Tournament Guide
Everything you need to know about competing on our platform, from understanding formats to navigating tie-breaks.
Time Controls & Formats
Online chess utilizes various time controls to dictate the pace of the game. Our platform categorizes events into four main formats.
Bullet
The fastest format. Players typically have 1 or 2 minutes for the entire game, usually without increment. This format tests your intuition, premove accuracy, and ability to handle immense time pressure.
Blitz
The most popular online format. Games range from 3 to 5 minutes, often with a 1 or 2-second increment per move. Blitz requires a balance of sound tactical vision and quick decision-making.
Rapid
A slower format offering 10 to 15 minutes per player, usually with increments. Rapid allows for deeper calculation and structured positional play, making it excellent for serious practice.
Classical
The traditional tournament format, bringing over-the-board depth to the digital realm. Games last 60 minutes or more per player. Endurance and deep endgame knowledge are essential.
Tournament Structures
Beyond time controls, tournaments are organized by how players are paired against one another.
Swiss System
The most common format for serious events. You play a set number of rounds. In each round, you are paired against an opponent who has the same (or similar) score as you. No one is eliminated. The player with the most points at the end wins.
Arena Tournaments
A fast, continuous format popular online. The tournament runs for a set duration (e.g., 2 hours). You are paired immediately after finishing a game. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible within the time limit. Winning streaks often grant bonus points.
Knockout (Single Elimination)
A bracket format where losing a match (or mini-match) means elimination. Winners advance until only one champion remains.
Tie-breaks Explained
In Swiss tournaments, players frequently finish with the same point total. Tie-breaks determine the final standings.
Buchholz System
The sum of your opponents' scores. If you played stronger opponents (who scored more points overall), your Buchholz score will be higher, breaking the tie in your favor.
Sonneborn-Berger
Calculated by adding the full scores of opponents you defeated, and half the scores of opponents you drew with. This rewards players who scored points against the strongest competition.