Chess Puzzle

The Contest Summary

The benefits of chess are well documented for players of all ages, and especially for young people. Chess teaches problem solving, hones concentration and encourages analytical and strategic thinking. Chess can be a lifelong pursuit.

Chess puzzle competition is very different from tournament chess play. Contestants in a chess puzzle contest receive a paper-and-pencil test that includes a series of chess boards with pieces in particular positions. Questions are based on analysis of material or possible moves in each given diagram.

The Contest Format

• Chess Puzzle is offered for grades 2-8 in three divisions: grades 2-3, grades 4-5 and grades 6-8.

• Each division will take a 30-minute objective test plus a separate 5-minute tiebreaker section. A different test is provided for each of the three divisions. The tiebreaker section is identical for ALL divisions.

• All Chess Puzzle test questions are now multiple-choice format, to allow for a broader scope of questions and increase the educational value of the contest (and make grading even easier).

• All grade levels will take the same tiebreaker section. Tiebreakers need only be graded for contestants actually involved in a tie.

Scoring

• +1 for correct answers (for both test and tiebreaker)

• No deduction for incorrect or unanswered questions (for both test and tiebreaker)

Study Materials

In the link below, you'll find study materials to utilize as you practice for your event. There are also practice tests and answer keys to check for understanding after studying.

Link to Study Materials (You must login with a BISD account to access the materials.)