Rules for the Thames Valley Chess Championship

11 Aug 2021

1. Enjoy

The emphasis for this event (especially being the first of its kind in the Thames Valley Region) is for all Players to enjoy the experience to that end we will provide lots of explanation and help, we will focus on everyone having a good time but not at the expense of the enjoyment of others. We will have rules and consistency so that everyone feels like they have had a fair break, and trying to resolve problems early and clearly will be our focus.

2. The Arbiter Rules

In areas like illegal moves and illegal positions the Arbiter will use his judgment rather than the rule book, unless absolutely necessary!

3. Touch Move

The Touch Move rule will certainly be used which is if you touch a piece or pawn, you must move it if you legally can.

4. One Hand

You must also press the clock with the same hand used to move a piece or pawn.

5. Phones OFF

People before each round must turn their phone off as a courtesy. Making calls, using or checking your phone, sending texts, or receiving calls while your game is in progress is definitely out.

6. Share when tied

If players are on the same score cash prizes will be shared, even if tie-breaking decides who is the champion. So, for example players A, B, and C are 1st= and share equally the sum of the first 3 prizes, even though player B turns out to be champion on tie-break.

7. No Noise

Noise is to be kept to a minimum, without discussion etc. No talk about your game with others while the game is in progress. Spectators should not discuss the game or make suggestions etc while the games is in progress .

8. Stop the clock after illegal move

If any Illegal moves are noticed during a game stop the clock ( if you are using a clock) put your hand up and wait for the Arbiter to come to your Board.

9. Start on Time

The rounds will start on time as much as possible. The Arbiter will start all the clocks at the beginning of each round, regardless of whether the player is there or not. It is the players responsibility not to turn up late.

10. Arrive at 9AM

Please try to arrive for the Players’ Meeting at 9am. Any player not present by 9:15am may be omitted from the draw for round 1.

11. No resetting or shifting Clocks

No resetting the clocks for casual games, no blitz with the clocks, no shifting the clocks because a player has a preferred side. They are arranged so that the Arbiter can see them quickly when going down the row of games.

12. Loss on time is Loss

Loss on time is the loss of the game. Players can agree a draw as per normal if they wish. The 50 move draw rule is not applicable unless a record is being kept of the game.

13. Pairings by computer

Pairings are done by computer, colours and opponents are assigned based on previous results and colours. Most players will get three blacks and three whites but some may get 4 and 2, one way or the other.

14. Decisions are final

Decisions of the tournament committee and Arbiter are final. No appeals. The Arbiter will listen to reasonable requests and explain things but his decision is then final. Same applies to prize allocations.

15. Stop clock and hand up for issues.

If players have a problem or are unsure of the rules during a game put your hand up and stop the clock and wait for the Arbiter to arrive.