Frequently Asked Questions
The following are a list of the most commonly asked questions:
Q: What is the Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix?
A: The Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix is series of chess tournaments held over the course of the year where participants earn points to determine a Grand Prix champion at the end of the year.
Q: Who can play in the Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix?
A: Anybody born in the year 2003 or later.
Q: Why should I play in the Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix?
A: Chess provides great educational opportunities for children including practicing their concentration skills, being able to plan, make decisions and dealing with the consequences of those decisions. Most importantly, chess is a very fun game for children.
Q: Am I good enough to play in the Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix?
A: The tournament format for all Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix events is inclusive to players of all strengths. Players should ensure that they are aware of the rules of competition chess (players may ask an arbiter if they have any questions about this) but beyond that there is no minimum limit. Note that the tournament format is designed such that while players new to tournament chess may struggle initially, they will soon come up against players of similar ability.
Inexperienced players registering for Standard and Blitz events should try out the Novice Division first, as they will be paired against other inexperienced players.
Q: What are the different types of events found in the Perth Junior Chess Grand Prix?
A: There are 4 different types of competitions: Standard tournaments, Blitz tournaments, Major tournaments and Girls tournaments.
Q: What are the divisions for Standard and Blitz events.
A: Standard and Blitz events have 3 divisions: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Divisions?
A: To play in the Novice Division, participants must have a Lakner Chess Rating below 800.
The current Lakner Chess Rating list can be found here.
Unrated players may also participate in the Novice Division.
Q: What are the age divisions for Major events.
A: Major events will have the following age divisions: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.
Q: My child turned 10 this year, can he still play in the under 10 division of a Major Event.
A: Yes. For these events, the child's age is taken to be their age prior to 1st January. Since the Grand Prix spans the entire year, a player's age is taken to be their age prior to 1st January 2021. Therefore:
The under 18 division is open to students born in 2003 or later.
The under 16 division is open to students born in 2005 or later.
The under 14 division is open to students born in 2007 or later.
The under 12 division is open to students born in 2009 or later.
The under 10 division is open to students born in 2011 or later.
The under 8 division is open to students born in 2013 or later.
Q: Can I play in a higher age division?
A: Yes.
Q: How are Grand Prix points allocated if multiple players finish on the same score in a tournament?
A: The points are shared over the number of placings the players occupy. For example, if 3 players tie for third place in a Regular Grand Prix event, they each receive 12.67 points. This is the average of 3rd, 4th and 5th place rounded to two decimal points. (15+12+11 divided by 3)