Chess tournament - May 14th 2026
This page includes necessary information regarding the KTH tournament in May 2026, which will take place in Nymble.
- Nymble: TV room, Radio room (3rd floor)
- May 14, Thursday
- 15:30
- Registration fee: 25kr
- Medals for the top 3
- Snacks for all participants
Tournament format
Time control: 10|5
7 rounds
Everyone gets to play all 7 rounds, the player with the most points at the end of the tournament wins. Win = 1p; Draw = 0.5p; Loss = 0p.
Note: 10|5 is standard notation for 10 minutes per player with an added time (increment) of 5 seconds each time you make a move.
When should I be there?
Please be in Nymble by 15:15 to confirm your participation. The tournament starts shortly after.
Important: we assume that players who do not physically appear before 15:30 will not participate regardless of any registration fee paid – arrival after 15:30 runs the risk of not being paired in the first round of the tournament.
Personal registration
After signing up and paying the registration fee, you still need to register in person on the day of the event to ensure that the number of walk-overs is minimal. This can be done 15:00-15:30, preferably before 15:15 in order to reduce the risk of delaying the tournament.
Chess clock app
I have never played a chess tournament before? What should I keep in mind?
Touch move: If you touch a piece, you move the piece.
Sportsmanship: Shake hands with your opponent before and after the game regardless of the result.
Do not talk during your games.
If you want to offer a draw, you should do so immediately after making your move. If the opponent accepts the game ends in a draw, otherwise the draw offer is annulled and may not be claimed retroactively.
If you want to adjust a piece, you must do so on your own turn and clearly indicate your intent to adjust as opposed to move the piece prior to touching the piece. This can be done by saying “I adjust” or “J’adoube” (pronounced “schadå” in Swedish).
Press the clock with the same hand that you move the piece. We will not enforce this rule since this is not an ELO-rated tournament but it is good practice.
Can I bring a friend that doesn't study at KTH?
Yes. Although this tournament is primarily for KTH students, if you have a friend that likes chess bring him or her along! If you are a random person that navigated all the way here and just so happen to see this you are clearly too interested in the event for us to decline your participation – sign up form down below.
Advice for the tournament
Please don’t fall for the scholar’s mate, you can do better! This is a well known opening trap and losing like that would show that you haven’t done your homework. Also if you’re planning to use it as white – it’s not a good opening unless your opponent doesn’t know how to play chess. On a serious note, go do a Puzzle Rush without a time limit and see how many puzzles you can complete! This is good training if you want to improve your tactical skills.
Do I need a certain rating to be eligible for participation?
No. You are welcome regardless of your rating, if you never try you never learn. Also you probably won’t be the only one that is somewhat new to the game!
Worst case scenario you get to participate in a fun event and talk to some experienced chess players and maybe they will give you some useful advice!
I am a strong player, will it be too easy for me?
Presumably not, we have a few 2000+ (FIDE) rated players that will likely participate. Unless you are a titled player you’ll face some opposition.
How many players can participate?
The first 40 players to register and pay are guaranteed participation. If you sign up after that participation is no longer guaranteed.
Anyone that we exclude from the tournament for this reason will be contacted via email as soon as possible, at the very latest two days before the tournament. We will of course reimburse any registration fee paid. If you don’t hear from us you can safely assume that you’re in, make sure to come on time though!
Since we have a limited number of boards the number of players is also restricted. If you want to bring your own board and pieces, kindly inform us of your intention to do so via email (info.kthcc@gmail.com) and we will ensure that you get to play regardless of the number of players already signed up.
In short: bringing your own board => guaranteed participation
Click the button below and fill in the form to sign up! Kindly pay the 25kr registration fee before the event – please do this as soon as possible to simplify our job on the day of the event.