Rules for Chess Tournaments

Besides the normal rules of chess, a few special rules apply to chess tournaments.  In NEWCA, new players will be playing in the Junior Varsity (JV) section.

1. Courtesy
• All games begin and end with a handshake.
• Do not gloat over or a win, or whine about a loss.
2. Touch move
• If you touch a piece, you must move it (if it is legal to do so).  If you touch your opponent's piece, you must capture it (if it is legal to do so).
• Accidental touches (such as brushing a piece with your hand) do NOT count.
• When you castle, touch and move your king first, and then move your rook with the same hand.
• If you want to adjust a piece, for example if it's not positioned well on its square, say the word "adjust" before you touch the piece.  You are not required to move this piece, but of course you are not allowed to "adjust" the piece to another square.
• If you are playing with a clock, move your piece and hit the clock with the same hand.
3. "Check"
• You are not required to say "check".  It is up to you to notice when you are in check; don't rely on your opponent to tell you.
4. Notation
• Chess notation (writing down all the moves of your game) is not required in JV, although it is encouraged if you know how.
5. Clocks
• Most JV players do not use clocks, but some do.
• If you play with a clock, you must hit the clock after each move.  
• If your clock runs out, you lose your game, but don't worry about this.  Most beginners don't lose on time.
• In JV, both players start with 50 minutes on their clocks.
6. Raise your hand!
• If you are not sure about a rule, raise your hand.  A coach or tournament director (TD) will come over to help.
• You don't have to take your opponent's word, you can always ask for help when it comes to understanding a rule.  Remember, your opponent might not understand the rule either!
7. Have fun!