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NSCF Grand Prix --
Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is the "NSCF Grand Prix"?
The NSCF Grand Prix is an annual contest sponsored by the National Scholastic Chess Foundation.
It rewards highly active and high-scoring tournament players by awarding "Grand Prix points" to the top finishers in NSCF-conducted tournaments.
How are Grand Prix points calculated?
Players in all sections except the Unrated section are eligible for Grand Prix points.
"GP points" are awarded to all players scoring 2.5 points or more in a 4-game tournament section, and
to the top five scorers (plus ties) in each section.
The scoring method now used gives a higher relative score to the better performing players.
Points are awarded according to the following table:
Score GP points
2.5 1
3.0 2
3.5 3
4.0 5
(1 point is added to all scores in the 3-game Over 1500 section)
In addition, a bonus of 1 GP point is given to players finishing among the top five (plus ties) in
each section. A player who scores less than 2.5 (but more than 0) points and still finishes among
the top five will earn a total of 1 GP point (the bonus point). A score of 0 can not earn GP points.
Note that a perfect score of 4-0 will always place among the top five plus ties,
so it is always worth 6 GP points.
For tournaments of less than 4 rounds, scores will be adjusted on a percentage basis.
Tell me that again?
Let’s try an example. Ashley plays in four K-1 sections.
- In the first tournament, (s)he scores 2 points and finishes in a tie for 8th place.
He is awarded no GP points, because he was not among the top 5 plus ties.
- In the second tournament, he scores 2.5 points and ties for 6th place.
He is awarded 1 GP point.
- In the third tournament, having attended some NSCF classes, he finishes second with 3.5 points.
He is awarded 3 points + 1 bonus point for a total of 4 GP points.
- In the fourth tournament he outclasses everyone and scores a perfect 4-0 to win the tournament.
He is awarded 5 points plus a 1 point bonus. He now has 11 GP points, and has become the
Grand Prix Leader in the K-1 section. Here’s a synopsis:
Name Place Score GP points GP total
Ashley 8-11 2.0 0 (not listed)
Ashley 6-9 2.5 1 1
Ashley 2 3.5 3+1=4 5
Ashley 1 4.0 5+1=6 11
How many awards are there?
All winners receive attractive plaques with the winner's name engraved.
They will be awarded as follows:
K/1: Top 5 plus ties
Primary: Top 10 plus ties
Elementary: Top 10 plus ties
Reserve: Top 5 plus ties
Championship: Top 5 plus ties
Over 1500: Top 3 plus ties
In addition, a number of free tournament entries will be awarded to the top 3 in each section.
First place gets 3 free tournament entries, while 2nd and 3rd place plus ties get 2 free entries each.
Note: A minimum of 12 points is required to qualify for an award.
What happens if a player moves between sections?
Adjustments are made to the score of a player who wishes to move from one section to another.
In a move to a higher-ranked section, the total from the old section is migrated to the new one,
after making score adjustments to account for the difference in the strength of competition between the sections.
These score adjustments are made according to the following chart:
K/1 to Primary = subtract 1.5
Primary to Elementary = subtract 1
Elementary to Reserve = subtract 0
Elementary to Championship = subtract 2
Championship to Over 1500 = subtract 1 (after adding 1 to each score in the 3-round over 1500 section)
From these relationships, one can calculate others, such as Primary to Championship = subtract 3.
Bonus points will be lost in moving to a higher section, unless the adjusted score is 3 or more.
In that event, a "top five" bonus point will be assumed.
I definitely need an example of that one.
Sure. Let’s say Ashley decides he wants tougher competition and wants to
compete in Primary sections instead.
In the K/1 section, he earned 11 points across 4 tournaments (0 + 1 + 4 + 6).
Upon moving to the higher section, his scores and associated GP points for that section are recalculated as follows:
(2-1.5=.5) + (2.5-1.5=1) + (3.5-1.5=2) + (4-1.5=2.5) ==> (0 + 0 + 0 + 1) = 1 GP point
How often can a player move between sections?
As often as he wants, but he will be awarded only for one section.
To determine which section, the following criteria will be used, in the tie-breaking order listed:
- The section in which the player has played most often (changed in 2005 from "most GP results").
- If tied, the section with the most Grand Prix results.
- If still tied, the most recent section played in.
What happens if sections are combined?
Sometimes the tournament director may find it necessary to combine two sections. In this event, a player's score may be increased when awarding gp points for the lower section, based on the strength of the combined section.
How will players and parents be informed of the standings after each tournament?
As soon as possible after each tournament, GP points will be calculated and the results posted on the NSCF web site (www.nscfchess.org).
In addition, the bulletin boards at Grand Prix tournaments will be posted.
The standings will list the current top 15-25 players plus ties.
Exactly what tournaments are on the NSCF Grand Prix circuit?
All NSCF-sponsored tournaments indicated by an asterisk(*) on the posted "Tournament Schedule"
page at www.nscfchess.org.
This list excludes Hunter, "K-6", State and National tournaments.
The 2006 circuit includes the Fall 2005 schedule and the Winter-Spring 2006 schedules.
Why are the Hunter tournaments excluded?
This NYC tournament draws players from a different community.
If there is a demand for it, a separate NYC "circuit" may be considered for the future.
What if a dispute arises regarding the rules and how they affect the standings?
The NSCF Executive Director reserves the right to unilaterally resolve all disputes
regarding the Grand Prix. As a general guideline, rule changes will not be made in mid-season,
but helpful suggestions will be considered for the future.
How do I sign up?
Simply register for and play in a NSCF tournament, and you are automatically competing
in the NSCF Grand Prix! Tournament registration forms are distributed at NSCF schools and events,
and may be obtained online at
www.nscfchess.org. Or call the NSCF office: 914-683-5322.
2007-2008 NSCF Calendar
Updated: February 25, 2008
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