Frequently Asked Questions

Will this affect my US Chess Regular rating?

No, it will only affect US Chess Online ratings, which currently is Online Blitz and Online Quick ratings. Thus, every person has 5 different ratings: Regular, Blitz, Quick, Online Blitz, and Online Quick. ACE Online tournament will only affect US Chess Online Blitz and Online Quick Ratings only.

What ratings will be used for pairing purposes if I do not have a USCF Online Rating?

We will use the current month’s rating supplement. If the event is an Online Blitz event, we will use your over-the-board Blitz rating; if no blitz rating, then regular rating will be used. If the event is an Online Quick event, we will use your over-the-board Quick rating; if no quick rating, then regular rating will be used. Remember, these tournaments only affect your US Chess Online Ratings.

Why are ACE Online tournaments held on Wednesday nights?

If the turnout for ACE Online tournaments are well attended, it will become a regular event. Thus, you will have ACE Online tournaments on Wednesday, ACE Club nights on Thursdays and ACE weekend tournaments on select weekends.

Why the $2 entry fee in the month of April if there is no rating fee?

The reason for the $2 entry fee is to prevent no-shows for the first round. Even at $2, the players will be invested to show up online for the tournament. After April 2020, the entry fee will increase to include rating fee costs. This also prevents random internet users from joining the tournament.

Why did the entry fee increase from $2 to $5 starting May 1st, 2020?

Starting May 1st, US Chess charges the standard rating fee for rating tournaments, including online tournament. Thus, the entry fee increased to include both the rating fees and new prizes for ACE Online tournaments.

How do I challenge someone on in an ACE online tournament?

1. Find the tournament website to open the tournament Google Sheet

2. Find the pairings for that round and locate the opponent's username.

3. On lichess.org, search for the player by clicking on the magnifying glass and typing their username.

4. Click on the double-sword icon to issue an challenge.

5. Make sure time control and color is selected to match the tournament time control - It doesn't matter if it is casual or rated.

Tutorial - Challenge on lichess.org - shows how to challenge a player on lichess.org

What if I made a mouseslip? Can I take a move back?

Mouseslips do happen, but they are treated like the over-the-board touch move rule. Once the piece is released onto a square, the move is determined and made. There is no takebacks granted by the TD. You may request for a takeback from your opponent but there should be no expectations that they will grant it.

What happens if I disconnect during the game?

If a player disconnects before 1 move is played, the opponent may offer an abort and the game will be restarted.

If a player disconnects after each player has made 1 move, then they have the remaining time to get back into the game. (Similarly OTB, this is a person that went to the restroom or get water with their clock running.)

If the entire lichess.org server crashes or down for maintenance, then the TD will make a determination on the best way to continue each unfinished game.