JAMES R.

VIDAD

Bachelor of Physical Education

RULES and GUIDELINES for CHESS GAMES

The following information has been extracted from documentation provided by organizers of
the game. Although it may be seen as overwhelming initially for beginners, students should not be
deterred from competing as assistance and support is available.

All ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate.  

GAME RULES

 The official FIDE (World Chess Federation) rules of chess apply to all Interschool Competitions.

 Interference by any players, parents, teachers or other spectators will not be accepted under any
circumstances – this includes trying to help players by correcting illegal moves or pointing out a
player has forgotten to press their clock.

 Stalling is a tactic that is not allowed for games without clocks.

 If players have any problems they need to raise their hand and an arbiter will assist them.

 Draws by threefold repetition or 50 move rules cannot be claimed unless moves are being written
down, the players agree or an arbiter has seen the repetition.

TIME CONTROLS

 Games with clocks will be 15 minutes per player giving a maximum per game of thirty minutes.

 Games without clocks will be adjudicated after 25 minutes.

 Where rounds progress very quickly, coaching will take the place of extra rounds.

SCORING

 Players will score one (1) point for a win, a half point (1/2) for a draw and zero (0) for a loss.

 Team scores are the accumulated scores for all four players in that team added together

GUIDELINES

 Single elimination or Double elimination tournament ( it depends in the nu,ber of participants)

 Participants decide who is to play white, and black. (Flip a coin. Reach an agreement.)
 Draws will be replayed. (The player playing black will play with white for the rematch.)

 Each player will have a 30 minute time limit (1 hour total).

 A move is not completed until the opponent’s clock has been started.

 Player should not touch the clock except for pushing the button after making a move or to

straighten it.

 Players must have at least a basic understanding of chess.

 Chess notation is optional. However, it is strongly encouraged that at least one participant

takes notes to help with rulings on Illegal moves.

 Illegal moves must be called by either player the moment they happen to be properly claimed.

 Before play begins, both players should inspect the position of the pieces and setting of the

clock since once each side has made a move all claims for correcting either are null and void. The

only exception is if a clock is set for over 30 minutes, then the tournament director (TD) or the

Arbiter may reduce the time, accordingly.

 Illegal moves unnoticed by both players cannot be corrected afterwards, nor can they become

the basis for later making an illegal move claim. If the King and Queen are set up incorrectly

when the game begins, then the player may castle short on Queen Side and long on the King

side. Once each side has made a move, incorrect setups must stay.

 A game is won by the player who has mated the opponent’s king, whose opponent resigns, or

whose opponent runs out of time.

 A game is a draw by agreement, 3 move repetition (notation required), or stalemate.

 In case of a dispute, either player may pause the clock, and summon the Tournament Director

or the Arbiter. In any unclear situation, the TD or Arbiter will consider the testimony of both

players and the testimony of any unbiased and reliable witnesses before rendering a decision.

Illegal moves or cheating will receive a warning, time loss, or a forfeit.

 Spectators, including players in other matches, many not speak about or otherwise interfere in

a game. If a spectator interferes in any way the TD or Arbiter may cancel the game and rule a

new game be played. He may expel the offending person from the playing room. Calling illegal

moves or stopped timers is the responsibility of the two players and the TD or the Arbiter will not

do so.

 Only a TD or the Arbiter may rule that a clock is defective and authorize a clock change.

 Excessive banging of pieces or clock will not be tolerated and the offending player may be

penalized with a loss of time.

 The TD or the Arbiter shall be the one to resolve any situation not covered by these rules.

 The Arbiter or Tournament Director can apply one or more of the following penalties:

a. Warning
b. Declaring the game to be lost
c. Increasing the remaining time of the opponent
d. Reducing the remaining time of the offending player
e. Expulsion from the event