Tournament Rules

Regular Tournament Rules

Touch-move

If a player touches a piece, that piece must be moved (unless is is illegal to do so) - and once a player has moved the piece and let go, that move is completed (no take backs).  Additionally, if you touch an opponents piece and it can be captured, your opponent may force you to complete the capture.
For younger children this rule is tough because they naturally want to start touching pieces as soon as it is their turn - one way to help them not touch pieces before they are ready is to encourage them to sit on their hands.
If one of your pieces is awkwardly placed you can move it back to were it belongs by saying "I adjust".

No talking

When we play chess for fun we usually talk a lot but this is a big no no during a tournament. Ditto for doing things that are distracting to your opponent (playing with your pen, kicking the table etc.). It is okay to look at other people's games during the tournament, but stay well back and do not interrupt the players in any way, even if you see someone doing something wrong.

Using clocks

If you are using a clock, you are responsible for making sure you stop your clock when your turn is done.

Illegal moves

Illegal moves are not allowed, if you opponent indicates you have made an illegal move you must take it back and make a legal move with the same piece, if possible. Otherwise you will have to move a different piece.

You win your game if

• You successful checkmate your opponent.
• Your opponent runs out of time (and you notice).
• Your opponent resigns.

You draw (tie) your game if

• You and your opponent agree to a draw.
• You or your opponent is not in check, but has no legal move (stalemate).
• Your opponent runs out of time but you do not have enough material to mate (or vice versa).
• The exact same position occurs three times in a game (all pieces are in exactly the same spot).
• You and your opponent make 50 moves each without the game progressing (no pieces are captured and no pawns are moved).

Note that for the last 2 types of draws, normally players must be recording their moves. If players are not recording their moves, the referee can declare a draw if the players are clearly not making progress (this sometimes happens with younger players).

If you think you have a problem, ASK the referee

If something happens that you think is not right - put up your hand and ask right way. The referee is their to help you - but if you have made two more moves after you think the other player made an illegal move the referee can't do much. By completing your move, you accept whatever previous move your opponent made.