“When you see a good move, look for a better one.”
Message: do not rush; check your idea once more.
How should you behave at a tournament?
Before arriving at a tournament, every participant should know the basic information: where it is played, when the first round starts, the time control and the rules in force. Always read the tournament announcement and regulations, and if anything is unclear, ask your coach, parent or arbiter before the game begins. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to play calmly, fairly and with confidence.
- Arrive on time and check where you are playing.
- Shake hands with your opponent before and after the game.
- Make your move with one hand and press the clock with the same hand.
- Do not talk during the game or disturb other players.
- Respect fair play: play independently and do not seek help, advice or comments from others while the game is in progress.
- During the game, you may not have a mobile phone, smartwatch or similar electronic device on you.
- If there is a problem, raise your hand and call the arbiter.
- After the game, report the result and check that the arbiter has recorded it correctly.
Most important
Chess is a battle of ideas, but also a school of respect. Play courageously, think calmly and learn from every game.
Three types of time control
Chess tournaments use different time controls. A player should know that the time control determines not only how much thinking time is available, but also whether the game must be recorded on a scoresheet.
Blitz
Games are played very quickly, decisions are made within seconds and moves are not recorded.
Rapid
The player has more time than in blitz, but moves are generally not recorded in rapid games either.
Standard
These are classical games with more thinking time. Players record their moves on a scoresheet.
The time control is calculated per player for the whole game. When there is an increment per move, the calculation uses the base time plus the increment for 60 moves.
Formula
Total time = base time + increment per move × 60. For example, with a 5+5 time control: 5 minutes + 5 seconds × 60 moves = 5 + 5 minutes = 10 minutes.
| Time control | Total time per player | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 10 minutes or less | B |
| Rapid | More than 10 but less than 60 minutes | R |
| Standard | 60 minutes or more | S |
| Example | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 45+30 | 45 minutes + 30 seconds × 60 = 45 + 30 = 75 minutes | Standard |
| 3+2 | 3 minutes + 2 seconds × 60 = 3 + 2 = 5 minutes | Blitz |
| 5+5 | 5 minutes + 5 seconds × 60 = 5 + 5 = 10 minutes | Blitz |
| 50+10 | 50 minutes + 10 seconds × 60 = 50 + 10 = 60 minutes | Standard |
| 15+10 | 15 minutes + 10 seconds × 60 = 15 + 10 = 25 minutes | Rapid |
In faster time controls, the arbiter pays particular attention to illegal moves, use of both hands, pressing the clock without making a move, flag fall, player claims and the sequence of events.
Why is recording the game important?
Under the FIDE Laws of Chess, moves must be recorded in standard games. A written scoresheet provides a record of how the game developed, allows the result to be checked and makes later analysis possible. Classical chess norms and titles can only be earned in games that meet the required conditions, and recording the moves is a fundamental part of that competitive framework.
How do you record a game at a tournament?
At tournaments with a standard time control, players record the moves on a scoresheet. They write down both their own moves and their opponent’s moves in order, as clearly and legibly as possible. Each player may use the notation customary in their own language.
- Moves are recorded in algebraic notation on the scoresheet.
- Do not write a move down in advance. Make the move first and then record it, except in specific draw-claim situations.
- The scoresheet must remain visible to the arbiter throughout the game.
- If you offer a draw, mark the offer with the symbol (=) next to your move.
- If a player is unable to record the moves, an assistant should do so on the player’s behalf.
- At the end of the game, both players check the recorded result and sign the scoresheet.
- Players hand their scoresheets to an assistant arbiter or take them to the chief arbiter’s table.
- The arbiter collects the scoresheets, checks the results and enters them into the tournament table and computer.
Time trouble
If a player has less than five minutes remaining and does not receive an increment of at least 30 seconds per move, the player may stop recording the moves. After that period ends, the scoresheet must be completed before play continues if the rules require it.