BASIC CHESS ETIQUETTE AND GAMEPLAY

AT MEETINGS

● Always greet and welcome new players so that they feel comfortable.

          Ask them if they want to play a game.

● At all times be respectful and considerate of the other chess club members and the game of chess with both your actions and voice

● ALWAYS TALK IN QUIET TONES AND A VERY LOW VOLUME

          Respect the game and be respectful of other players, even when you’re not playing.

          Chess is a game of quiet focus and concentration. It’s good sportsmanship and perfectly acceptable to remind others.

● When an experienced player plays a beginner, it is considered good sportsmanship to help the new player by pointing out better moves and letting them take their moves back. Teach them how to beat you.

● Juniors, keep your hands to yourself. This is not a time for running around, picking on, or poking at other players.

● Always leave the chess room as neat, or neater, than you found it.

ALL OTB DISPUTES ARE ADDRESSED BY TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR. PLAYERS RAISE HAND TO SUMMON TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR.

DURING GAMEPLAY

● SHAKE HANDS at the start and end of each game (sportsmanship)

● RESET YOUR BOARD at the end of your play

● NEVER comment on another game in progress, it distracts the other players and is considered to be rude behavior (this is called “kibbitzing”).

● DISPUTES of any kind stop the clock raise your hand and wait for help

● Never touch your opponent's piece unless taking it off the board.

● En Passant RULE

     ○ When a pawn moves two squares on one turn, the very next move an adjacent pawn may capture that pawn as if it had only moved one square.

● Touch Move RULE

     ○ If a player having the move touches their piece on the board, they MUST move or capture unless it is an illegal move.

     ○ If a player needs to adjust a piece, first say "adjust"

     ○ If a player removes their hand from a piece they moved, they can NOT move it to a different location unless it is an illegal move. (NO “do-over”)

● If you disagree with what your opponent has done and believe the player has made an illegal move, stop the clock raise your hand, and wait for help

● Do NOT knock over pieces before you take them. This is considered rude behavior.

● You do not have to say "check".

● NEVER gloat over a victory or have a temper tantrum over a defeat (even if you're just mad at yourself).

● If you make a mistake or you see someone else make a mistake do not make a sound. It might be that the opponent will not notice the mistake if all remains quiet.