New Hampshire
Chess League
Where New England’s Chess Talent Meets the Board
🏆 What Is the NHCL?
The New Hampshire Chess League (NHCL) is the official competitive league of the New Hampshire Chess Club. Designed for players of all ages and levels, NHCL hosts USCF-rated tournaments, seasonal circuits, and online/in-person events throughout the year.
Whether you're chasing your first tournament win or climbing toward expert, NHCL gives you the platform to test your skills, meet other serious players, and develop your game — one season at a time.
🎯 Our Mission
To make structured, high-quality chess competition accessible, affordable, and consistent throughout New Hampshire.
We believe chess teaches more than just strategy — it builds focus, character, and community.
🗓 Annual Format
Each calendar year includes:
☀️ Summer Warm-Up Series
A casual, mixed-format season with low-pressure competition and seasonal prizes.
🍂 Fall Grand Prix
A full competitive season with hybrid events (2 online + 1 in-person per month), culminating in seasonal awards and an annual champion leaderboard.
❄️ Winter Cool-Down Series
A casual, mixed-format season with low-pressure competition and seasonal prizes.
🌱 Spring Grand Prix
A full competitive season with hybrid events (2 online + 1 in-person per month), culminating in seasonal awards and an annual champion leaderboard.
📍 Tournament Details
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Formats: Rapid & Blitz, Swiss pairings, G/25 +10 (OTB) and G/15 +5 (Online)
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Locations: Newmarket Rec and Lichess.org
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Divisions: Kings (Open) + Knights (U1000)
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Entry Fees: Free online | $15–$20 in-person
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USCF-Rated: Yes. US Chess Membership required.
🥇 Awards & Recognition
NHCL celebrates both competition and commitment:
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Seasonal Champions (Top 3 Overall)
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Most Improved Player (Rating gain)
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Ironman Award (Most events played)
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Top U1000 / U800 awards
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Monthly shoutouts on social media and the NHCL newsletter
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Leaderboards published on nhchess.us
📈 Why Play in the NHCL?
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Real tournament pressure in a supportive environment
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Consistent scheduling = real growth
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Earn Prize Points toward gear, books, or memberships
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Compete across platforms and locations
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Meet others who take chess seriously (but not too seriously)
🤝 Who Can Join?
Anyone with:
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A love for chess
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A USCF membership
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The courage to play without fear of losing
Our players range from young scholastic students to adult hobbyists, new learners to 1800+ rated players. All are welcome.
📝 Ready to Play?
Visit our website to sign up for the next tournament, or check out the current Leaderboard.
Have questions? Want to volunteer or sponsor an event?
📧 Email us at Jacob@nhchess.us
NHCL: Where New Hampshire plays serious chess.
One match. One rating. One move at a time.
