?> Rules & Regulations: 2014 Sinquefield Cup - U.S. Chess Champs

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Rules & Regulations: 2014 Sinquefield Cup

  • Time Control: 40 moves in 90 minutes, followed by the rest of the game in 30 minutes. Each player shall receive an increment of 30 seconds per move.
  • Draws: Players are required to play at least 30 moves before offering or accepting a draw.
  • Electronic Devices: No electronic devices are allowed in the playing hall. Players and spectators may check cell phones and other electronic devices before entering the playing hall.
  • Other: Where not otherwise specified, the 2014 Sinquefield Cup shall be governed by the FIDE Laws of Chess. All players must abide by the FIDE Code of Ethics.
  • Playoffs:If two or more players are tied for first, a playoff will be held on September 7th at 12:00 PM. For the purposes of pairing players in the following scenarios, these mathematical tie-breaks will be used.
  1. Direct Encounter
  2. Number of games won
  3. Sonneborn-Berger
  4. The Koya System for Round Robin Tournaments

If there is no need for a playoff, these tie-breaks will also be used for the purposes of the crosstable and any special prizes or trophies.

An Armageddon Game is defined as a game with base time of 6 minutes for White and 4 minutes for Black. Black will have draw odds. The arbiter will flip a coin to determine who shall play with the white pieces. If the Player accurately calls the coin toss, Player has the option to play black (with draw odds) or white.

  • Two Players: The tie will be broken with a two-game rapid match (G/25+5). If the contest is still undecided, the match will be decided by an Armageddon Game.
  • Three Players: If there are three Players tied for first, the two Players with the lowest tie-breaks will contest an Armageddon Game. The winner of this game will face the player with the highest tiebreaks as described above (“Two Players”).
  • Four Players: Tie-breaks will be used to determine pairing numbers: 1 plays 4 and 2 plays 3. Each Player will contest an Armageddon Game. The winner of each game will face one another as described above (“Two Players”).
  • More Than Four Players: If more than four players are tied for first place, a combination of math tiebreaks and playoffs will be used to find the top four players and the procedure described above (“Four Players”) shall be followed. The format if more than four players are tied for first will be determined by the Chief Arbiter and Chief Organizer.
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