Field Manual

Rules of Engagement • Code of Conduct • Survival Guide

⚠️ WARNING: This tournament is COMPLETELY UNRATED.

Your FIDE rating will remain untouched regardless of whether you play like Magnus Carlsen or a confused wombat. This is about glory, not ELO.

1

Eligibility & Enlistment

This tournament is exclusively for players with a FIDE rating under 2000. If you are rated 2000 or above, you are too dangerous for this theatre of war. Please apply for the Churchie International Premier directly.

  • Entry fee: $50 (non-refundable unless tournament cancelled)
  • Entry closes 24 hours before first shot fired (1pm Friday)
  • Players must provide accurate FIDE ID
2

The Format — Gruelling by Design

Complaints about the schedule will be met with the response: "That's the Anzac spirit, mate." The tournament consists of:

  • Three cycles of three formats (3 rounds total per format, 9 games total)
  • Time controls: 3+2 (Blitz), 10+5 (Rapid), 60+10 (Classical)
  • Swiss pairing system (or whatever the TD dreams up)
  • No half-point byes. Desertion is desertion.
3

Equipment & Uniform

Soldiers must provide their own kit - Rations, water, pen!

  • Chess clocks (Officers will reset the timers from round to round!)
  • Pen (pencil acceptable if you're nervous)
  • Board and pieces will be in place.
  • Water bottle (hydration is key to survival)
  • Optional: Check all weapons in with the Quartermaster - you may be wanded!
4
  • Entry closes 24 hours before first shot fired (1pm Friday)

    • Code of Conduct — The Articles of War

    All players are expected to uphold the dignity of the game. The following offences are considered "Dishonourable Conduct":

    Electronic Warfare

    Mobile phones must be surrendered or turned off. If your phone rings during a game, you forfeit immediately and suffer the humiliation of public shaming.

    Unsporting Behaviour

    No taunting, gesticulating, or excessive sighing. Victory should be dignified; defeat should be silent.

    Espionage

    No consulting external materials, engines, or oracle bones. This is a test of your mind, not your phone's processor.

    Desertion

    Failure to appear for a round without notice is desertion. You will be marked as MIA and forfeit all subsequent games.

    5

    Dispute Resolution — Court Martial

    The Tournament Director (hereby referred to as "The Field Marshal") has absolute authority. All disputes will be settled by The Field Marshal, whose decision is final and binding. Appeals may be filed in writing, but will likely be used as kindling.

  • Entry closes 24 hours before first shot fired (1pm Friday)
    • 6

    Prizes & Distribution

    Prizes will be distributed as per the "Spoils of War" section:

    • 1st Prize: Churchie International Premier Entry + $250
    • 2nd Prize: $250
    • Additional entries beyond 25 increase prize pool proportionally
    • Tie-breaks: Direct encounter, Sonneborn-Berger, then armageddon (kidding... or are we?)
    7

    The Anzac Clause

    "In the spirit of the Anzacs, we play not for ourselves, but for our mates."

    Players are encouraged to support one another. If you see a comrade struggling with their clock, offer a nod of encouragement (but not advice—that's espionage, see Article 4). The true victory is in the striving.

    8

    Force Majeure & Acts of God

    In the event of natural disaster, power outage, or invasion by emus (highly unlikely but this is Australia), the tournament may be postponed. No refunds will be issued, but credit will be given for future campaigns.

    "I solemnly swear to play with honour, endure the gruelling format, and not complain about the 1pm start time."

    — The Oath of Enlistment (implied by entry)