Learn all about chess tournaments, from how to set the clocks to what makes an illegal move. Get the tournament director immediately if there is a problem. Stop the clocks, find a director, and ask them to make a ruling.
If you touch a piece, you must move it, if you can legally. This is known as the touch-move rule. You also have to capture a piece if you touch it.
In most tournaments, making an illegal move causes a penalty if your opponent sees it. Time, usually two minutes, can be added on your opponent's clock. In speed chess, an illegal move is usually an automatic loss.
Always record your moves. This helps prove your point in case of a dispute. It is especially necessary when applying the 50 move rule. In a major chess tournament, recording is required until there is 5 minutes left on your clock.
Never interfere with a game. In adult chess tournaments, you are able to watch other games. In many scholastic tournaments, parents and coaches are not allowed in the room. Turn off your cell phone or receive a penalty. You can lose a game even if you are a spectator and game is finished.
There are strict rules for parents and coaches concerning alcohol or tobacco. There is no alcohol or tobacco use allowed anywhere around the player areas in the tournament. These rules are usually strictly enforced and will require removal of the offender from the tournament.
It is okay to leave the board during the game. If a player needs to use the restroom during the game, it must be done with the clock running. The player is not allowed to talk to anyone during the break. After the game is over, record your result with your partner present.
Using a time delay is required in most tournaments. Tournaments require a time delay to prevent "running out of time" and winning the game by randomly moving. A clock set at 7 minutes with a 3 second delay is about equal to a ten minute game without a delay. A digital clock is required to use a time delay.
