This page has the short answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions we get.

Q: Can You tell me about Chess Life magazine?

A: Chess Life is the magazine of record for the United States Chess Federation (USCF). We focus on American chess players and tournaments. A combination of tournament reports, instruction, human interest, and USCF governance matters are published.

Q: How often is the Chess Life magazine published?
A: Chess Life is a monthly magazine.

Q: How often is Chess Life for Kids published?
A: Chess Life for Kids is a bi-monthly publication for ages 12 and under.

Q: Can I get a free sample copy of Chess Life magazine and a catalog?
A: Call our 1-800-903-8723 (USCF) number or E-mail your request to inquiries@uschess.org or write to USCF, PO Box 3967, Crossville, TN 38557. FAX your request to: 1-931-787-1200. You can expect to receive your first issue of Chess Life issue in 6-8 weeks. You should receive subsequent issues monthly.

Q: Where can I buy copies of the magazine?
A: Although you can sometimes find Chess Life on newsstands at major bookstores, the most reliable method for receiving the magazine is to purchase a USCF membership and have Chess Life mailed to you monthly. Sneak Preview into our upcoming issue of Chess Life.

Q: How do I subscribe to the magazine?
A: We offer a link on our homepage for "Join/Renew" which connects you to our Online Membership area to join the USCF, renew your membership or enter some of our national events.

Q: I sent in my membership payment some time back but haven't received a magazine yet. When can I expect my first issue?
A: In 6-8 weeks you will receive the most current issue of Chess Life.

Q. How do I get information about Chess Life advertising?
A. You can also click on the magazine cover image offered on our homepage, uschess.org for a preview into the current issue of Chess Life. To place a display ad, contact Ray West at 931-787-1234 x 132, or email at rwest@uschess.org. If it’s a TLA, Joe Wright is available at extension 130, or email at tla@uschess.org or jwright@uschess.org.

Q: How do I advertise my tournament in Chess Life and/or Chess Life for Kids?
A: Chess Life publishes text-only Tournament Life Announcements (TLA’s) at a nominal rate as a service to our members. Please contact our TLA department, tla@uschess.org, for rates and deadlines. If you would like a larger ad for your event, please contact rwest@uschess.org. We also offer our Tournament Life Announcements (TLA's) on our website at: Tournaments. TLA Schedule w/rates for Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids.

Q: I have an article or photograph that I would like to see published in Chess Life. Who do I contact?
A: Please see our Writer's Guidelines.

Q: What is USCF?
A: The USCF Mission Statement: The United States Chess Federation (USCF or US Chess) is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.
To these ends, USCF offers a monthly magazine, Chess Life, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. chess championship, an open tournament every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefit of its members.
USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and the laws of the state of Illinois.