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Tiebreak Systems Overview
1. Modified Median System
- Definition: Used when players tie with an even score (exactly half of the maximum possible score).
- How it works:
- For players with even scores: Exclude both the highest- and lowest-scoring opponents’ scores.
- For players with non-even scores:
- If tied with a plus score: Disregard only the lowest-scoring opponent’s score.
- If tied with a minus score: Disregard only the highest-scoring opponent’s score.
2. Solkoff System
- Definition: Similar to the Median system, but no opponents’ scores are discarded. All opponents’ scores are included in the calculation.
3. Cumulative System
- Definition: Adds up the cumulative (running) score for each round.
- How it works:
- Example: If a player’s results are win, loss, win, draw, loss, the cumulative scores per round would be 1, 1, 2, 2.5, 2.5. The total is 9 (1+1+2+2.5+2.5).
- If another player’s sequence is 1, 2, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, the total is 10.5 (1+2+2.5+2.5+2.5).
- The player who scores earlier generally has a higher tiebreak, as they likely faced tougher opposition later.
- Adjustments:
- Subtract 1 point for each unplayed win or full-point bye.
- Subtract 0.5 point for each unplayed draw or half-point bye.
4. Cumulative of Opposition
- Definition: Calculate the cumulative tiebreak points for each opponent (as above), then sum these values for all opponents.
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Metcalf Tournament Has Been Rescheduled for January 10th
Registration is now open!
7000 S University St, Normal, IL 61790 (Park behind the school off
Dry Grove/Main Street or across Main Street by Student Accounts)
Sections & Format
- Lower Primary (K–1), Upper Primary (2–3), Elementary (4–5)
- 5 rounds — G/30, Delay 5
- Max Entries: 160
- Junior High (6–8)
- 4 rounds — G/45, Delay 5
- Max Entries: 50
Registration & Fees
- Entry Fee: $25 — Checks payable to Metcalf Chess Club.
- Registration Deadline: 7:00 PM, Friday, December 12, 2025
- Check-in / Changes: Due by 8:30 AM on Saturday
- Changes after 8:30 AM will result in a first-round bye.
- ½ bye for all rounds except the last. Final round 0 point bye
- Round 1 begins at 9:00 AM, with all following rounds starting as soon as possible.
Eligibility
USCF memberships must be valid through December 13, 2025, except K–3 (JTP acceptable).
Awards
This will be a “recycle tournament” with the majority of the trophies being reused from previous Metcalf team accomplishments, with the description plates updated. Additionally, the awards underlined are trophies that our team took apart and recreated into unique or mega awards
Team Awards:
- Trophies for Top 5 Team, in each section
- Most Unrated Players: The school with the most unrated players in the tournament added together from all divisions.
- Most Points Total: The school with the most points, added together from all divisions.
- Individual Awards:
- Trophies for Top 5, in each section
- Grade-Level Medals: awarded to those who did not receive a top 5
- First place Kindergarten
- First place First Grade
- First place Second Grade
- First place Third Grade
- First place Fourth Grade
- First place Fifth Grade
- First place Sixth Grade
- First place Seventh Grade
- First place Eighth Grade
- Kind Competitor: Someone who fosters an environment of mutual respect and support, even while striving to win
- Fight to the end: for someone who continues on despite facing overwhelming odds Chess fashionista: coolest chess themed outfit and/or accessories
Outside food is allowed but please consider purchasing from concessions to support Metcalf Chess.
Bloom Bawarchi and Papa John’s Cheese Pizza will be available as well as snacks and drinks.