NSW State Championship

Norths Chess Club proudly presents the 2025 Norths NSW State Championship, a 10-player round-robin tournament featuring some of the finest homegrown talent from across New South Wales.


When: 9 rounds from 7.30pm Tuesday, 3rd June to 29th July 2025
Where: Norths Leagues Club, Cammeray

Prize Pool: Over $3,400 in prizes.
1st Place: $2,000
2nd Place: $750
3rd Place: $400
4th Place: $300

Chief Arbiter: Rob Watson
Entry Fee: $100

Tournament Rules:
Format

  • Type: 10-player round-robin tournament
  • Rounds: 9 rounds total (each player plays every other player once)
  • Pairings: Manual pairings will be set before the event begins using round-robin tables.
  • Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move from move one (FIDE Classical)
  • Tie-break: First prize and the State Champion title will be decided by play-off.
  • Venue: Games are held at Norths Chess Club starting 7:30pm promptly. Postponement games can be played at Ryde Eastwood Chess Club on Wednesday starting 7:30pm. All games to be complete on 29 July.

Ratings & Rating Calculations

  • Games will be ACF and FIDE rated.
  • Players must have a valid FIDE ID to participate. If you do not yet have one, please contact the organisers prior to the event.

Forfeits and Punctuality

  • Players must arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled round start time or risk a forfeit by default.
  • A zero-tolerance policy on lateness may be enforced at the arbiter’s discretion.

Byes & Withdrawals

  • No half-point byes are permitted in a round-robin format.
  • Withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the Chief Arbiter with valid reasoning. Unapproved withdrawals may result in exclusion from future Norths Chess events.

Behaviour and Fair Play

  • Mobile phones and smart devices must be switched off and stored away during play.
  • Cheating of any kind (including the use of engines or outside assistance) will result in immediate disqualification and notification to relevant chess bodies.
  • Players and spectators must comply with FIDE Fair Play regulations at all times.

Appeals

  • Any dispute or protest must be submitted in writing to the Chief Arbiter within 30 minutes of the round’s conclusion.
  • An appeals committee, if required, will be appointed by the Tournament Director.

Arbiter

  • Chief Arbiter: Rob Watson

All decisions by the Chief Arbiter are final unless overruled by an appeals committee.

Entry & Eligibility

  • Entry Fee: $100
  • Open to players residing in NSW or representing NSW in ACF/FIDE records. Exceptions may be considered by the organisers on a case-by-case basis.
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