Tournament Requirements

This guide is designed to help players be fully prepared and ready for competitive matches, ensuring the game remains fair and enjoyable for everyone.

Below is essential information on participation requirements, device specifications, fair play policies, and consequences of violations.

Requirement	Details
Game Mode Participation	All players must have played 30 games in each speed mode (Blitz, Rapid, Bullet) to obtain their Checkmate rating before participating in any tournaments. If a tournament involves multiple stages or modes, players must ensure they have played 30 games in each relevant mode. To participate in daily and weekly events, players must have played at least 30 games in the chosen game mode.
Camera Usage	Players must use a web camera for games where indicated on the tournament registration page for the event you are participating in. Setup requirements can be found further down this page.
Device Requirements	Player can play either on mobile or a PC unless stipulated in the tournament rules.
Pro Device Requirements	A desktop computer and web camera are required for PRO match playoffs and finals. Participation in daily and weekly events is allowed using mobile devices.
Headphones	Headphones are not allowed at any stage of Pro or FIDE-rated matches
Second monitor	No secondary monitor or screen should be visible to the player, this includes tablets, Smart Clocks (eg Google Nest) or connected to the main playing personal computer.
Watches	Watches should be removed and stored away
In-Game Video	Players must use the Checkmate in-game video and consent to share their screen if requested by the admin and permit all Checkmate access permissions for monitoring of the game.
KYC Verification	Players must be KYC-verified for PRO and FIDE-rated matches. KYC is not required for casual and arcade mode games.
Event Ticket	A tournament ticket is required for playoffs, which can either be won in a daily or weekly event or purchased in the store. Tickets are non-transferable and valid for the month earned.
Fair Play Compliance	Any breaches of Checkmate's Fair Play policies will result in the appropriate sanctions, fines, or bans. Fair play monitoring will be conducted across all tournaments. In case of cheating, the player will be disqualified and banned from the platform, and the next top player will take their place. FIDE-rated players found cheating will be reported to the appropriate Federation.

Device Requirements

Requirement	Details
Daily and Weekly Events	Mobile or PC unless stipulated otherwise on the tournament page
Playoffs and Finals	A PC with a working webcam is required. Checkmate onboarding system verifies whether a webcam is being used before the start of each tournament. Players should make arrangements to access a PC with a webcam if only a mobile device is available.

Camera and Screen Sharing Requirements

Where cameras are required for online tournaments Requirements differ for FIDE-rated tournaments and Checkmate Live tournaments. Specific requirements for each tournament are listed on the tournament page.

Entry into a tournament is considered consent to the conditions of entry.

• Webcam Requirements: Participants must use a high-quality webcam positioned to provide a clear view of their face and surroundings. The camera must be placed at an angle that shows the participant's face, hands, and the area around their computer.

• Observer Camera Requirements: An additional observer camera must be set up to capture a wide-angle view of the participant and their surroundings. This camera should cover the participant's entire setup, including the screen, keyboard, mouse, and surrounding area, to ensure no unauthorized devices or actions are taking place.

It is crucial that you are fully set up, checked in, and ready to play at least 15 minutes before any required official's meeting or the tournament's official start time.

General Requirements for all cameras:

• Functionality: The camera must be functional and capable of capturing clear video and audio.

• Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for clear visibility.

• Stability: Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky video.

• Player Privacy: Camera angles should respect player privacy while allowing adequate monitoring.

• Arbiter Access: Video feeds should be accessible to the arbiter for real-time monitoring and potential review.

Permissions

• Granting Access: You'll be asked to allow camera and screen-sharing access during onboarding in the checkout lobby before the tournament starts.

• No Access, No Play: If you don't give permission, you won't be able to participate.

• We Value Your Privacy: These permissions are only active during the game itself.

Checkmate Live Refund Policy

• No Refunds for Non-Compliance: If you can't participate because you don't meet the camera and screen-sharing requirements, our standard refund policy applies.

Remember, being prepared and set up on time is your responsibility. Following these guidelines helps ensure fair play and a smooth tournament experience for everyone.

Main Camera Setup

• One Camera:

  • Front Camera (Webcam):

    • Focused on face & upper body

    • Min. 720p resolution

    • 30+ fps

FIDE Rated and Checkmate Specific Tournament Camera Setup

• Two Cameras:

  • Front Camera (Webcam):

    • Same as main camera setup

  • Observer Camera (Mobile or 2nd PC Webcam):

    • Setup as per below:

      • Min. 480p (mobile) / 720p (PC) resolution

      • 30+ fps

      • 2nd PC to be inaccessible to player during game

Observer camera setup

• The observer camera is crucial for maintaining fair play in certain Checkmate Live tournaments and all FIDE-rated tournaments. It captures a wide view of the player, their playing area, and the surrounding environment, helping ensure no unauthorized assistance or prohibited activities occur.

• Device Options:

  • Mobile Phone

  • PC web Camera

• Setup:

  • Scan the QR code during onboarding.

  • Place the camera behind and slightly above you at a 45-degree angle.

  • Position the camera approximately 4 meters (or about 13 feet) away from your back.

• Field of View: Make sure the camera captures you, your playing area, and a substantial portion of the room behind and to the sides.

Tournament	Camera Setup	Camera Details	Requirements
(Default)	One Camera (Default)	Front Camera (Webcam)	Focused on face & upper body Min. 720p resolution 30+ fps
FIDE rated and Checkmate Specific Tournament)	Two Cameras	Rear Camera (Mobile or 2nd PC Webcam)	Setup as per below Min. 480p (mobile) / 720p (PC) resolution 30+ fps 2nd PC to be inaccessible to player during game

Second camera setup

The camera should captures the player, their playing area, and a substantial portion of the room behind and to the sides.

• A mobile phone or PC web Camera can be used

• Scan the QR code during onboarding with the observer camera you are using

• The QR code will enable Checkmate Live to takeover your camera for the duration of the event

• Placed behind and slightly above the player at a 45-degree angle.

• Positioned approximately 4 metres (or about 13 feet) away from the player's back.

General Requirements for all cameras:

• Functionality: The camera must be functional and capable of capturing clear video and audio.

• Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for clear visibility.

• Stability: Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky video.

• Player Privacy: Camera angles should respect player privacy while allowing adequate monitoring.

• Arbiter Access: Video feeds should be accessible to the arbiter for real-time monitoring and potential review.

While a lower resolution is permissible for the web camera and rear camera in non-FIDE-rated tournaments, a minimum of 720p is essential for Checkmate Live T1 (TV) and T2 broadcasts to ensure optimal viewing experience for the audience.

Screen Sharing

Screen sharing is required for all FIDE online supervised events and nominated Checkmate Live events.

• Device: Screen sharing must be enabled on your primary device (desktop, laptop, or approved tablet).

• Monitoring: Arbiters and Sixth-i will monitor shared screens in real-time. Suspicious activity may lead to disqualification

• Task Manager: Keep your Task Manager (or equivalent) open and visible throughout the event.

• Continuous Sharing: Keep screen sharing active throughout the event, including breaks.

• Prohibited Actions: Don't minimize, obscure, or stop screen sharing. No unauthorized interaction with external software or devices

• Privacy and Security: Shared screens are monitored solely for fair play. Private data or unrelated activities should not be exposed.

• Penalties: Non-compliance can result in immediate disqualification and potential bans from future events

Setup

Enable permissions in your browser when requested during tournament onboarding . A test session may be conducted.

• Full-Screen Mode: Share your entire desktop in full-screen mode, showing all applications and processes

• Resolution: Minimum 1280x720 to clearly display all activities on your screen

• No External Devices: Don't use secondary devices (smartphones, additional monitors)

• Internet: Stable connection with at least 5 Mbps upload speed.

Remember: Adhering to these camera and screen sharing requirements is crucial for maintaining fair play and the integrity of Checkmate Live and tournaments conducted underFIDE supervised rules. Failure to meet these requirements may result in disqualification or other penalties.

By following these guidelines and ensuring your camera and screen sharing setup is adequate, you contribute to a fair and enjoyable online chess experience for all participants.

Fair Play

Measure	Details
Detection Measures	Engine use detection, move analysis, statistical analysis, peer review, post-game analysis, computer vision monitoring, and arbiter monitoring are utilized to detect and prevent cheating.
Permissions	Players must accept audio, camera, and screen sharing permissions to participate in the playoffs and finals.
Second Camera Setup	For playoffs and finals, players will receive a link to activate a second camera (mobile phone or PC) that must be placed at the back of the room, unobstructed, and pointed towards the playing space.

Consequences of Cheating

Consequence	Details
Disqualification and Ban	Any player found cheating will be disqualified and banned from the platform.
Forfeiture of Prizes	Prizes won will be forfeited, and the next eligible player will be awarded the prize or ranking.
Reporting to Authorities	FIDE-rated players found cheating will be reported to the relevant chess federation and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), which may result in additional consequences, including potential bans from other esports events.
Zero Tolerance	Zero tolerance means zero exceptions. Get caught, and you're looking at: Tournament disqualifications, prize forfeitures, potential bans that'll make you wish you'd played fair, a not-so-fun chat with FIDE or/and ESIC, and potential legal consequences.

Player Responsibilities

Responsibility	Details
Minimize Distractions	Create a quiet, comfortable environment to focus on your games.
No Third Parties	The presence of third parties in the room during tournament matches is prohibited. Violations will result in disqualification and potential bans from future tournaments.
Sportsmanship	Maintain good sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Show respect to opponents and arbiters and abide by community rules.

Matchmaking & Broadcasting

Checkmate Live handles matchmaking, pairings, and tournament progression, ensuring fair and balanced competition

Player Responsibilities During Tournaments

Responsibility	Details
Register	Register for the tournament before the cut off time and date
Login and Check-in	Log into Checkmate Live and check in to the tournament lobby before the advertised start time.
Be Ready to Play	Be prepared to start your match promptly once checked in.
Forced Start	The arbiter may force-start a tournament if all checked-in players are ready.
Scheduled Breaks	Breaks are scheduled at regular intervals and are the same for all players.

No-Shows

Scenario	Consequence
First No-Show	If not checked in and ready to play at the official start time, the game will proceed without you, resulting in a loss if the clock runs out.
Second No-Show	A second no-show within the same tournament will result in immediate disqualification.

Technical Preparation

Preparation	Details
Device	Check whether you can use a mobile or PC. Playing from a desktop computer is recommended.
PC & Software	Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Checkmate Live and that your browser and webcam software are up to date.
Internet Connection	Test your internet connection speed and stability before the tournament. A wired connection is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi.
Power	Make sure your PC is plugged in or has sufficient battery power to last the entire tournament.

Contingency Planning

Preparation	Details
Backup Internet	Have a backup internet connection option available in case your primary connection fails.
Technical Support	Familiarize yourself with Checkmate's technical support channels.
Alternative Device	Ideally have a backup device (laptop, tablet, etc.) ready with the necessary software and webcam functionality.

Tournament Participation & Technical Issues

Responsibility	Details
Responsibility	Ensure a stable internet connection and that your device meets our recommended requirements before entering a match or playoff. No refunds or adjustments for issues arising after the start of a match.
Lag	Lag complaints will not be considered once the clock starts ticking.
Disconnections	Pre-Game Lobby: The system will attempt to reconnect you automatically. If unsuccessful, the arbiter will decide based on log review. During Match: Disconnections will be handled by attempting reconnection, potential time forfeits, or declaring a draw if insufficient material to win. Server Issues: If due to server issues, Checkmate may abort the game and declare it unrated.