Tournament Rules

Clocks - Both opponents should check that the clock is set correctly and working correctly. Black choses which side to place the clock

Notation - notation is required for games over 15 minutes.

Touch move (section 10) - you must move your piece if you touch it. If you are on the move and touch your opponent’s piece (i.e. touches both colors), you must capture the opponent’s piece. If no legal move is possible, the player is free to make a legal move.

Stopping the clock - If there is a dispute about touch-move, illegal moves, other matters, either player can and should stop the clock and call over a TD. (Please be sure to understand how to stop your clock and start it back up again).

Illegal move (section 11) - if you make an illegal move and hit your clock, you must return the piece and make a legal move with that piece. Opponent may request the standard penalty (max 2 minutes added to his/her clock). (Please understand how to add two minutes to your clock.)

Reporting - both players should record the results of the game in ink on the results sheet.

Shaking hands - it is customary to shake hands before beginning a game, and at the end.

Starting the game - Black checks with white that he is ready to begin, and starts his opponent’s clock to start the game. Black gets to choose where to place the clock.

Draw offers (section 14B1). Proper timing of draw offer. Except for a draw claim, which is an implicit draw offer (14), a player should make a proposal of a draw only after determining a move (9G) and before pressing the clock. The opponent may accept the proposal or may reject it either orally or by deliberately touching a piece (10B). In the interim, the player who made the offer cannot withdraw it.

Resigning - a player who resigns should lay down his king to clearly indicate his intention.

Lastly, we are a friendly club. Be helpful to the tournament directors, the new players and to each other. And have fun!