The Poetic Checkmate Tournament & Poetry Slam @ Busboys and Poets

Welcome to the Poetic Checkmate Tournament & Poetry Slam at Busboys and Poets! Get ready for an afternoon filled with creativity and competition on November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM (Eastern Time). Join us at 2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE for a unique event where poetry meets chess. Whether you're a wordsmith or a strategic thinker, this event is for you! Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness talented poets and chess players face off in a battle of wits. Mark your calendars and get ready to be amazed!

Format: 4 Rounds, 10-Minute Rapid (Unrated)

Sections:

Open Section: Winner takes all — $100

Beginners Section: Winner takes all — $50

Style: Fast-paced, exciting, and competitive!Chessboards & Clocks Provided at event

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Between rounds, immerse yourself in the power of spoken word, where voices uplift, inspire, and challenge us to Speak Life.

• All games must be played over-the-board (OTB) on the official tournament sets provided.
• Players must play honestly without any outside assistance.
• Any form of cheating or unfair play will result in immediate disqualification.

• Tiebreaks will be calculated using the Sonneborn–Berger method (sum of the scores of defeated opponents plus half the scores of drawn opponents).
• If ties remain unresolved, the Tournament Director may schedule a playoff (blitz or Armageddon) at their discretion.

• Pairings and round times will be announced before the first round.
• Players must be at the board when rounds begin. Late arrivals may result in a forfeit.

• Players must register with their real names.
• No substitutions or transfers of entries allowed.

• Respectful behavior is expected at all times.
• No taunting, disruptive conduct, or unsportsmanlike actions will be tolerated.
• Players are encouraged to offer a handshake at Start "Good Luck" &“Good game” (GG) at the end of each match.

• Standard USCF touch-move rules apply:
• • If a player touches a piece, they must move it (if legally possible).
  • If a player touches an opponent’s piece, they must capture it (if legally possible).
• No “take-backs” are allowed once a move is made.

• The Tournament Director has the final decision in all disputes.
• Severe offenses (e.g., cheating, abusive behavior, deliberate disruption) may result in disqualification and exclusion from future events.

By registering for this chess tournament, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Media Release:

Registration for this event includes consent for photographs, video, and/or audio recordings to be taken of participants during the tournament. These may be used by the Big Chair Chess Club and its affiliates for promotional, educational, and informational purposes in print, online, and across social media platforms—without the need for further approval or compensation.

Parental Responsibility (for participants under 18):

If the participant is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to be present at the tournament venue for the duration of the event. The Big Chair Chess Club is not responsible for the supervision of minors outside of official tournament activities.

By submitting registration, you affirm that you have read and agreed to these terms.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, 2004 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue Southeast, Washington, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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