chess scoring sheet Archives - chessbazaar Blog

Most of the international chess tournaments follow a set of common rules. These rules do not necessarily be followed when we are playing the game at home or online but these rules must be followed by tournament chess players.

People who are playing at home or for leisure purposes can use economy chess pieces to start with , or if they want to play with fancy chess sets they can try luxury chess pieces. We have put together some of the most important points or rules followed in tournament chess games, which will explain some common misconceptions about tournament play and will clarify some of the rules that pertain especially to chess tournaments.

Below are the FIDE approved rules for tournament chess games:-

1. Touch-move – Touch and Move rule has to be strictly followed. If a player touches one of their own pieces then he must move that piece, if it is a legal move. If a player touches a piece of that of the opponent, then capturing that piece is a must. If you let go of a piece, you have to leave it there.

Players who wish to touch a piece only to adjust it on the chessboard must first announce the intention, usually by saying “adjust”. Chess pieces and chess boards must not be touched except the gameplay.

2. Timings and clocks – The purpose is to keep track of the total time each player takes for his own moves. The players may take more or less time over any individual move, but if one player exceeds their total available time, that player has lost the game. Another important rule is that if a player runs out of time, their opponent must point it out, and if it goes unnoticed, play continues.

A chess clock is really two separate clocks that run independently of each other. For many players, it is their first experience with clocks when they play for the tournament and hence it is of utmost importance that the players should know, how to operate these clocks. When the button on one side is pressed down, that player’s clock stops and the other player’s clock starts. Shop DGT 3000 Digital Chess Clock (Approved by FIDE)

3. Recording the moves – In chess tournaments, it is mandatory for both the chess players to record the moves made by them. Each chess player is required to record the chess moves in algebraic chess notation. For beginners who want to practice chess with tournament rules, we recommend plastic chess pieces with chess boards with notations to make it easy for them to see the co-ordinates and note down their moves.

When the game concludes, both the players are required to sign the scoresheet and hand it over to the organizer, if asked to do so. Recording the moves is avoided in the blitz, rapid or any kind of fast chess games because that would then take away the important thinking time of the players.

Related Blog: How to Make the Best Chess Opening Moves?

4. No interference – When the game is in progress, no third party is allowed to interfere in the game. If you are attending any chess tournament then you are allowed to walk through the playing area but provided you do that quietly. You are not allowed to make any suggestions to the players regarding their game. If you do so, it is regarded as a violation of rules. A player is also not allowed to ask for help from the audience or any other person.

Talking about no interference if someone wants to practice and self study the great chess games played by legends, we at chessbazaar also have Analysis chess sets, which you can use and easily analyze and learn from chess games.

5. Distractions – Chess is a quiet and focus-needing game! and therefore the players need no distractions. All disturbing behaviors like making noises, talking, moving tables or chairs are forbidden. Exceptions are when you want to indicate rules violation, such as an illegal move.

6. Illegal moves – If the chess player makes any illegal move then the Arbiter shall give an extra time of 2 minutes to the opponent player. If the same player makes the second illegal move in the same game then the Arbiter shall announce the game lost by the offending player.

7. Scoring the moves – Players are granted one point (1) for a win, a half (½) point for a draw, and no points (0) for a loss toward their tournament score. Everyone plays the same number of games. The player with the maximum number of points at the end of tournament wins.

8. Conduct of the players – All the players must observe the code of conduct that is common for all the players. Players are not allowed to take any action that will bring the game to disgrace, e.g cheating, sneaking the captured piece back. During a tournament, the use of mobile phones or other electronic means of communication is completely forbidden. If it is evident that a player brought such a device into the playing venue, he shall lose the game. Players should not distract or annoy their competitors in any way.

Finally, we would love to see you practice your first tournament style game with our tournament chess sets. Give them a dekko and we are sure you’ll be amazed to see the elite craftsmanship of our experienced artisans. We recommend you to kindly subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming deals and new launches.

All the best for your first chess tournament!