Confused by all of the abbreviations in tournament descriptions? Find definitions and other tournament related information here.
- QC: Quick Chess events
- $$G: guaranteed prizes.
- $$b/: based-on prizes (number of entries needed to pay full prize fund follows). At least 50% of the advertised prize fund must be awarded.
- Bye: indicates which rounds players who find it inconvenient to play may take 1/2 point byes instead. For example, Bye 1-3 means 1/2 point byes are available in rounds 1 through 3.
- C: computers are allowed to participate. Lack of this symbol means computers are not allowed.
- CC: chess club.
- EF: entry fee.
- Ent: where to mail entries.
- FIDE: results submitted to FIDE for possible rating.
- G/: game in. For instance, G/75 means each side has 75 minutes for the entire game.
- GPP: Grand Prix Points available.
- HR: hotel rates. For example, 60-65-70-75 means $60 single, $65 twin, $70 3 in room, $75 4 in room..
- mem req: membership required; cost follows. Usually refers to state affiliate.
- NC: computers are not allowed to participate.
- Open section: a section open to all. Often has very strong players, but some who are eligible for lower sections can play for the learning experience.
- OSA: other states accepted. Refers to state dues.
- PHBF: Professional Players Health and Benefits Fund.
- Quad: 4-player round robin sections; similar strength players.
- Rds: rounds; scheduled game times follow. For example, 11-5, 9-3 means games begin 11 am & 5 pm first day, 9 am & 3 pm second.
- Reg: registration at site.
- RR: round robin (preceded by number of rounds).
- S: smoking allowed. Lack of this symbol means no smoking allowed.
- SASE: for more info, send self addressed stamped envelope.
- SD/: sudden death time control (time for rest of game follows). For example, 30/90, SD/1 means each player has 30 moves in 90 minutes, then the rest of the game in an hour.
- Section: a division of a tournament, usually excluding players above a specified rating. Players in a section face only each other, not those in other sections.
- SS: Swiss System pairings (preceded by number of rounds).
- T/Dx: time delay (replace x with a number). If no symbol, 5 second delay (T/D5) is standard.
- Unr: unrated.
- USEF: combined entry fee and USCF dues.
- W: site is accessible to wheelchairs.
- WEB: tournaments that will use a player's online rating, even if unofficial.
