A bye request indicates the times and/or rounds for which you do not wish to be paired for a game. Bye requests are used when players cannot attend 1 or more rounds of a tournament because of an unavoidable conflict. Most players play all rounds so request no byes. Only request a bye if you need one. If you requested a bye in error, notify the directors table immediately. A bye request should be requested before the start of the tournament. A bye request is irrevocable once the round has begun.

A bye at a chess tournament means that a player wants to participant in the tournament, but will come late, leave early, or miss some of the games because of other commitments (ex: birthday party, other sports games or practices). If there is an odd number of players the computer will issue a bye for the odd player. This player will receive a full point bye for that round.

When you register for the tournament ask for a bye if you need one. If you are registering in person ask for a bye request form. If you are registering on line, e-mail the registrar. If you request a bye for the last round of the tournament before round 1 begins, it will be a 1/2 point bye (subject to the 1/2 point bye limit). After round 1 begins final round bye requests are at the discretion of the Tournament Director. – The only exception is the 7 round Statewide Tournament. All 7th round byes in the Statewide tournament are zero point byes.

No. It is better if you play all your games, but if you are unable to play all rounds, you should request a bye.

For the Statewide Tournament ONLY you can have up to two ½ point byes. In any tournament other than the Statewide Tournament you can have one ½ point bye. A requested bye in the last round of the Statewide tournament will be a zero point bye.