CHESS TOURNAMENT PLAYING RULES
Except as noted below, all Manitoba Scholastic Chess Association chess tournaments are played according to FIDE rules for rapid play games.
TOUCH MOVE
- The touch move rule specifies that, if a player intentionally touches a piece on the board when it is his or her turn to move, then he or she must move or capture that piece if it is legal to do so. Accidentally touching a piece (eg: brushing against it while reaching for another piece), does not count as an intentional touch.
- If it is the player's piece that was touched, it must be moved if it has a legal move.
- If it is the opponent's piece was touched, it must be captured if it can be captured with a legal move.
- If it is both the player's piece and the opponent's piece that was touched, he or she must make that capture if it is a legal move.
- The touch move rule applies to all grades.
- When castling, the king should be touched and moved first. Players will receive a warning for the first violation of this rule. Thereafter, if the rook is touched before the king, castling is not allowed and the rook must move (if legally possible).
- If a player wants to adjust a piece on its square without being required to move, he or she can announce "I adjust" before touching the piece. A player may not touch the pieces on the board while it is their opponents turn.
CLOCKS
- It will be determined before the tournament starts which groups will play with chess clocks. The time control is 25 minutes for each player with a 5 second delay.
- For groups that don't start with clocks, a clock will be added if necessary after 30 minutes of play. The clocks are then set for 10 minutes with a 5 second delay. If both players agree, a clock may be used from the start of the game. The chief tournament director may, at his descretion, put a clock on a game at any time if it appears that either player is stalling or using an excessive amount of time.
- Players must make their move and press the clock with the same hand. Clocks may not be picked up and moved during the game. The organizers determine on which side of the board the clocks are placed.
WON GAMES
- A game is won:
- By checkmate.
- If the opponent resigns.
- If the opponent runs out of time, provided the following conditions are met: To claim a win on time, a player must stop both clocks and notify a referee. To win on time, a player must have mating material and time remaining on their clock. If both players have run out of time, the game is drawn. Claiming a win on time is invalid after a checkmate or stalemate has been played, or after a player has resigned or agreed to a draw.
DRAWN GAMES
- A game is drawn:
- By stalemate.
- By agreement of the players during a game.
- If the same position is repeated three times and a player claims the draw on their own turn before moving. A game score may be required to support the claim.
- If fifty moves are made by each player without a capture or a pawn move and a player claims the draw on their own turn before moving. A game score may be required to support the claim.
- If a player has insufficient mating material (lone K, only K+B, or only K+N) and the opponent runs out of time.
- Claiming a draw in a position that "cannot be won by normal means" is not allowed with a 5 second delay time control.
DISPUTES AND IRREGULARITES
- In case of a dispute, or any violation of the rules, or any irregularity (illegal move, illegal position), players should stop the clock and notify a referee immediately. Do not make another move or wait until after the game to make a claim. Once the game continues, most claims are invalid.
OTHER RULES
- The playoff format to determine tie-breakers at the end of regular tournament play will be determined before the tournament starts.
- It will be determined before the tournament starts which groups, if any, are required to write down their moves.
- If a player has any questions concerning the rules, they may raise their hand and talk to a referee, in the language of their choice. In case of any dispute or claim, stop the clocks and summon a referee. Any decision by a referee may be appealed, if done immediately, to the chief tournament director. The decision of the chief tournament director is final.
- Only the two players in a game may make claims concerning their game. For example, players may not call touch move or indicate that time has expired in someone else's game. One exception to this rule is that referees may point out illegal moves, but only when both players have at least 2 minutes remaining. (Referees may not call touch move or indicate that time has expired.)
- It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any way whatsoever. This includes talking and repeatedly offering a draw. Announcing "check" is not required.
- Spectators (including parents and coaches) are not allowed in the playing area. Players may only leave the playing area during a game with the permission of a referee. Players may not speak with spectators during their game, even if they are permitted to leave the playing area. When a game is completed, the players become spectators and must leave the playing area. Spectators should remain quiet and not interfere in any game.
- Players may not use cell phones, or other electronic communication, computer, media devices, or notes of any kind while their games are in progress. These devices must be turned off. Spectators and referees should have the ringer on their cell phones turned off.
- Good sportsmanships is expected of all players and will make the event a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Shaking hands with your opponent before and after a game is customary.