What is Nationals?

Picture a hall full of kids your age, from all over your country. Once a year, they all meet in one place. Some nationals are huge events. When you play there, you find out how you do against kids from your whole country. Any place on the final list earns the sticker.

How it works

• You play in an age group: under 8, under 10, under 12 and up.
• There are five to nine rounds, over a weekend or a few days.
• The games can be slow, fast, or a mix, and the event's page says which.

Another national event counts too, like a national school championship or a national team event.

How you get in

Every country has its own entry rules. Some nationals ask you to be in a club. Others take only players who did well at their regional. Some let any kid of the right age enter. The grown-up who runs your chess group may know which rules your nationals uses. Then read the event's page together soon, because big events can fill up early.

Do I have to be a champion?

No, you do not have to be a champion. A few kids there are very strong. Most are kids like you, a bit nervous and a bit excited. Agree with your grown-up where you will meet after each round, and then walk in and play.

How you get the sticker

Your grown-up or coach checks it and hands you the sticker. Show the final standings with your name on them, or your certificate. The grown-up who took you knows you played every round. If you have no club, your grown-up at home looks at the standings with you. Did you play nationals before you had the passport? It still counts. Old standings are usually still online.