Database Wizard

The Database Wizard sets up USCF, CFC, or FIDE databases automatically. Recommended for most users.

When to Use

Use Database Wizard for:

Downloading latest database from internet
Setting up USCF, CFC, or FIDE databases
Quick setup with automatic configuration
First-time database configuration

Use Database Setup instead for:

Custom database formats
Advanced field mapping
Special configuration requirements

Using the Database Wizard

Open the Wizard

Go to Database > Database wizard…

Select Database Type

Choose your database:

USCF - US Chess Federation
CFC - Chess Federation of Canada
FIDE - International chess federation (official FIDE-only list)

USCF and CFC databases can include FIDE data. The binary databases downloaded from ChessRoster contain FIDE ratings, titles, and federation codes for international players. The wizard defaults to a single-federation profile (USCF-only or CFC-only); to enable FIDE-alongside, choose the USCF + FIDE or CFC + FIDE chip in the Rating setup panel after setup. Choose FIDE in the wizard only if your tournament must comply with official FIDE rating regulations.

Choose Primary or Secondary

Primary database (default): Main database for player lookups Secondary database: Check “Apply this to the secondary database” for a second database

Most users only need a primary database. Use the secondary slot when you want a separate database for a second federation (e.g., a standalone FIDE .txt database alongside your USCF primary). For FIDE ratings embedded in a binary USCF or CFC database, you do not need a secondary database — use the USCF + FIDE or CFC + FIDE chip in the Rating setup panel instead.

Download or Browse

Download (recommended): Click Yes to download the latest database automatically

Browse: Click No to select an existing database file on your computer

Downloading (Recommended)

When you choose to download, the wizard handles everything automatically.

Confirm Download

Click Yes when asked to download.

Choose Location (Optional)

Default location works for most users:


C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\SwissSys 11\Databases\

Download Completes

The wizard downloads, configures, and confirms: “Your database is ready to use.”

For federation-specific details, see:

Loading Existing Files

If you already have a database file:

Decline Download

Click No when asked to download.

Browse to File

Select your database file (.rbin.gz for USCF/CFC, players_list_foa.txt for FIDE).

Automatic Configuration

The wizard detects the format and applies settings automatically.

Primary vs. Secondary Databases

SwissSys can use two databases simultaneously.

Common Configurations

Primary	Secondary	Use Case
USCF	FIDE	US tournaments with international players
CFC	FIDE	Canadian tournaments with international players
USCF	CFC	Events near US/Canada border

Setting Up Secondary Database

Set Up Primary First

Run the wizard to configure your primary database.

Run Wizard Again

Go to Database > Database wizard…

Enable Secondary

Check “Apply this to the secondary database”

Select Type and Download

Choose your secondary database type and complete setup.

To swap primary and secondary: Database > Swap primary and secondary databases

See Secondary Database Use for more examples.

Troubleshooting

”Cannot find database in selected folder”

Cause: Wizard couldn’t locate a recognized database file.

Solutions:

Verify the file is in the folder you selected
Check filename matches expected pattern (e.g., players_list_foa.txt for FIDE)
Use Database Setup to manually configure non-standard files

Download Fails

Solutions:

Check internet connection
Ensure firewall allows SwissSys internet access
Wait a few minutes and try again

Wrong Database Type

If you selected the wrong type: Run the wizard again and select the correct database type. If you select a different primary federation (e.g., switching from USCF to CFC), the wizard resets the profile to single-federation defaults. If you re-affirm the same primary federation you already had (e.g., re-downloading USCF with an existing USCF + FIDE profile), the wizard preserves your existing joint setup.

After Setup

Test your database and configure rating preferences:

Configure Rating Preferences

In the Registration toolbar, click Rating options. The Confirm/edit rating search options dialog opens the Rating setup panel. Select a preset chip to set your federation profile:

USCF — US Chess only (default for USCF databases)
USCF + FIDE — US Chess primary, FIDE secondary (opt-in)
CFC — Canada only (default for CFC databases)
CFC + FIDE — Canada primary, FIDE secondary (opt-in)
FIDE — FIDE only

Set the Rating type (Regular/Quick/Blitz for USCF or CFC; Standard/Rapid/Blitz for FIDE). The plain-language summary below the chips confirms exactly what will be loaded. Additional options are in the [+] More options expander.

These settings persist per tournament in the .sjson file. See Ratings Tab - Environment Options for configuration details.

Open Registration

Go to Players > Register players

Search Database

Enter a player name and click Search database

Verify Results

Player information should populate automatically if database is configured correctly.

If the test fails, see Database Troubleshooting.