Club Ladder 2026

How to Play

• Initial ladder positions are determined randomly. New club members are added to the bottom of the ladder.
• You may challenge anyone one to four spots above you.
• If you are challenged and you are not already in a game, and there are at least 60 minutes available to play, you must play. Refusing is treated as a loss.
• Ladder games must be played with a clock at 30 minutes per player.
• The player making the challenge plays White. The challenged player plays Black.

Position Changes

• Lower-ranked player wins: Takes the higher-ranked player's spot. The higher-ranked player moves down one spot.
• Higher-ranked player wins: No position changes.
• Draw: The lower-ranked player moves to just below the higher-ranked player. Draws by agreement must be approved by an arbiter.

Rematches

After a ladder game, at least one of the players must play a ladder game against someone else before they are allowed to play each other again.

What is a Ladder?

A ladder is a live ranking list that encourages regular play. Players can challenge opponents above them, and the winner climbs the ladder. It keeps games competitive and gives everyone a clear goal for the season.