Welcome to all new Players!
A note to parents and new players:
Welcome to the chess world, where the only thing more bewildering than a Sicilian Defense might just be a chess tournament entry form! But fear not, we’ve got your back. We’re here to decode the chess jargon and navigate the sea of ratings and rooks together!
A quick tip for the chess parents out there: arm yourselves with a good book, a cooler bag stacked with snacks, and the most throne-like camping chair you can find. Why? Because as your chess prodigy grows, so does the length of their games. We’re talking all-day chess marathons that could test the patience of a saint!
So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure. Remember, even Kasparov started with a confused “Pawn to where?” Welcome to the chess community!
Step 1
Choose the tournament you want to enter from our calendar.
Step 2
Watch the video on how to complete our tournament entry form.
Step 3
Complete the booking form. If you dont have a Chess SA ID or rating please enter 0.
Step 4
Watch our How-To videos below for more tips on what to expect!
Step 5
Join our Communication Channels and follow us on Facebook!
Step 6
As you compete in more tournaments, you may begin considering provincial chess colours! You will hear about the Etienne Lewis Invitation—these are team trials for Tshwane Chess, and you must qualify to participate. For details on the requirements for the Etienne Lewis Invitation, please refer to the posts below. Additionally, consider joining a registered Tshwane Chess Club and ensure your annual registration with Tshwane Chess and Chess SA, the governing body of chess in South Africa, is up to date. You can easily find links to these in our menu.
Step 7
Remember to buy the snacks and camping chair!
Notation sheets for new players
Chess notation can be quite daunting for new players! To help, we've created a downloadable sheet for all new notators. It includes a legend on the side to remind you of all the notation abbreviations. You'll get the hang of it in no time! If you don’t have a notation pad, please print a copy of this sheet for each round.
2025 Etienne Lewis Invitation Criteria
To earn Gauteng North Provincial Chess Colours, players must be part of the Tshwane Chess team and have represented their team in a regional or national tournament. Selection for the team is based on performance in the Etienne Lewis Closed Chess Championship (29 August – 1 September 2025), which is an invitation-only event. Invitations are determined by participation in Tshwane Chess official and affiliated tournaments, with full details provided in the attached document.
New Gauteng Open Tournament WhatsApp Group
Looking to stay updated on all the open chess tournaments happening in Gauteng? This group is your go-to source for tournament announcements, registration details, and important updates!
Schools Chess League
The various district Committees organises a series of school team matches, generally known as the Second Term League and Third Term League. Matches are played in the second and third terms on days decided by the district committee. All primary and high schools in Gauteng area are notified annually of the team competitions and the relevant fixtures are determined as soon as
entries are received. The league fixtures are subject to the number of entries received for the current year.
2024 Requirements for Team Selection
To earn your provincial colors in chess, you must represent the Tshwane Chess team in a national or inter-regional event. This starts by meeting the criteria for an invite to the Etienne Lewis Closed Team Trials in August 2024. Your performance in these trials and other year-round tournaments will decide your merit list ranking, which is used for team selection. You can do it - start today!
2024 Etienne Lewis Invitation Criteria
As we prepare for a year of exceptional chess, it's important to note that participation in the Etienne Lewis Trials is essential for those aspiring to be part of the Tshwane Chess Team.
New Chess Terms: Chess SA ID & Rating?
Are you puzzled by terms like 'Chess SA ID' and 'Rating'? Don’t worry, relax and watch this video if you’re entering your first chess tournament. We’ll explain everything clearly, and you’ll be an old hand at this in no time—just like mastering the queen’s gambit!"
How to read the Tournament Draws.
This video explains how to read the draws for each round and also where to find the draws and results on chess-results.com
Why must you notate?
This video explains to our first-time players and parents why it is important for chess players to notate during their chess tournaments.
Hoekom moet ons noteer?
In hierdie video verduidelik ons vir nuwe spelers en ouers hoekom dit belangrik is om tydens toernooie te noteer en ook wat die afkortings is vir die verskillende skaak stukke.
How to complete a Tshwane Chess tournament entry form.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing a Tshwane Chess Tournament Entry Form. This detailed instructional video provides you with clear, step-by-step instructions to efficiently fill out your tournament entry form. Whether you're a first-time participant or a returning player, this guide ensures that you correctly complete all the necessary details to secure your spot in the tournament.
Touch Move Rule – Sepedi
Our aim at Tshwane Chess is to teach chess to as many children as possible in their own language and to help them understand the basic questions or problems that might make them lose the game at their first tournament. Coach IM Johannes Mabusela teaches our Sepedi learners about the Touch Move Rule. Tshwane Chess- Developing a nation of chess players.
Illegal Moves – Sepedi
Our aim at Tshwane Chess is to teach chess to as many children as possible in their own language and to help them understand the basic questions or problems that might make them lose the game at their first tournament.
Coach IM Johannes Mabusela teaches our Sepedi learners about Illegal Moves. Tshwane Chess- Developing a nation of chess players.
Names of Chess Pieces – Tswana
Our aim at Tshwane Chess is to teach chess to as many children as possible in their own language and to help them understand the basic questions or problems that might make them lose the game at their first tournament.
Coach Ernest Lekalakala teaches players the names of the chess pieces in Tswana. - Lesson 1.
Onwettige Skuiwe vir beginner spelers
Hierdie video verduidelik vir ons nuwe spelers watter onwettige skuiwe word baie keer in toernooie gemaak. Ons poog om vir ons spelers te wys waarvoor hulle moet uitkyk in hul toernooie wanneer hulle speel en om mooi te dink voordat hulle skuif.
Tshwane Chess Tournament Calendar
Did you know that all Tshwane Chess Tournaments are booked a year in advance? This gives you plenty of time to plan ahead and prepare for your favorite tournament.
Tshwane Chess Communication Channels
Our WhatsApp groups are our main form of communication where we distribute latest news and tournament flyers are distributed on our whatsapp groups. Please join!
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