when should one join USCF?

Hello everyone and I have a question that has been on my mind, I was wondering when someone should join USCF. I would like to join but feel I am to weak of a player. I have progressed alot and I feel I will be able to soon. This may be hard to answer, but what rating would you I think I could at least competitve in USCF. Right now I stay about 1050. I am only 14 years old as well. Please comment.

You don't ever have to join, most, if not all tournaments sell memberships that last through that event only. I'm not a member yet myself for somewhat the same reasons however I've gotten over the fact that I'm a weak player, and would still like to play some OTB rated games for the experience and fun of it.

I'd suggest you find a tournament that appears to be to your liking and try it out, you can always choose what kind of membership you want at the event, and this way you can scout out one that should have games that aren't too challenging for you.

You could also try to find a local chess club to play at for a while if you aren't already part of one.  I am considering joining too, but I have a lot to learn still and they don't have many tourneys in my area.

bruiser, you must be in southern ohio somewhere like I am. it seems like most of the activity takes place in columbus and northwards.

EDIT: then I realized what the 419 stood for...yeah uscf doesn't list very much around there either.

LOL, actually I live near the Akron/Canton area.  419 stands for my birthday, not the area code for Toledo(though I did live there for a couple years).  I didn't notice many tournaments around here though, most seem to be in Columbus which is about 2 hrs from me.

I'm in the cincinnati area, so I'm about the same distance from columbus as well, though apparently there is a decently sized tourney down here at the end of march. I can only find a small handful of clubs as well, and the one that looks most likely to be fun is near parts of town I don't much feel safe in.

theres no"when" you can join any time.

Ah. There's one abotu a half hour from my house, I've been there once, going to try to go about once a month or so, hard with 2 kids, one just born recently.

It doesn't matter how strong or weak of a player you are. When you play in tournaments, you play in a class section of players that are relative to your own strength. for the most part :)