TournaChess

Tournament Registration Types

TournaChess supports two tournament registration modes to accommodate different competitive formats and scheduling needs.

Overview

ModeDescriptionBest For
Full TournamentPlayers register once for the entire eventWeekend tournaments, single-day events
Per RoundPlayers register for individual roundsWeekly clubs, monthly series

Full Tournament Mode (Standard)

This is the traditional tournament format where players commit to the entire event at registration.

How It Works

  1. Player registers for the tournament
  2. Registration is valid for all rounds
  3. Player is paired in every round (unless they withdraw or request a bye)
  4. One payment covers the entire tournament

Use Cases

  • Weekend Tournaments: Friday night through Sunday events
  • Single-Day Events: Scholastic tournaments, quads, club championships
  • Multi-Day Events: Any event where players commit to the full schedule upfront

Player Experience

  • Register once, play all rounds
  • Request byes for specific rounds if needed
  • Withdraw from tournament to stop playing future rounds

Per Round Mode (Weekly/Monthly)

This mode allows players to register for individual rounds, perfect for ongoing club events where attendance varies week to week.

How It Works

  1. Tournament is created with multiple rounds, each with an optional scheduled date
  2. Players register for specific rounds they want to play
  3. Registration remains open throughout the tournament (until the final round is paired)
  4. Players can return and register for additional rounds at any time
  5. Players select one or more rounds per registration

Use Cases

  • Weekly Club Events: Thursday night classical
  • Monthly Series: 4-week events with one round per week
  • Drop-In Events: Any format where players can join mid-series

Create Tournament dialog with Per Round mode selected

Player Experience

  1. First-Time Registration
    • Select which rounds to play
    • Rounds already paired are unavailable
    • Complete registration and payment for the selected rounds

Round selection on the registration form

  1. Returning for Another Round

    • System recognizes you (by USCF ID, FIDE ID, or name)
    • Shows which rounds you're already registered for
    • Select additional round(s) to add

  2. Round Schedule

    • See upcoming round dates on registration page
    • Plan which weeks to attend

Tournament Director Experience

  1. Setup

    • Create tournament with "Per Round" registration mode
    • Set optional dates/times for each round
    • Configure payment options as usual

  2. Ongoing Management

    • Registration stays open throughout
    • Pair each round when ready (only registered players are paired)
    • View which players are registered for each round
    • Add or withdraw players from specific rounds

TD registrations table with per-round status columns

  1. With Recurring Series
    • Configure series to generate Per Round tournaments
    • Specify rounds per tournament (e.g., 4)
    • Specify days between rounds (e.g., 7 for weekly)
    • Round dates auto-calculate when tournament is generated

Round Scheduling

Both tournament modes support optional round scheduling, but it's especially useful for Per Round tournaments.

Setting Round Dates

  • Each round can have an optional date and time
  • Displayed on registration page and tournament details
  • Helps players know when to show up

Round Schedule Manager in tournament settings

Example Schedule

  • Round 1: Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
  • Round 2: Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
  • Round 3: Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
  • Round 4: Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Notes on Scheduling

  • Dates are primarily informational -- the system does not auto-pair when a date arrives
  • Tournament directors retain full control over when to pair each round
  • When rounds are added (by increasing the round count), new rounds are seeded with dates based on the existing round interval

Choosing the Right Mode

Choose Full Tournament When:

  • Players commit to the entire event upfront
  • The event runs over consecutive days
  • You want simpler registration management
  • All players pay the same fee for the whole event

Choose Per Round When:

  • Attendance varies from week to week
  • Players may join after the first round
  • The event spans multiple weeks with breaks between rounds
  • You want per-session payment flexibility

Comparison Table

FeatureFull TournamentPer Round
Registration timingOnce, before tournamentPer round, ongoing
PaymentOne payment for eventPayment per round
Joining mid-tournamentNot allowedAllowed
Player commitmentFull event (minus BYE requests)Individual rounds
Pairing includesAll registered playersOnly players registered for that round
Best forEvents over consecutive daysWeekly/monthly club events

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a player register for multiple rounds at once in Per Round mode?

Yes. When registering, players can select multiple rounds at once using the round selection checkboxes.

What happens if a player doesn't show up for a round they registered for?

The tournament director can mark them as withdrawn for that round or handle it as a forfeit, depending on club policy.

Can I switch a tournament from Full Tournament to Per Round mode?

Switching registration mode is only allowed while the tournament is in DRAFT status and has zero registrations. Once players have registered, the mode is locked.

How are standings calculated in Per Round tournaments?

Standings work the same as Full Tournament mode. Players accumulate points for rounds they play. Rounds they weren't registered for are treated as "Unpaired" (similar to a zero-point bye).

Can I use Per Round mode with USCF-rated events?

Yes. The registration mode only affects how players sign up. Rating submission and all other tournament operations work the same way.