REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL PLAYERS TO SECURE YOUR PLACE! REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS NOW DONE DIRECTLY IN TORNELO.
Entry Fees
$33 per entry if prepaid
$40 per entry if paid on the day (LATE ENTRY)
Payment Options
You can pay prior to the event using a credit card. Note there is a Tornelo processing fee (2.75% + 0.25 cents per transaction) that applies on all transactions. This small fee helps provide support for future Tornelo development and improvements.
You can also pay on the day - cash only however the fee will be $40 and your place is not guaranteed as there are limited spaces.
Format
Pawns, Knights and Rooks Divisions - Three 7 round Swiss tournaments with a time control of 15 minutes for each player. Each game lasts 30 minutes maximum.
Pawns Division
The Pawns Division is for players who are new to Chess and are still taking their first steps. We recommend players that have a Chess Power Rating of less than 600 points enter this division. If this is your first Chess tournament we recommend you play in the pawns division even if you have been playing Chess for some time. Your rating can be checked by searching on Tornelo - our tournament management system.
Knights Division
The Knights Division is for players who have gained some confidence in Chess, perhaps played in a number of tournaments but aren't established players yet. We recommend this division for players with a Chess Power Rating of between 600 and 899 points.
Bishops Division
The Bishops Division is for players who are confident in Chess, are established players but are still working on their consistency. We recommend this division for players with a Chess Power Rating of between 900 and 1199 points.
Rooks Division
The Rooks Division is designed for established players that are confident and have experience. We recommend the Rooks division for players with a Chess Power Rating of 1200 points or more.
Want to play in a higher division?
It is possible to enter a division higher than your current rating, but be aware you will have some really tough games! Once you start an event in a particular division, you will not be able to change to a lower division during the event.
Players’ meeting and tournament starts 1.15 p.m. Please ensure you arrive by 12:40pm at the latest for player check-in.
All players must pre-register
Players who attend the event and do not pre-register will not have their place secured and will not be able to play in the 1st round.
Player Check-In: from 12:40pm
Start Time: 1:15pm
Prize Giving Start Time: 5:00pm
Finish Time: 5:30pm
Prizes
Special prizes - see below
Certificates for every player in all divisions.
1st overall in each division wins a trophy to take home and keep. First in each Age Group (minimum 3 points) within each division wins a special medal to take home and keep.
2nd and 3rd places in the Rooks Division wins a special medal to take home and keep. There are no age group prizes in the Rooks division.
The top 3 players in the Rooks division qualify for the CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025.
Eligibility
The Sarapu Cup is open to all players between 4 and 18 inclusive. 18 year olds are allowed to play. No adults are allowed to play.
Rating
All games will be rated using the Chess Power ratings system. To check your rating visit Tornelo.
Puzzle and Challenge Prizes awarded at Prize Giving
Biggest Upset
Prizes for the biggest upset in each division. e.g. A low-rated player beating a high-rated player. The Biggest Upset prize is wholly at the descretion of the Organiser.
Fastest Draw in the West™
Players set up the pieces correctly as quickly as possible - from the bag to the board. All pieces must be on the correct squares including the Queens. At least two spectators need to be present to validate the time test. The player with the fastest time on the day wins the Fastest Draw badge.
Knights Tour Challenge™
Players use a single white knight to eat all the Black Pawns. The knight is only allowed to move to a square occupied by a Pawn. The player to have the least number of Black Queens remaining wins the challenge and picks up a Knights Tour badge for their efforts.
Biggest Gainer™
A special award for the player who gains the most rating points for the whole tournament. Note this is only for players with established ratings.
There are lots more badges that can be earned at Chess Power events. View the full Chess Power badge system for more details.
Can't make the 1pm start time?
If you have a busy Sunday morning, we do have the option to start late. If you come in late you will receive a half-point bye for the first two rounds. Please advise us if you intend to take up this option by sending us a text message before the start of the event with an estimate of your arrival time.
Emergency Contact
Jerry Hsiao 021 033 1078
Chess City Products
On the day of the event, a number of products (Chess Sets, Books and Clocks) are available at special discounted prices for purchase from the Chess City Store. We accept Cash only on the day or we can take your order and ship the products to you at a later date.
General Enquiries
Any general enquiries about this tournament can be sent to sarapucup@chesspower.co.nz or phone 021 0271 5577.
Venue: Berkley Normal Middle School
Performing Arts Centre, 26 Berkley Avenue, Hillcrest, Hamilton
