These extracts are for guidance only.  The exact rules are stated in the current edition of the League Constitution and Playing rules

Location
All clubs within a radius of 30 kilometres (18½ miles) of Hanley bus Station are eligible for entry - subject to approval.  There will be no objection to clubs from further away requesting entry into the league.

Structure
The league season runs from October to April, and is currently organised in 5 divisions.

Division 1
5 boards per team, with no grading limit.

Division 2
5 boards per team, with a total grade for the team of 725 or less.  Players graded lower than 120 (or ungraded players) count as 120 towards that total.

Division 3
4 boards per team, with a total grade for the team of 520 or less.  Players graded lower than 105 (or ungraded players) count as 105 towards that total.

Division 4
4 boards per team, with a total grade for the team of 460 or less.  Players graded lower than 90 (or ungraded players) count as 90 towards that total.

Division 5
4 boards per team, with a total grade for the team of 400 or less.  Players graded lower than 75 (or ungraded players) count as 75 towards that total.

Each opposing team is played twice each season, once at each clubs venue.  Because of the use of grading limits on teams as a whole, there is no end of season promotion/relegation.

Rate of play
35 moves in 70 minutes.  At the conclusion of black's 35^th move, both clocks are wound back 15 minutes for a blitz finish.  All matches will finish on the evening of the match - no adjournements.

Aims
The North Staffordshire & District Chess Association was set up to "encourage study and practice of chess in the area; institute and maintain championship contests between member clubs and individual players; promote representative matches with leagues in other areas; promote and foster chess generally throughout the area.".

At the start of the season, the following clubs entered teams in the league:

• Alsager
• Cheddleton & Leek
• Fenton
• Hassell & Clayton
• Holmes Chapel
• Kidsgrove
• Macclesfield
• Meir
• Newcastle
• Stafford

Each team consists of 4 players.  The Open division has no grading limits on players, the U130 division is restricted to players with grades of U130.

Each player has 30 minutes to complete all moves.

Open
This is an 8 board knockout tournament with the final in April.  Each club may enter a team, and there is no grading limit.  (Until 2009 this was known as the 8 board cup.)

Rate of play: Same as league play.

Major Cup
A 5 board knockout tournament with the final in April.  Each player taking part must be graded under 150.  (until ECF grades were revised during 2009, this was known as the U130 cup)

Rate of play: Same as league play.

Intermediate Cup
A 5 board knockout tournament with the final in April.  Each player taking part must be graded under 130.  (until ECF grades were revised during 2009, this was known as the U110 cup)

Rate of play: Same as league play.

Minor Cup
A 4 board knockout tournament with the final in April.  Each player taking part must be graded under 110.  (until ECF grades were revised during 2009, this was known as the U90 cup)

Rate of play: Same as league play.