the list below. ✅ Choose Your Preferred Time Controls: Each option includes a description and whether notation is required according to US Chess Federation (USCF) rules. 1. G/5 + 3   (Blitz – great for energy and multiple rounds) Each player gets 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment per move Allows 5–6 rounds in a night 🔁 No notation required ✅ USCF Blitz-rated if dual-rated tournament is desired 2. G/10 + 5   (Faster Rapid – balanced and exciting) Each player gets 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment Great middle-ground for speed and thinking time 🔁 No notation required 3. G/15 + 10   (Rapid – more time for quality play) Each player gets 15 minutes plus 10 seconds increment 2–3 rounds typically possible 📝 Notation is required at this time control 4. G/15 d5   (Rapid with 5-second delay – no increment) Each player gets 15 minutes, with a 5-second delay More manageable time without adding time per move 📝 Notation is required 5. G/25 + 5   (Longer Rapid – best for deeper thinking) Each player gets 25 minutes plus 5 seconds increment Usually only 1–2 rounds possible in our timeframe 📝 Notation is required 6. G/10   (No increment or delay – fast & simple) Each player gets 10 minutes, no increment/delay Simple setup, allows 4–5 rounds 🔁 No notation required 7. G/15   (Straight 15 minutes – no increment or delay) Each player gets 15 minutes only Fits well for 3–4 rounds 🔁 No notation required ✅ This is the maximum time control you can use without notation, according to USCF rules ✍️ Don’t See Your Favorite? If your favorite time control isn’t listed above, feel free to suggest it in the comments! We’ll consider all suggestions that can reasonably fit within our Thursday evening schedule. We’re hoping to start running one tournament each month—sometimes more if allowed. Your feedback will help us build tournaments everyone enjoys. Thanks for being part of the club, and we look forward to hearing your votes! — Steven Admin Helper, Coachella Chess Club La Quinta Library | Thursdays 4:00–6:45 PM 

Hi everyone! I’m excited to announce a fun new activity we might try here in the Coachella Chess Club: Vote Chess — and I’d love to know what you all think! 🤔 What Is Vote Chess? In Vote Chess, we play as one big team, choosing moves together against another club. Each day (or few days), members vote on the move we should play next. You can suggest ideas, discuss plans, and then cast your vote for the move you think is best. It’s like solving one big puzzle together — and a great way to: Learn from each other 👥 Improve your chess 📈 Have fun as a team 🏆 🧠 Who Can Play? Everyone! Kids, adults, beginners, and advanced players — all are welcome. You don’t need to be a pro to join in. You can just watch, vote, or share your thoughts. 📣 Want to Try It? Let me know in the comments if you’d be interested in trying a Vote Chess match. If we get enough interest, I’ll organize our first challenge! Thanks everyone, – Steven ( Club Tech GURU)

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