RULES and GUIDELINES For CHESS GAMES
RULES and GUIDELINES For CHESS GAMES
VIDAD
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.
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.
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.
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
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.)
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.
Chess notation is optional. However, it is strongly encouraged that at least one participant
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
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
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.
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
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