Behavioral aspect in Chess tournaments

 

Try to be at the venue ‘15’ minutes earlier. Players’ meeting will happen where the Chief Arbiter will tell you rules to be followed in that particular tournament. Listen carefully and act accordingly.

 

01. Look for players listing and see if your details are correct, else get them corrected.

02. If your details are correct, then look for pairing list - wait if not.

03. Check for your board number and color in the pairing list displayed.

04. Be seated in your table accordingly per color and check piece positions properly.

05. If clock is there, see if it is set correctly, else take help to correctly set it.

06. If score-sheet is provided, write yours & opponent’s details on every page if required.

07. Wait for the Tournament Arbiter to say ‘start‘.

08. Once the Chief Arbiter announces start, first shake-hands with your opponent.

09. Start playing and once started playing - no talking and no getting up from the board.

10. Arrange / adjust your pieces (not opponent’s), by saying adjust (before touching the piece).

11. Once the game is over, shake-hands with your opponent and then sign the score-sheet.

12. Make sure, both of you sign the score-sheet – very important (both of you have to).

13. Make sure, both of you entered the same result in both the score-sheets.

14. Go to the result-desk with your opponent (very important) and give the result.

15. Make sure your result is entered correctly in their list.

 

Issues during the game, if any

 

01. Do not talk or argue with your opponent.

02. Pause the clock first and call (don’t shout) the Arbiter once and raise your hand.

03. When Arbiter comes, explain him what happened.

04. Answer the Arbiter only when he asks you.

05. If not satisfied by that Arbiter’s decision, call the Chief Arbiter to resolve it.

 

After the game

 

01. Do not forget to take your belongings after your game is over.

02. Leave the tournament hall, if you wish to.

03. Or if you want to watch other games that are going-on, watch; but silently at a distance.

04. No talking with anyone in the playing section, or helping players; else you will be sent out.

05. Do not stand in one place watching one game for long; better is to keep moving around.

 

Important - game rule

 

While the game is on – a touched piece always need to be played, if it is a legal move and only one illegal move is allowed. You are lost on second illegal. Use the same hand to press the Clock with which you move the piece. Make the move; press the Clock and only then write the move – that order is very much important. Talk to your opponent only when you want to offer him / her a draw.

 

Note:

 

Never argue with the Chief Arbiter - as Chief Arbiter’s decision is FINAL. If a tournament has an appeals committee, then their decision would be final. A Player if do not feel happy with the decision of the Chief Arbiter can approach them.