Laws

Points

• 1 for win, 0 for loss, ½ for a draw.

  • Score of 0 - ½ is allowed. If a player isn’t recording their moves (and has no valid reason for doing so) and the opponent has only a king. You default the player for not recording and give the player the maximum score they could get (a half because they cannot mate)

  • Score of 0 - 0 is allowed. Both players agree if a move hasn’t been made by both players (e.g. 1. e4). Typically in this case, the arbiter can just say “you’re not allowed to make a draw until both players have made a move each”. Another example would be if both players have an argument about the game, you can default both of them

  • Score of 1 - ½ isn’t allowed.

  • Pre-arranged drawn games are illegal, but incredibly hard to enforce.

• Some tournaments have different point systems (junior events) which typically have 3 for win, 2 for draw, 1 for loss, 0 for default (loss). It rewards participation points (for juniors).

Player conduct

• Players shouldn't bring the game into disrepute

• Shouldn't leave the playing venue without the arbiter's permission

• Player having the move can't leave

• Players who have finished their games are spectators

• Players should not distract their opponents. For example, continually coughing/sneezing.

  Tip

  Bring a box of tissues!

• If you refuse to comply with the Laws, they shall be penalised with the loss of the game

  • For example, a player not recording moves (increment 30+ and time > 5 mins)

• Players may ask arbiters to explain points of law

  Tip

  Be careful with the wording that you give out - make sure you're not giving advice!

• Players have the right to appeal an arbiter's decision

Mobile phones

• Banned unless a tournament specifies otherwise

• Phones must be off and stored in a bag. Silent/Airplane mode is not turned off!

  Tip

  Preferably not on the ground, this can lead to trip hazards

If a phone rings even if say, they have just a king as material, the result is a loss, not a draw.

Role of an Arbiter

Penalties

Arbiters can give out penalties:

• Warning. These can be issued:
  • At the time
  • After the game
• Increase opponents time
• Reduce time of offender
• Reduce points scored by the offender
• Fine
• Expulsion from round(s)
• Expulsion from tournament

Blind/visually disabled players

Basically, you make the move, you announce the move and then the clock is pressed.

• Moves are transmitted in German (local languages may be acceptable also). Used to prevent confusion between letters such as C and D.
• A piece is touched when it is removed from the "hole"
• The clock is pressed after the move is made and announced
• Both players must keep score
• A slip of the tongue must be corrected immediately before the clock is pressed

Assistants

Either player can have an assistant.

Things an assistant can do:

• They can make the move
• Can announce the moves
• Can keep score and start the opponent's clock
• Inform the player on the number of moves made and clock times
• Inform the arbiter of a breach of touch move
• Claim the game where time limit has been exceeded
• Assist if the game is adjourned

Adjourned games

• The move is written on both scoresheets, both scoresheets are shoved in the envelope as well.
• Player to move writes his next move down and this move will be played when the game restarts. This move is written and shoved in an envelope.
• Used if a game is halted (e.g. a player is ill)
• If a player's next move that they wrote is "resigns", this is treated as bringing the game into disrepute.
• Conditional draw offers are not allowed.

Chess 960

• King must be placed between the two rooks

Quickplay finishes

If you're in the last segment on the time control and you have less than 2 minutes remaining and it is stated in the tournament regulations, then quickplay applies.

• Cannot have increment
• Doesn't apply to Blitz
• Only works for when you have less than 2 minutes

A player having the move in the last 2 minutes of the final session may claim a draw (they stop the clock and summon the arbiter).

• If allowed, the player on the move with less than 2 minutes may request 5 seconds delay. In this case, this effectively becomes a draw offer which can be accepted/rejected. The opponents gets +2 minutes
• If the arbiter disagrees with this they can postpone the decision (if flag falls, you could add +2 minutes), or reject the claim (Opponent gets +2 minutes).

The recording of the moves

Moves must be recorded using the following procedure:

• You make your move (play the piece) FIRST
• (Optional): You press the clock to complete your move
• You write the move down

You cannot write the move first. The only exceptions to this rule are the following:

• You want to make a draw claim
• You're adjourning a game

Before making a move, you must have recorded the previous move first. The following is allows:

• You make a move (and record it)
• The opponent makes a move
• You respond to the player's move
• You record the opponent's move, and then your move

A player may reply to his opponent’s move before recording it, if he so wishes. He must record his previous move before making another.