Tag: Upcoming Events

2025 Hart House Holidays Open

Published on by harthousechess

The annual Hart House Holidays Open Chess Tournament is back for another year! We invite you to join us from Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st at Hart House for another edition of our annual flagship event. This event is designed to accommodate all skill levels and is the ideal opportunity to participate in a competitive chess tournament.

Tournament Details

  • WHERE: Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto.
  • WHEN: December 19th, 20th, 21st.
  • SCHEDULE:
    • Crown, U2200, U2000, U1800, U1600, U1400: Friday 19th at 6:30pm, Saturday 20th at 10:00am & 4:00pm, Sunday 21st at 10:00am & 4:00pm
    • Junior Section (U1500): Saturday 20th at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm, & 5pm
  • TIME CONTROL: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 for all sections. 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move 1 for Juniors (U1500).
  • STYLE: 5 Round Swiss split in 6 rating sections – Crown (2200+), Under 2200, Under 2000, Under 1800, Under 1600, Under 1400. 4 Round Swiss for Juniors (U1500).
  • RATING: All sections will be CFC-rated. Crown, U2200, U2000, U1800, and U1600 sections will also be FIDE rated. The Crown Section will be paired using FIDE ratings.
  • FORFEIT TIME: Players who do not arrive within 30 minutes of the round start time will be forfeited.
  • BYES: Maximum 2 half-point byes in rounds 1-4 if requested in advance before the start of Round 1. 
  • ORGANIZER: Hart House Chess Club with FA Victor Zheng as Chief Arbiter.
  • EMAIL: hhtournaments@gmail.com
  • CAPACITY: 210 players in the Great Hall, 200 spots available for registration. 40 players for Juniors.
  • PRIZES: Exact distribution to be announced. There will be a team prize.

Registration

Online registration for the Open and Juniors is available until Wednesday, December 17th at 11:59 PM. In-person and telephone registration is available through the Hart House Information Desk during Hart House Hours.

Entry Fees

Open: $70 by November 30th at 11:59 pm, $80 by December 17th at 11:59 pm and $100 cash-only on-site if space permits.

$35 discount for UofT student members and unrated players (max one discount per player). Unrated players are not eligible for prizes. Free entry for IMs/WIMs/GMs/WGMs if registered by Sunday, November 30th. Please email us at hhtournaments@gmail.com to claim a discount.

Juniors: $40 by November 30th at 11:59 pm, $50 by December 17th at 11:59 pm. $60 cash-only on-site if space permits.

Playing up

More information about playing up will be available as and when registration opens.

No playing up to the Crown section. Players must be 2200+ CFC or 2000+ FIDE.

Other Info

  • HHCC will utilize DGT boards for portions of the Crown section.
  • Registrants must be current CFC members — please visit https://chess.ca/membership-fees for more info
  • Photography: By signing up, you permit HHCC the ability to take and use photos from the tournament on its social media. If you would not like your photo used, please email us.
  • Foreign Ratings: all participants must disclose all foreign ratings at time of registration or via email.
  • Withdrawals: see our Policies.
  • Parking is available at a daily rate; however, it is limited. Be prepared and come early to find parking.
  • Prize Payments: Any prize less than or equal to $100 will be paid via Gift Cards. Direct deposit is required for prizes above $100. All prizes will be payable via direct deposit on request. Please expect 1 week – 3 weeks for payments to be processed.
  • Unrated players should review our New To Tournament Guide.

Pre-Registered, Standings, Pairings

Players will be placed in sections according to eligibility based on the latest rating update, not necessarily according to how people registered themselves.

List of Registered Players: https://chess-results.com/tnr1297589.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I request a bye?

There is a field for noting byes in the registration form. If you have already registered but did not include a bye request, please email us at hhtournaments@gmail.com with your full name, CFC ID, and the round(s) you would like to request a bye for.

  • How do I avail the unrated player or titled player discount?

Please email us at hhtournaments@gmail.com with your full name and CFC ID. We will provide you with a discount code.

  • I only have a quick/provisional rating. Am I considered unrated?

Players with any sort of rating, whether active, quick, or only provisional, are NOT considered unrated for the purposes of a discount. The unrated discount is targeted specifically at players in their first rated tournament.

For pairings purposes, ratings are picked at arbiters’ discretion.

  • My rating has changed since I registered. What section will I be playing in?

Sections will be assigned based on the latest rating update prior to the tournament. If your rating is over the threshold for the section you registered in, we will automatically move you up.

  • Playing Up

Please indicate in the ‘Comments’ section of the registration form that you would like to play up. Players must be within 100 points of the section’s minimum rating in order to play up.

Play-up fees is $20 and must be paid in cash in-person.

  • Withdrawals and Refunds

Please email us at hhtournaments@gmail.com AND cc hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca to let us know that you will be withdrawing. Full refunds are available upto 48 hours before tournament start time, 50% refunds are available upto 24 hours before tournament start time. No refunds will be provided if withdrawing within 24 hours of tournament start time, or after.

  • Other Questions

For any other questions, please email us at hhtournaments@gmail.com

2025-26 First Year Representative Election

Published on by harthousechess

Attention all First-Year Students!

An election will be held to elect the First-Year Representative for Fall/Winter 2025-26.

The First-Year Representative is responsible for “working to ensure the voices of first-year students are heard and represented. The First-Year Representative may work to organize activities that are specifically tailored to the needs of first-year students, such as introductory workshops and beginner chess tournaments. The First-Year Representative serves as a mentor and resource for first-year members who may be new to chess or new to the Club. The First-Year Representative provides guidance and support to help these members feel welcomed and included in the Club, and they also help to facilitate connections between first-year members and more experienced players. The First-Year Representative plays a role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for first-year members and ensuring that they have a positive and enjoyable experience with the Club,” according to the Constitution of the Hart House Chess Club.

UPDATE: Please view the list of nominees here.

Eligibility

All first-year students at University of Toronto are eligible to run for election for this position.  A candidate for the position of First-Year Representative is not required to be a member of the Club for one month before the election.

All club student members have the right to vote. To become a member, students can sign up here.

Important Dates

Students interested in the First-Year Representative position are asked to email the Alumni Chair at elections@harthousechess.com expressing interest, a short bio/background, and candidate statement by  September 22nd at 11:59 pm. They are asked to include [HHCC Elections] as the subject of the email.

If there are two or more candidates for a position, a vote will be held to determine the successful candidate on September 26th at 7 pm in-person in the Hart House Reading Room. The voting is done by secret ballot.

The electoral process will be administered by the club’s Alumni Chair, Ben Hahn. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hahn at elections@harthousechess.com, indicating [HHCC Elections] as the subject of your email.

Hart House Chess Club is an open and inclusive environment. There is no requirement to be good at the game of chess to run for the first year representative. Everyone is encouraged to nominate themselves. As a positive space we welcome and encourage members of all sexes, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, languages, abilities, religions and creeds to participate in the student government of the club, either as members of the executive or as volunteers! 

Thank you very much for your attention!

2025 Back-to-School Blitz and Pizza Party

Published on by harthousechess

Welcome back to a new school year! The Hart House Chess Club is hosting its Back-To-School Blitz and Pizza Party on Friday, September 5th, 2025. At 6 pm, come to Hart House to indulge in pizza, meet this year’s Executives, ask questions, and learn about our offerings this upcoming year. After that, join the first blitz tournament of the fall at Hart House! We’re playing 9 rounds of 3 minutes + 2 seconds blitz chess! We hope to see you there!

FORMAT AND EVENT DETAILS

  • WHEN:
    • Welcome Back Pizza: Friday, September 5th 6 pm – 7 pm – Reading Room
      • RSVP required by 6 pm, Thursday, September 4th, see this form
    • Blitz Event: Friday, September 6th, 7 pm – 9:30 pm
      • Registration onsite between 4 pm and 6:45 pm. 
  • WHERE: Hart House (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto) – East Common Room.
  • WHAT: 9-round Blitz Event (Swiss), with a 3 minute + 2 second time control. One section. Unrated
  • RATED: Unrated
  • ENTRY FEE: Free for members, Free for students & community. Non members are ineligible for prizes. 
  • PRIZE FUND: Guaranteed $200. Distribution announced onsite. Prizes for top-woman, top-unrated.
  • MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 60 players.
  • NOTE: chess sets and boards provided
  • REGISTRATION
    • All pizza must be RSVP. Students + members are free to RSVP online via form before 6pm, September 4th
    • Blitz only in-person before 7 pm. 

Pairings + Standings can be found below:

https://www.chessmanager.com/tournaments/6023846275317760

2025 Summer Rapid and Blitz

Published on by harthousechess

The Hart House Chess Club is hosting a Summer Rapid and Blitz Festival this July 5-6! The event is a 7-round double-round blitz tournament on Saturday, July 5th followed by a 6-round Rapid event on Sunday, July 6th. Come join us this summer for some fun! 

Tournament Details

Blitz

  • WHEN: Saturday, July 5
  • WHERE: Hart House Debates Room, (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON)
  • FORMAT: 7 double-round Swiss Tournament
  • ROUND TIMES:  Rd #1 at 5 PM, and then ASAP (ending around 9 pm)
  • TIME CONTROL:  3 minutes + 2 seconds increment per move
  • SECTIONS: Crown, U1600
  • RATING: CFC Quick Rated and FIDE Blitz Rated (Crown)
  • EQUIPMENT: HHCC will supply all chess equipment
  • CAPACITY: 80
  • PRIZES: $800 based on 80 fully paid entries
  • REGISTRATION: Online
  • ARBITERS: FA Victor Zheng, NA Deepanshi Matai

RAPID

  • WHEN: Sunday, July 6 
  • WHERE: Hart House Debates Room, (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON)
  • FORMAT: 6 round Swiss Tournament
  • ROUND TIMES:  10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 1:00 PM, lunch, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
  • TIME CONTROL: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment per move
  • SECTIONS: Crown, U1800, U1200
  • RATING: CFC Quick Rated and FIDE Rapid Rated (Crown, U1800)
  • BYES: Up to two 1/2-point byes for rounds 1-4 if requested before 9:30 AM on Sunday, July 6. 0-point byes only for rounds 5 and 6. Any byes requested for any round after 9:30 AM will also be 0-point byes.
  • EQUIPMENT: HHCC will supply all chess equipment
  • CAPACITY: 80
  • PRIZES: $1600 based on 80 fully paid entries
  • REGISTRATION: Online
  • ARBITERS: FA Victor Zheng, NA Deepanshi Matai

Registration Details

  • Entry Fees:
    • Blitz only: $20 by June 27th midnight, $25 by July 3rd midnight. $10 discount for UofT students. Onsite: $30 before 4:00 PM if space permits.
    • Rapid only: $40 by June 27th midnight, $45 by July 3rd midnight. $15 discount for UofT students. No onsite registration. 
    • Rapid and Blitz: $45 by June 27th midnight, $50 by July 3rd midnight. $20 discount for UofT students. 
    • Free entry for GM/WGMs/IMs/WIMs by June 27th — email us for details.
  • Section Eligibility: No playing up allowed. Highest of CFC Regular, CFC Quick, and FIDE Rapid/Blitz will be used for section eligibility at arbiters’ discretion. CFC Quick Ratings will be used for pairings.
  • Prize Payments: All prizes less than $100 will be paid via gift cards (direct deposit is available via request.) Prizes greater than or equal to $100 will be paid via direct deposit. 
  • Email: hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca

Chess Federation of Canada Memberships are required: $12 for a one-time adult, or $48 for one year. https://www.chess.ca/en/players/membership-join/

Appeals Procedure here.

PRE-REGISTERED PLAYERS

Please click here for a list of players. (Accurate as of 10:00 AM on Friday, June 27)

Chess-Results

Summer 2025 Lessons

Published on by harthousechess

The Hart House Chess Club is pleased to announce the Summer 2025 Lessons Schedule! All Lessons will be held in the Bickersteth Room of Hart House. All are free to attend or participate for Members of the Club.

Lessons: This Summer, join us on Fridays throughout the semester for exciting lessons and lectures to help you become a better player. Members are entitled to free lessons this winter provided by expert lecturers and experienced players. 

Lessons Details

Beginner Lessons: 

  • Prior chess experience is not required and pace will be adjusted based off class strength. Interactive sessions, informative demonstrations, resources, and discussions will be provided to help students learn how to play. 10 lessons will be offered and participants can still learn something if they miss a class. Registration is required for all prospective attendees.
  • Where: Bickersteth Room, Hart House
  • Lessons will be taught by: Samuel Zhang (CFC 2322)
  • Registration: Registration is required. Participants may join at any time throughout if space is available. Please email us to register.
  • Schedule: 4:00 to 5:30 pm on the following Fridays
    • June 6, 13, 20, 27
    • July 4, 11, 18, 25
    • August 1, 8

Intermediate Lessons: 

  • The expected audience are players who are looking to up their game. Players are expected to know fundamental ideas of piece movement, basic strategies of chess, and calculation methods. 10 lessons will be offered and participants can still learn something if they miss a class. All participants are expected to be members of the Hart House Chess Club.
  • Where: Bickersteth Room, Hart House
  • Registration: Registration is required. However, participants can join at any point during the lesson schedule. Please email us to register.
  • Lessons will be taught by: Fengxi Map (FIDE 2202)
  • Schedule: 5:30 pm to 7 pm on the following Fridays
    • June 6, 13, 20, 27
    • July 4, 11, 18, 25
    • August 1, 8

Header photo: IM Advait Patel conducting a special lecture at Hart House on April 1st, 2024. Photo by Deepanshi Matai.

Summer Casual Blitz

Published on by harthousechess

The Hart House Chess Club is hosting a Casual Blitz tournament on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. Join the Hart House Chess Club for an exciting 7-double-round tournament! We’re playing 7 rounds of 3 minutes + 2 seconds blitz starting at 7 pm! We hope to see you there!

Format and Event Details

  • WHEN: Friday, May 23rd, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
  • WHERE: Hart House (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto) – East Common Room.
  • WHAT: 7-double-round Blitz Event (Swiss), with a 3 minute + 2 seconds increment per move time control. One section.
  • RATED: Unrated
  • ENTRY FEE: Free for members, free for non-members but ineligible for prizes. Register onsite before 7pm.
  • PRIZE FUND: Guaranteed $250. Distribution announced onsite. Prizes for top-woman, top-unrated. Note all prizes paid via Gift Cards. 
  • SPECIAL PRIZES: All participants will be entered into a door prize for HHCC merch. 
  • MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 60 players.
  • EQUIPMENT: Chess sets and boards provided

Prize Fund

First: $100
Second: $60
Third: $30

Top-Woman: $20
Top-Unrated: $20

Contact:

Any questions can be sent to: hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca

Pairings, Standings, Crosstables:

https://www.chessmanager.com/tournaments/6196706480488448

Toronto Universities Chess Match 2025

Published on by harthousechess

June 8th 2025 – Hart House

The Hart House Chess Club (University of Toronto), York University Chess Club, McMaster University Chess Club, and Toronto Metropolitan University Chess Club played an inter-university match between the clubs on June 8th, 2025. The tournament featured the perennial chess teams and chess universities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region including the reigning Canadian University Champions from the University of Toronto. The tournament was a Team Match across 6 boards with players playing a double-round robin against 3 other players from opposing schools. The time control was 15 mins + 10 seconds increment with all games broadcast live electronically on Lichess with games available here. 

This was the first inter-university tournament featuring only Toronto region universities in recent memory going back 20+ years. The last time a region-based University tournament was held in Toronto dates back to 2015 when the University of Toronto last hosted the Canadian Universities Team Chess Championship (CUCC). 

Before the first move was played, the University of Toronto was the clear favorite based on rating. Carrying a team consisting of 2 players from the Canadian Universities Team Chess Championship team (Nicholas Vettese and Fengxi Mao) who were supported by a strong master-level team. They did not disappoint with a remarkable 36-0 score across all games (not dropping even a draw). 

This also meant that the team consisting of IM Nicholas Vettese, NM Max England, NM Fengxi Mao, Nicolai Woltery, Ethan Moon, and Bingfei Wang swept the podium for individual prizes. The final photo was all University of Toronto students taking home all the hardware. 

From left to right: Nicholas Vettese, Max England, Fengxi Mao, Ethan Moon, Nicolay Woltery, Bingfei Wang

Even though the scoreline was dominant, there were select games where U of T had to pull through and even at times get lucky. For instance, IM Vettese pulled the flag in a -3 position against York University seed 1 Shon Lazarev in Round 4 (game is available here). Ethan Moon also won possibly the tournament’s longest match against TMU’s Rustam Alimirzoev with the game available here. 

Outside of their losses to U of T, McMaster was clear second scoring team wins against York and TMU respectively. The outcome of the matches between TMU and York were decided up until the final round. With TMU pulling the wins against York and a decisive 81-move draw being held between their top seeds Shon Lazarev and Thai Pham Quoc. 

Many thanks to the organizers from the U of T, TMU, York, and McMaster for coordinating their respective teams, logistics, and tournament format. The tournament director was Victor Zheng, assisted by Deepanshi Matai. 

The overall sentiment of the event was that it was a success with many folks enjoying the format, the logistics, and the opportunity to compete and represent their schools. The camaraderie presented during a team event is unlike anything one can expect from an individual competition. In the closing messages it was noted that the University of  Toronto’s Hart House Chess Club would host the 2026 Canadian University Chess Championships with the hope that we’d see many similar faces at the event. 

Some photos from the event: 

Original Details below

The Hart House Chess Club (University of Toronto), York University Chess Club, McMaster University Chess Club, and Toronto Metropolitan University Chess Club have agreed to an inter-university match between the clubs on June 8th, 2025. The tournament features the perennial chess teams and chess universities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region. The tournament is a Team Match across 6 boards, and players will play only against players from opposing schools. Each player plays a double-round robin against 3 other players from opposing schools. 

TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

  • WHERE: Debates Room, Hart House, University of Toronto.
    • Analysis/Spectators: Committees Room
  • WHEN: Sunday, June 8th 2025
  • SCHEDULE:
    • Rounds: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, lunch 2 pm, 3 pm , 4 pm
    • Closing Ceremony: 5 PM
  • FORMAT: 3 Double-Round Round-Robin tournament, split across 6 boards.  Each player is sorted into a starting ranking from 1-6. Board 1 players will play against opposing board 1 players.
  • TIME CONTROL: Rapid: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move 1. 
  • RATING: All sections will be CFC Active Rated and FIDE Rapid Rated.
  • DGT Boards: All games will be broadcast live on DGT boards.
  • Organizers: Hart House Chess Club, YorkU Chess Club, TMU Chess Club, McMaster Chess Club
  • Tournament Staff: FA Victor Zheng, NA Deepanshi Matai

Prizes

  • Plaques for top player per board and the team winner
    • Each win counts as 1 point for the team 
    • Each draw counts as ½ point for the team 
    • Each loss counts as 0 points for the team
  • Overall team winner: team with the most points 

Tiebreaks

  • Team Tiebreaks are based on:
    • Team Head to Head (direct encounter) 
    • Sum of all Individual points 
    • Sum of individual Sonneborn-Berger (sum of total scores of opponents + half of those they drew)
    • Drawing of Lots
  • Individual Tiebreaks are based on:
    • Sonneborn-Berger  

Registration

  • For University of Toronto
    • By top FIDE Rapid and CFC Active ratings 
    • Entry fees are free for U of T eligible players (students/faculty/staff of the HHCC). 
    • Please email hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca before May 25th as lineups will be finalized shortly thereafter. 
  • For York University
    • By top FIDE Rapid and CFC Active ratings before cutoff date (likely Wednesday May 28th, 2025). 
    • Entry fees are free for YorkU eligible players (students/faculty/staff)
    • Registration link will be provided through internal communications with the club
    • Contact: ChessBlitz YorkU (York University Chess Club): chessblitzyorku@gmail.com 
  • For McMaster:
  • For TMU:
    • Check the TMU Chess Discord
    • Contact Mehar on Discord, username dagoat24

Pairings/Standings

Available here

DGT Games

Available on lichess.org here

2025 Canadian University Chess Championship

Published on by harthousechess

The 2025 Canadian University Chess Championship is coming up soon and we want to inform everyone of the logistics for this year. This year’s tournament is from January 24th to 26th in Montreal, Quebec, and is being hosted by the Université de Montréal and McGill University chess clubs. There is no qualifying procedure and everyone is welcome to play. The Hart House Chess Club will send four teams to CUCC this year on a first-come, first-serve basis, of which a maximum of two teams will play in the Crown section. Registration fees and accommodation will be covered by the Hart House Chess Club with a $30 nonrefundable deposit.

Event Recap: https://harthousechess.com/2025/01/29/university-of-toronto-wins-the-2025-canadian-university-chess-championship/

CUCC 2025 Tournament Details

  • When: January 24th – 26th, 2025
  • Where: Université de Montréal, MIL Campus 
  • Organizers: UdeM and McGill University Chess Clubs  — Official Website
  • Tournament: 5-round team Swiss (4 players per team) Each team may have a reserve fifth player, who may be substituted at will. The board order must be determined before the first round. The board order must generally follow ratings.
  • Time control: 90 mins + 30 sec/per move increment
  • Eligibility: All players must be University of Toronto students, faculty, or staff members. All participants must also be members of the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC) or the Fédération Québécoise des Échecs (FQE).
  • Hotel: Lodging information is available here. Please note that the club will coordinate accommodation and cover costs — final details will be emailed to registered players.
  • Contact: hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca if you have any questions

Schedule

Friday, January 24th
Opening Ceremony and Technical Meeting @ 6:00 PM
Round 1 @ 6:30 PM

Saturday, January 25th
Round 2 @ 10:00 AM
Lunch @ 2:00 PM
Round 3 @ 3:00 PM

Sunday, January 26th
Round 4 @ 9:00 AM
Lunch @ 1:00 PM
Round 5 @ 2:00 PM
Closing Ceremony @ 6:30 PM

Players are responsible for:

1. Hart House Chess Club Membership [mandatory]. 
If you have not already done this, you can do this at Hart House main desk or online for $10 (Winter semester.) 

2. Chess Federation of Canada Membership
The CUCC will be rated with the Chess Federation of Canada (CFC).  Some of you are already active members of the chess tournament scene, others are not.  If not, you will have a published rating based on your results, after this tournament.  You can get an annual CFC membership on-line for $48 or a single tournament membership for $20.

3. Paying Fees and Registering
Hotel fees and registration fees are all accommodated by Hart House Chess Club. Participants will be asked to cover their travel fees. 

Link to the sign-up page is now online here. Spots are given out in order of registration, except 4 spots reserved for the highest rated players. Highest rated players must inform the Club by December 15th to guarantee their spot on the team. 

Because Hart House financially sponsors this event for students, the following Asana form must be filled immediately following payment. Following successful payment and completion of the Asana form, your registration will be confirmed.

The CUCC is a team event that will provide for an excellent tournament experience and a wonderful team-bonding event, so come prepared to play some chess and enjoy yourself! One of the goals of the Club is to encourage beginners and new-to-chess members to participate! We highly encourage beginners and those without tournament experience to play at this event!

In 2024, Queen’s University hosted the event. See last year’s event report here. 

Questions? Please feel free to email us at hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca

2025 FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar

Published on by harthousechess

The Hart House Chess Club is pleased to announce an upcoming FIDE Arbiters’ Seminar at Hart House, Friday, January 10th to Sunday, January 12th, 2025. The seminar will be conducted by one of Canada’s leading Arbiters and Organizers, International Arbiter Hal Bond.

Amongst his many accolades, Hal Bond has served as the Chief Arbiter at the 2012 Women’s World Chess Championship, Deputy Arbiter at the 2012 World Chess Championship, and as the Chief Arbiter of the 2017 World Youth Chess Championship.

  • WHEN: Friday, January 10th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday, January 11th 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday, January 12th 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • WHERE: Hart House (7 Hart House Cir, Toronto) – Committees Room.
  • WHO: The Lecturer will be IA/IO Bond, Hal (CAN), FIDE Lecturer.
  • ENTRY FEE: $250 paid online only
  • CAPACITY: 16 participants
  • LANGUAGE: The seminar will be conducted in English.
  • ORGANIZERS: Hart House Chess Club
  • EQUIPMENT: All materials provided by HHCC.

The Seminar will give norms and titles of FIDE Arbiter, according to the Regulations for the titles of Arbiters.

Requirements: All participants must be National Arbiters before the seminar begins. 

SCHEDULE (tentative, subject to change):
January 10
6 pm – 10 pm: Role of Arbiters, Laws of Chess (4hrs)

January 11
10 am – 1 pm: System of Games, Tie-Breaks (3hrs)
2 pm – 4 pm: Ratings and OTB Title Regulations (2 hrs)
4 pm – 6:30 pm: Swiss System and Pairing Rules (2.5 hrs)

January 12
10 am – 11:30 am: Competition rules, Equipment standards and clocks (1.5 hrs)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Arbiter Title Regs (1 hr)
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Fair Play Guidelines (2 hrs)
2 pm –  6 pm: Exam (4 hrs)

REGISTRATION:

Registration is available online here. Please note that all participants must be National Arbiters before the seminar begins. Details on becoming a National Arbiter are available here.

For any inquiries, please email us at hhchess@studentorg.utoronto.ca. 

For more information regarding the FIDE Arbiter seminar and system, see:
1. https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B0602
2. https://arbiters.fide.com/arb-titles/fide-arbiters-system

Results: https://arbiters.fide.com/news/9781. Congrats to Mark, Deepanshi, Grace, Andrew, and Egidijus for successfully passing the exam

FIDE Arbiter Seminar 2025 at Hart House

.

2024 Summer Lessons

Published on by harthousechess

The Hart House Chess Club will be conducting lessons this summer! We are happy to announce a lecture series for beginner to intermediate players from June through August. We hope to see you at Hart House on Fridays.

The Beginner to Intermediate Lessons run from 5:00 to 7:00 PM every Friday from June 7th to August 30th. No lesson on June 28 and July 19.

  • Targets beginners and intermediate players
  • Focus on:
    • Pawn structure
    • Imbalances
    • Middlegame strategy
    • Understanding endgames
    • Studying games of Masters
  • Taught by Uttam Dhungel
  • Free for all U of T students and Hart House Chess Club members. By donation for all others.
  • No formal registration required, just drop by at Hart House on Fridays!

About the Coach

Uttam Dhungel is from the country of Nepal. He has dedicated 13 years to the game of chess and earned the title of National Instructor in 2018. Teaching chess at various levels has been his passion since then. To Uttam, chess isn’t just a game — it’s a transformative pursuit that fosters positive change across various domains of life.

With the lessons at Hart House, Uttam plans to showcase the dimensions of chess. Players will be able to develop their understanding of the game in various ways and gain insight into the play of current Canadian champions.