Rules Summary

This tournament is USCF rated and will strictly follow United States Chess Federation Official Rules of Chess 4th Edition plus all rules changes since the publication of that book which may be found at http://www.uschess.org/tds/rulechg.html.  The USCF's rules are extensive since they are intended for use in a wide range of events spanning small, beginner events all the way to the US Championship and the World Open.  I have attempted below to state what I think are some of the most important rules that apply to scholastic play.  They are not complete.  I hope you will find them helpful.

1) All players are expected to try their best, follow the rules, and exercise good sportsmanship both at and away from the board.

2) The general philosophy of the USCF rules is player self-advocacy.  Players are expected to make all rule infraction claims as they occur.  If a player has any questions or concerns they should immediately pause the clock (if one is in use) and summon a tournament director.  Do not wait until the game is over or a few more moves have been made.  Get help immediately!

3) Tournament directors sometimes do make mistakes.  If a player thinks that a tournament director has made an error, they are strongly encouraged to appeal that director's decision.  They should continue the appeal until they are satisfied that a correct ruling has been made.

4) If a clock is available and either player wishes to use a clock, the clock must be used.  Players are encouraged to use a chess clock whenever possible.  It is the responsibility of the owner of the clock to make certain that the opponent understands the basic operation of the clock.  If your clock is delay capable, please turn the delay on and set it to five seconds.  Do not use an increment (FIDE or Fischer) mode.

5) If a clock is not available, please try to borrow one from a teammate or purchase one from the onsite books and equipment vendor.  Otherwise, please play your game without a clock  If your game is running long, a tournament director may place a clock on your game at any time, splitting the remaining time evenly between both sides.

6) No talking is allowed in the playing hall.  Players should never talk while playing a game unless a tournament director is present.  Never interfere with another game.  Pointing out a fallen flag is the most common violation.  Only the players may call a flag fall!  If you see a problem, please report it to a tournament director.

7) Touch move rules apply.  If you intentionally touch a piece, you must move it if it has any legal moves.  Once a piece is released, it must stay on the square upon which it was released provided that is a legal move.

8) If your opponent has made an illegal move and has punched the clock, you may summon a tournament director and have two minutes added to your clock.  The opponent must make a legal move with the touched piece if possible.  The tournament directors will not call illegal moves for you.

9) If you know how to record your moves (keep score), you must do so until either you or your opponent have less than five minutes remaining on your clocks.  It is strongly recommended that if you do not know how to keep score, that you learn to do so as soon as possible.

10) To claim a draw using the 50-move rule or three-fold repetition of position you must have a valid score sheet with the exception being that, if you have less than five minutes on your clock, you may ask the tournament director to help count the 50 moves or act as a witness when you claim a three-fold position draw.

11) If you are not playing with a delay clock and you have less than five minutes on your clock, you are allowed to claim a draw due to insufficient losing chances.  You should do this only if you have an easy win or draw and you think you will not be able to win or draw because of lack of time on your clock.  If the tournament director thinks your claim is clearly incorrect, a minute will be deducted from your clock.  If the TD doesn't know if your claim is correct or not, he or she may watch your game, ask you to claim again later, or will place a delay clock on your game.

12) If you have any questions, you are being bothered by your opponent or anyone else, or you want to make a rules claim, please pause your clock (if you are using one), raise your hand and summon a tournament director.

13) When you are through with your game, fill out your result sheet completely.  If you are keeping score, have your opponent sign your score sheet.  You should sign your opponent's score sheet, too.  You and your opponent should take your completed score sheet to the result table.

Remember, if you have any questions, ask a tournament director.  Do not wait until your game is over to get help.