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Spring Lightning

Start time: Monday 20 April 2026, 07:00 PM
Location: Slateford Bowling club, 28 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TH

We will run the Spring Lightning tournament of faster chess where there is a handicap system in place that gives higher graded players less time against lower graded opponents.

  • Recently each player gets 7 minutes each, with the higher graded player losing a minute for every 50 points in grading difference. Down to a minimum of 2 minutes.
  • The number of rounds and format we actually play will depend on the number of entrants.
    • We may decide to drop down to 7 minutes each depending on entries.
    • We may cap the overall time for a game to 12 minutes if required to play more rounds. So two players due 7 minutes each would only get 6 minutes.
    • We may run two or three all play all qualifying sections with the section winners contesting a play off to decide the winner.
  • If you can try to be at the club for 7pm for a latest 7.15pm start. (start earlier if everyone is present)
  • At the start of each round I will announce the pairings.
    • Who has white and the time for each player.
    • This will save time working out grading differences on the fly.

Lightning Rules

  • Standard Chess Scotland gradings will be used.
  • If a player runs out of time then they have lost.
    • Unless there is insufficient mating material.
  • Players must press the clock with the same hand used to move pieces.
  • If a player makes an illegal move then they have lost.
    • Assuming that the opponent notices the illegal move.
    • If the opponent makes a further move then the game is continued.
  • A move is not complete until a player presses their clock.
    • If they have not pressed the clock then they may make an alternative legal move with the piece that has been touched / moved.
    • If there is no legal move with the piece that was touched / moved then they move another piece to make a legal move.
    • As an example if you touch or move a piece (but have not pressed your clock) and you notice you would leave yourself in check then you can make an alternative move with the touched piece that would not leave you in check. If not possible then another piece can be moved.
  • If there is a dispute in a game then the clock should be paused and the tournament organiser consulted. If organiser is still playing then the players should wait till the organiser becomes available. Other players should not interfere with the disputed game.
  • Trophy will be awarded to the highest placed club member.
  • Any ungraded players will be given a grading of 1500 for the purpose of time handicaps. At the discretion of the organiser this may be adjusted to reflect demonstrated playing strength. For ungraded players that have achieved a live grading this will be used.
  • Tie-break will be:
    • Result between two players. (if only two players in TB)
    • Player with most wins.
    • Sonneborn-Berger score.
  • If there is an odd number of players then a Bye will be required in each round. Players receiving a bye will be awarded one point.
  • The organiser may take any measures deemed necessary to ensure the smooth running of the event.
  • The organisers decision on all matters will be final.

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