Writer
Anish PV
Date
Mar 19, 2026
Essential rules for tournament players, from touch-move to clock management.
1. Play Touch move: Say "adjust" if accidentally moved a piece.
2. Avoid illegal moves: Two illegal moves result in an automatic loss.
3. Touch the king first for castling: Touching the rook first counts as a rook move only.
4. Practice with FIDE approved boards and clocks: Use the same hand for both moving and pressing the clock.
5. Don't rush or take too much time on simple moves.
6. Offer/decline draws based on position.
7. Play all games: Initial losses lead to easier opponents later.
8. Hydrate and eat properly.
9. Shake hands: A sign of respect.
10. Call the arbiter for disputes or confusion about rules.
End of Article