Knights of the Chessboard

The chessboard has always been a battlefield of the mind — a place where strategy reigns, patience is rewarded, and every move carries the weight of consequence. This May, the Coeur d'Alene Chess Club is transforming that timeless battlefield into something truly legendary. We are proud to announce our upcoming tournament: Knights of the Chessboard.

Whether you consider yourself a noble grandmaster or a squire just beginning to learn the ways of the board, this tournament is your invitation to step into the arena, don your knightly title, and compete for glory. The quest begins May 11th — and it promises to be an evening of strategy, camaraderie, and just a little bit of chivalry.

Everything You Need to Know

Mark your calendars and clear your Monday evenings. Here are the essential details for your knightly quest:

• Dates: May 11, May 18, and May 25, 2026
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Location: McDonald's at Riverstone, 1325 W Riverstone Drive, Coeur d'Alene
• Format: 6-Round Swiss — one G20 and one G30 each Monday evening
• Time Controls: G20 (20 minutes per player) followed by G30 (30 minutes per player)
• Entry Fee: Free — open to members and guests alike
• Affiliation: U.S. Chess Federation Affiliate #83118174

As always, our gathering hall at the Riverstone McDonald's offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Grab your favorite snack, settle into your seat, and let the battles begin.

A Format Built for an Epic Night

Each Monday evening features two rounds of play. The night opens with a G20 game — twenty minutes per player — a brisk, tactical battle where quick thinking and sharp instincts rule the board. It is the perfect warm-up to get the competitive juices flowing.

Then comes the G30 — thirty minutes per player — where the real story unfolds. With a little more time on the clock, players can dig deeper into complex positions, calculate further ahead, and truly test their strategic mettle. This is the round where the evening's champion emerges.

One G20 and one G30 each Monday, across three evenings — six rounds of Swiss chess in total. Every game matters, every point counts, and the standings can shift right up until the final move on May 25th.

The Knightly Traditions

What sets this tournament apart from an ordinary evening of chess is the spirit we bring to it. The Knights of the Chessboard is not just a competition — it is an experience. We have woven a handful of fun traditions into the fabric of the event to keep things engaging from the very first move to the very last.

Knightly Titles

Every participant will enter the tournament bearing a knightly title. Whether you are a Squire just starting out, a Knight with a few battles under your belt, a Champion who has proven their mettle, or a Grandmaster commanding respect across the board — your title reflects your standing in the realm. Titles rise with every victory, so the higher you climb, the loftier your rank becomes.

The Knight's Oath

Before a single pawn is pushed, all players will swear the Knight's Oath together. It is a simple pledge: to play with honor, to respect every opponent who sits across from you, and to let the best mind prevail. Strategy above all — and chivalry always. It is a wonderful reminder that no matter how fierce the competition gets, we are all here as a community first.

The Coronation Ceremony

At the close of the final round on May 25th, our tournament champion will be crowned in a Coronation Ceremony befitting a true ruler of the chessboard. The player who finishes atop the standings will be acknowledged by all as the realm's supreme strategist — at least until next month's tournament!

Two Sections, One Kingdom

The tournament is divided into two noble sections, each with its own battlefield and its own glory to be won.

The Knights section is home to the realm's most seasoned players — those who have proven their mettle and earned the right to bear that title. The Knaves section welcomes those still forging their path, where ambition runs high and every game is a chance to prove you belong among the elite.

And here is where it gets exciting: the player who wins the Knaves section will earn a promotion to the Knights — stepping up in rank and leaving their Knave days behind. It is the tournament's most coveted journey, from the bottom of the ladder to a seat among the realm's finest.

Titles of the Realm

There are no trophies here — only honor. At the close of the tournament, titles will be granted to those who distinguished themselves on the board:

• Champion of the Knights — awarded to the top finisher in the Knights section
• Champion of the Knaves — awarded to the top finisher in the Knaves section, along with promotion to the Knights
• Knight of Brilliance — awarded for the most remarkable game of the tournament

Your title is your legacy. Wear it with pride.

A Tournament for Everyone

One of the things we are most proud of at CDA Chess Club is our welcoming community. The Knights of the Chessboard tournament is designed to be enjoyed by players of every background and ability level. If you have never played in a club tournament before, this is the perfect place to start. You will be paired against opponents at your skill level, cheered on by friendly faces, and supported every step of the way.

Chess is about so much more than winning. It is about growth, connection, and the quiet thrill of finding the right move under pressure. We love watching players discover that thrill for the very first time — and we love watching veterans raise their game to new heights.

Answer the Call

The board is set. The knights are gathering. All that is missing is you.

Join us on May 11th at the Riverstone McDonald's and take your place in the tournament. Bring a friend, bring your best opening, and get ready to compete for the crown. We cannot wait to see you there.

For more information or to learn about joining the club, visit us at cdachess.com/join-us or reach out directly:

• Email: info.cdachess@gmail.com
• Phone: 208-274-5242
• Meetings: Every Monday, 6:00–8:00 p.m. | McDonald's at Riverstone

CDA Chess Club — U.S. Chess Federation Affiliate #83118174 — Coeur d'Alene, Idaho