=========================================================
THE USUAL PROTOCOL FOR CHESS TOURNAMENTS
=========================================================

In case you have never played in a chess tournament before, here are some guidelines!

Organisers will supply chess boards, pieces, clocks, scoresheets, food and drink (at a cost), spare pens.
Turn electronic devices OFF or better still do not bring them.

If your phone or other device makes a noise during the game you will forfeit the game.
If you have a device do not take it to the toilet with you or you will forfeit the game.
The arbiter will keep your phones during the game if necessary, but cannot guarantee their safety.

You should bring a pen or two if you need to write your games down.
You should bring change for food and correct change to pay your entry fees.

Make sure that the white side of the clock is up before starting.

Always shake hands with your opponents when you start.
Always shake hands at the end of the game, no matter what the result!
Never speak to your opponent during the game, except to offer them a draw or a drink.  It is not normally acceptable to eat food at the board – especially hot food.

If you have a problem of any kind with your opponent, pause the clock and call the arbiter and speak to them.
If you intend to adjust a piece, say “I adjust” before doing so.
Otherwise, if you touch one of your pieces, you must move it (if there is a legal move).
If you touch your opponent’s piece, you must take it, if possible.
If you castle, touch and move the king first. Otherwise, if you touch the rook first, your opponent can insist that you move the rook.
Offer a draw on your own time and AFTER making your move – then press your clock.
Do not repeatedly offer a draw if your opponent refuses your first offer.

Do NOT hit the clock, especially with a piece.
Each turn, move the pieces and press the clock with the same hand.
Adjust the pieces in your own time.
If you knock pieces over, replace them in your own time.

Before promoting a pawn, find the piece that you require and replace the pawn before pressing your clock.
Illegal moves, when completed, lose – this includes moving a pawn to the eighth rank or taking the opponent’s king.
Your move is completed when you press the clock and stop your time running. 

You may PAUSE the chess clock to ask the arbiter for a piece, or to raise any reasonable query.
If you know how to start the clock, you know how to pause the clock – it’s the same button!
In rapid tournaments (25 or 30 minutes per player) you do not have to write the game down – but you may do so if you wish.

Scoresheets are usually provided.
In standard games with a time increment, you are usually obliged to write the game down throughout.
You are usually expected to use the scoresheets provided rather than your own scorebook.

When you have finished the game, please reset the pieces and the clock.