How can I participate in a chess tournament?

I want to participate in the Albuqueruque NM open or maybe the Santa fe open,but have never played in a tournament,and the tournaments ask for a uscf ID or something like that. I get the impression that you cant just get there pay, and play.But I really want to participate in a tournament so I can get a rating.

You can just go and pay your USCF membership at the tournament but you will probably save some money by entering the tournament in advance. You can also join beforehand online at uschess.org.  There are special student rates and they have magazines designed for new players.

Have you ever seen a tournament? The next one listed on the USCF site upcoming in Albuquerque lasts two days and the games have 90 minute time controls. That means each game can last three hours or more and that can be a long time if you are not used to it. (They do have a shorter time control for new players, the "Morphy" section with a 45 minute time limit per side.)

If you go to the New Mexico chess organization site (http://nmchess.org/) , you will see they also have shorter one day tournaments most weekends.

Why not play some games here first?   You will at least get an idea of how you play. Don't be too disheartened if you lose a lot of games to start. We all have to start somewhere.

I think your right, I will probably wait next year before trying a tournament

1. Hi guys 😄

Hi how can i participate