The U.S. Chess Federation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the study of the game of chess in a number of ways. The group strives to provide information, knowledge and support to all chess players regardless of age or skill level, from novices to professional players. They view chess as an enjoyable pastime, as an art form, and as a means of improving society.
The USCF supervises a number of chess tournaments every year, including the US Chess Championship and other national events. The group also participates in international events, linking US chess players with players from around the world.
One of the most visible benefits of membership in the U.S. Chess Federation is a subscription to their monthly magazine, “Chess Life.” The organization also publishes a bi-monthly magazine called “Chess for Kids.” In both publications, the USCF offers current articles and information which are of interest to chess players. The 110th US Open was held in Indianapolis in early August; so the current edition of “Chess Life” contains stories about the competition, the players, and the winners as well as upcoming events and articles about improving your own chess play.
According to the organization’s website, there are over 80,000 current memberships, and about half of their members attend some kind of school. So the USCF is very interested in supporting chess programs in schools, from pre-school programs to college level. The group encourages the proliferation of the game, with thousands of affiliated local clubs and organizations across the U.S. The USCF website offers official rules of the game, a glossary of chess terms and a brief chess history available to all, as well as various books and services for their members.
The organization also offers to pair members for correspondence chess matches, either by mail or email. To get started, players are asked to rate themselves into the following scale:
Class D / Novice (rating of 1399 and below)
Class C / Intermediate (rating of 1400 to 1599)
Class B / Strong (rating of 1600 – 1799)
Class A / Very Strong (rating of 1800 – 1999)
Of course, the more honest the self-assessment, the better the group can match up an opponent of similar skill levels. Through playing in rated matches, a chess player may increase his rating to:
Candidate Master (rating of 2000 – 2199)
Master (rating of 2200 – 2399)
Senior Master (rating of 2400 or higher)
Chess Right Chess Store is offering a number of free memberships in the USCF with qualifying purchases. Please look for these great premium offers on selected chess sets in our store. We are also offering a great price on the US Chess Federation Official Rule Book (look in category “Books, etc.” for the yellow king piece on the cover).
Ann Wamack is a freelance writer and web page designer. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and teenage daughter.
