Which Section should you play in?

The sections of this tournament are set up to allow players of approximately the same strength (USCF Rating) compete against each other. So, in general, you would choose the section that matches your rating. If you are rated 550, your natural section would be the under 600 section. There are many reasons that you might want to play up in a stronger section. Perhaps your rating has not caught up with your true strength or you might be looking for more challenging competition. If you are unrated, those who do not have a rating yet, the table below shows the approximate section your might be placed. This table also sets a grade limit for the two lowest sections.

The USCF December rating supplement will be used although unofficial rating may be used in cases such as for those whose rating has changed significantly at a recent tournament or for unrateds in the two lowest sections.

Please note that the Tournament Director has full discretion to alter sections and to place players in sections to help better balance the tournament. Some examples:

• Unrated players may be moved to a different section.
• A player playing up may be moved down
• A player may be moved up a 1 section
• A section may be eliminated or combined.

Section Rating Restriction Approximate Section for Unrated Grade Restrictions under 250 K-3 K-5 Only under 400 4-5 K-8 Only under 600 6 All Grades under 800 7-8 All Grades under 1000 9 All Grades under 1200 10-11-12 All Grades under 1350   All Grades Championship   All Grades