New to Tournament Chess?

The University of Sydney Chess Club and the NSW State Chess Championships welcome players of all ages and experience levels, including those playing in their first formal chess tournament. This guide explains what to expect and how to prepare for the event.

Is This Tournament Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. You do not need previous tournament experience or an official chess rating to participate.

You should, however, already understand the basic rules of chess, including:

• How each piece moves
• Check and checkmate
• Castling
• Pawn promotion
• En passant
• What makes a move illegal

You do not need to know the rules in depth; this is the role of the arbiters (referees for chess), and they can answer any questions you may have.

Players without an official chess rating are eligible to participate in the NSW Minor, USYD Classic, or USYD Mini.

Before the Tournament

Registering

Complete the online entry form and pay the relevant entry fee before the registration deadline.

When registering, make sure that your:

• Name is spelled correctly
• Date of birth is accurate
• Contact details are current
• Division selection is correct

If you are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, you do not need to acquire a FIDE ID before the event. We will assign you a FIDE ID upon submission of the event to the International Chess Federation.

If you are NOT an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, you must contact your national chess federation to obtain a FIDE ID before registering for the event. We cannot assist you with this, nor can the Australian Chess Federation. This responsibility is solely with the player and their national federation.

Using a Chess Clock

Tournament games are played using chess clocks. Each player has a set amount of time to complete their moves and an increment. The increment is the time you gain after each move. In this event, the increment for all divisions is 30 seconds.

After making a move, press the button on your side of the clock. This stops your time and starts your opponent’s time. You must move your piece and press the clock using the same hand. Penalties apply if you use a different hand.

If you run out of time, you have lost the game in most cases. This includes if you haven’t pressed the clock in time after making a move. Please call an arbiter to confirm if you are unsure, as there are situations where a flagfall does not immediately indicate a loss of the game.

Players who have never used a chess clock should arrive before the start of the event for a demonstration.

Practise Recording Your Moves

Players are normally required to record their moves using chess notation.

Each square on the chessboard has a letter and number. Moves are written using abbreviated notation, such as:

• e4
• Nf3
• Bxc6
• O-O

You do not need perfect handwriting or advanced notation skills, but your scoresheet should be clear enough to follow the game.

Players may not stop recording at any time during the game. This is because the increment in all divisions is 30 seconds, so all moves must be recorded no matter how much time is left.

What to Bring

Chess boards, pieces and clocks will be provided.

Players should bring:

• A pen
• A water bottle with a secure lid
• Food or snacks for between rounds
• Any medication or personal items they may need

Mobile phones and other electronic devices must remain switched off and stored away during games.

Arriving at the Venue

Allow plenty of time to travel, park and find the playing area.

For the first day, players should arrive at least 15 minutes before the first round.

When you arrive:

1. Find the pairings posted across the venue and the board you are playing on. Make sure the division you registered in is correct. (You do not need to “check in” with the organisers to tell us you are here. We will assume you are coming if you have registered online)
2. Check where the amenities are in the venue so you know where to go during the game.
3. Ask any questions before the round begins.

Finding Your Opponent

Before each round, the organisers will publish the pairings.

The pairings will show:

• Your name
• Your opponent’s name
• Your board number
• Whether you are playing White or Black

Find the table showing your board number and sit on the correct side.

The player with the White pieces moves first.

If you cannot find your name or are unsure where to sit, speak to an arbiter before the round begins.

Starting the Game

Once both players are seated, check that:

• The board is set up correctly
• The bottom-right corner is a light square
• The kings and queens are on the correct squares
• The clock is displaying the correct time control

Players normally shake hands or greet each other before beginning.

The arbiter will announce when the round has started. Do not begin early unless instructed.

During the Game

Touch-Move Rule

Tournament chess uses the touch-move rule.

If you deliberately touch one of your own pieces, you must move that piece if it has a legal move.

If you deliberately touch an opponent’s piece, you must capture it if a legal capture is available.

To adjust a piece without intending to move it, say “adjust” or “j’adoube” before touching it. Do this only when it is your turn. You cannot adjust any pieces on the board when it is NOT your move.

Illegal Moves

An illegal move is a move that does not follow the rules of chess. Examples include:

• Leaving your king in check
• Moving a piece in a way it cannot legally move
• Castling through check
• Moving the wrong colour
• Using two hands to complete a move

Any illegal move only applies AFTER the chess clock has been pressed. Do not try to fix an illegal move yourself. Pause the clock and raise your hand for an arbiter.

The arbiter will explain what needs to happen and whether any time penalty applies.

Making a mistake is not the same as making an illegal move. A poor move is still legal, and the game continues normally.

Asking an Arbiter for Help

Arbiters are present to enforce the rules and help the tournament run smoothly.

Raise your hand or pause the clock and call an arbiter if:

• An illegal move has occurred
• The pieces or clock are set incorrectly
• You are unsure about a rule
• Your opponent is behaving inappropriately
• There is a disagreement about the position or result
• The chess clock is not working correctly

Arbiters cannot give advice about what move to play or whether your position is winning.

Leaving the Board

Players may only leave the board when it is not their move. If you need to leave the board on your move, you must make a move first. Players are not permitted to receive assistance, analyse the position with another person or use an electronic device, and severe penalties apply if this is done.

Offering a Draw

To correctly offer a draw, a player must make their move first, offer the draw to the opponent immediately after making the move, and then press the clock. Even if a draw offer is made “incorrectly”, the offer is made, and the opponent can choose to accept it. Draw offers cannot be retracted after they are offered.

Your opponent may accept, decline or continue thinking. They are not required to answer immediately.

Do not repeatedly offer draws, as this may distract or annoy your opponent.

A draw may also occur through:

• Stalemate
• Threefold repetition
• The fifty-move rule
• Insufficient mating material

Ask an arbiter if you are unsure whether one of these rules applies.

Resigning

A player may resign when they believe their position is lost.

You can resign by clearly telling your opponent that you resign. Do not simply walk away from the board.

Newer players are encouraged not to resign too quickly. Continuing the game can provide valuable experience, and your opponent may still make a mistake.

When the Game Ends

Once the game is finished:

1. Agree on the result with your opponent.
2. Stop the chess clock.
3. Record the result on both scoresheets.
4. Record the resut on the result slip provided.
5. Reset the pieces neatly.
6. Leave the playing area quietly.

Standard results are:

• 1–0 — White wins
• 0–1 — Black wins
• ½–½ — Draw

Do not leave until you are confident that the result has been reported correctly.

Between Rounds

There may be a significant break between games.

Players can use this time to:

• Eat and drink
• Rest
• Review their game outside the playing area
• Speak with friends and family
• Check the next round’s starting time

Do not disturb games that are still in progress.

You may analyse your completed game with another player, but only in the designated analysis or waiting area.

Electronic Devices

Mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones and other electronic devices are restricted during tournament games. Players are not permitted to have any mobile devices on their body at any time during the game.

A phone making a sound will result in the player losing the game.

Players may be subject to random metal-detector scans.

Players who require an electronic medical device should speak with the Chief Arbiter before the tournament.

Parents and Guardians

Tournament organisers and arbiters supervise the competition, but they do not provide general childcare.

Parents and guardians remain responsible for junior players:

• Before and after their games
• During breaks
• After a player has finished early
• While travelling to and from the venue

Spectators must not give advice, signal to a player, comment on a game or interfere with play. Spectators may be removed from the venue if they do not follow event rules.

Tournament Etiquette

Players are expected to behave respectfully toward opponents, arbiters, volunteers and other attendees.

Good tournament etiquette includes:

• Arriving on time
• Remaining quiet in the playing area
• Shaking hands or greeting your opponent
• Pressing the clock after each move
• Reporting results accurately
• Avoiding distracting behaviour
• Accepting the arbiter’s instructions
• Winning and losing respectfully

It is normal to feel disappointed after losing a game. Every tournament player loses games, and each game is an opportunity to improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a chess rating?

No. Unrated players are welcome unless the tournament conditions state otherwise.

Which division should I enter?

Most new tournament players will be best suited to the USYD Mini. Check the published division requirements or contact the organisers if you are unsure.

Will someone explain the clock to me?

Yes. Arrive early and ask an organiser or arbiter before the first round.

What happens if I make an illegal move?

Pause the clock and call an arbiter. Do not attempt to resolve the situation yourself.

Can someone help me choose a move?

No. Players cannot receive advice during a game, including from parents, friends, coaches or spectators.

Can I use the bathroom during a game?

Yes, although players must follow the venue and tournament procedures. You must not use a phone, speak about your game or receive assistance while away from the board.

What happens if I lose all my games?

You can still continue playing every round as it is a “Swiss” event. Tournament chess is about gaining experience as well as achieving results.

Do I have to stay after my game finishes?

You do not need to remain inside the playing area, but junior players must follow the arrangements made with their parent or guardian. Make sure your result has been reported before leaving.

Who should I ask if I am confused?

Speak to an arbiter. It is always better to ask than to guess.

Need More Help?

Players with questions before the event can email contact@usydchessclub.org