Editing Rules of chess (section)

==Competitive rules of play==
The following rules are applicable to games in organized tournaments and matches, sanctioned by FIDE. They mention timing (chess clocks), arbiters (or, in USCF play, directors), keeping score, and adjournment. The FIDE Laws of Chess define the rules for standard chess, [[Fast chess#Rapid|rapid chess]], [[Fast chess#Blitz|blitz chess]], and guidelines for [[Fischer random chess|Chess960]]. For standard chess, the players must record the moves, which is optional in rapid chess and blitz Chess.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 8 and appendices A and B}} Some rules are specifically adapted for blind and visually impaired players.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=appendix D}}

These rules are used for {{chessgloss|over-the-board}} (OTB) games. The rules for [[correspondence chess]] are defined by the [[International Correspondence Chess Federation|ICCF]].<ref>{{cite web | title=The ICCF Laws of Correspondence Chess | url=https://webfiles.iccf.com/rules/2021/THE%20ICCF%20LAWS%20OF%20CORRESPONDENCE%20CHESS%20-%20updated%201-28-21.pdf | access-date=29 February 2024}}</ref> Rules for computer chess and for online chess played on a computer device are published by other organizers and governing bodies.<ref>{{cite web | title=How to Play Chess: 7 Rules To Get You Started | url=https://www.chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess | website=chess.com | date=October 30, 2023 | access-date=March 1, 2024}}</ref>

===Moving the pieces===
Although the touch-move rule is generally observed even in non-organized, non-sanctioned play, the interpretation of that rule to special situations such as capturing, castling, and promotion is not obvious; thus it is elaborated further in FIDE rules.

The movement of pieces is to be done with one hand. Once the hand is taken off a piece after moving it, the move cannot be retracted unless the {{chessgloss|illegal move|move is illegal}}.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 4.7}} As for the [[#Touch-move rule|touch-move rule]], an arbiter who observes a violation of this rule must intervene immediately.{{sfn|FIDE Arbiters' Commission|2022|loc=page 18, end of article 4}}

When castling, a player should first move the king with one hand and then move the rook with the same hand.<ref>{{Harvcol|Schiller|2003|pp=19–20}}</ref> In the case of a [[#Promotion|promotion]], if a player releases the pawn on the eighth rank, the player must promote the pawn. After the pawn has moved, the player may touch any piece not on the board and the promotion is not finalized until the new piece is released on the promotion square.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 1, section 9D}} Although it is a common practice in informal play, under FIDE rules an upturned rook may not be used to represent a promoted queen; such a move would be treated as a legal rook promotion. If the correct piece is not immediately available, the player may stop the clocks and call the arbiter.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.11.2}}{{sfn|FIDE Arbiters' Commission|2022|loc=page 17 (Article 4.4.4)}}

=== Timing ===
[[File:Digitalna sahovska ura2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|alt=Photo shows a digital chess clock. There are two clocks, one on each side and a button on top of each stops that clock and starts the other|Digital chess clock]]
Tournament games are played under time constraints, called [[time control]]s, using a [[chess clock]]. Each player is timed separately and must make moves within the time control or forfeit the game.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6}} There are different types of time controls applied. For standard chess, different periods can be defined with different fixed times (e.g. first 40 moves in 100 minutes, next 20 moves in 50 minutes, remaining moves in 15 minutes). For rapid and blitz chess, only one period can be defined where all moves must be performed. Additionally, an [[Time control#Increment and delay methods|increment or delay]] per move may be defined.{{sfn|FIDE Arbiters' Commission|2022|loc=page 22 (article 6.3.2)}}
* When a player runs out of time, this event is called {{chessgloss|flag-fall}}. A flag-fall has no consequences unless stated as observed by the arbiter, in which case the arbiter must intervene,{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=articles 6.8 and A.5.5}} or claimed by a player.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.8}}
* When no flag-fall is stated, and one of the following events occur, the result of the game still holds. It is of no relevance if the player runs out of time afterwards, or has already run out of time, but this was not stated: 
** If a player delivers a checkmate, the game is over and that player wins.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.2.1.1}}
** If a move results in a [[stalemate]], [[#Dead position|dead position]], [[Threefold repetition#Fivefold repetition rule|fivefold repetition]] or the [[Fifty-move rule#Seventy-five-move rule|seventy-five-move]] rule applies, the game is over and the game is drawn.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.2.1.1}}
* If a player correctly claims flag-fall, that player wins.  But if the claiming player is out of time, or could not still theoretically checkmate the opponent, the game is a draw.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.9}}

The [[United States Chess Federation]] (USCF) rule is different. USCF Rule 14E defines "insufficient material to win on time", that is lone king, king plus knight, king plus bishop, and king plus two knights opposed by no pawns, and there is no forced win in the final position. Hence to win on time with this material, the USCF rule requires that a win can be forced from that position, while the FIDE rule merely requires a win to be possible.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 1, section 14E}} (See [[Monika Soćko#Rules appeal in 2008|Monika Soćko rules appeal in 2008]] and [[Women's World Chess Championship 2008]] for a famous instance of this rule.)

With mechanical clocks only, flag-fall for both players can occur. With digital clocks, the clock indicates which flag fell first, and this information is valid.{{sfn|FIDE Arbiters' Commission|2022|loc=page 22 (section 6.4) |ps=" Where electronic clocks are used and both clocks show 0.00, the Arbiter can usually establish which flag fell first, with the help of the '-' or any other flag indication."}}

In the last period of a standard chess game or rapid games, if played without increment, a special set of rules applies regarding the clock, referenced as "Quickplay Finishes".{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=guideline III}} These rules allow a player with under two minutes time to request an increment introduced, or request a draw based on claiming no progress or no effort, to be ruled by the arbiter. These rules have been relevant when playing with mechanical clocks, which do not allow setting an increment and are today with digital clocks of second importance only, as playing with increment is recommended.{{sfn|FIDE Arbiters' Commission|2022|loc=page 54 (Guideline III.5.2) |ps= "A time control with an increment is a much better way of concluding a game."}}

===Recording moves===
{{Main|Chess notation|Algebraic chess notation}}
[[File:SCD algebraic notation.svg|left|thumb|200px|alt=Diagram showing how squares are named – columns are a through h, rows are 1 through 8|Naming the squares in [[algebraic chess notation|algebraic notation]] ]]
[[File:Planilha_Eisenberg_e_Capablanca.jpg|thumb|180px|A score sheet from a game by [[José Raúl Capablanca]], in [[descriptive chess notation|descriptive notation]]]]

Each square of the [[chessboard]] is identified with a unique pair of a letter and a number. The vertical {{chessgloss|files}} are labeled {{em|a}} through {{em|h}}, from White's left (i.e. the [[queenside]]) to White's right. Similarly, the horizontal {{chessgloss|ranks}} are numbered from {{em|1}} to {{em|8}}, starting from the one nearest White's side of the board. Each square of the board, then, is uniquely identified by its file letter and rank number. The white king, for example, starts the game on square '''e1'''. The black knight on '''b8''' can move to '''a6''' or '''c6'''.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=appendix C}}

In formal competition, each player is obliged to record each move as it is played in [[algebraic chess notation]] in order to settle disputes about illegal positions, overstepping time control, and making claims of draws by the fifty-move rule or repetition of position. Moves recorded in any other systems of notation cannot be used in evidence in such a dispute. Other chess notation systems include [[ICCF numeric notation]] for international [[correspondence chess]] and [[descriptive chess notation]], formerly standard in English speaking countries. The current rule is that a move must be made on the board before it is written on paper or recorded with an electronic device.{{efn|In a variation of the rules, a USCF director may allow players to write their move on a paper {{chessgloss|score sheet}} (but not enter it electronically) before making the move.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 1, section 15A (variation 1)}}}}{{efn|Before this was the rule, [[Mikhail Tal]] and others were in the habit of writing the move before making it on the board. Unlike other players, Tal did not hide the move after he had written it – he liked to watch for the reaction of his opponent before he made the move. Sometimes he crossed out a move he had written and wrote a different move instead.}}<ref>{{Harvcol|Timman|2005|p=83}}</ref>

Both players should indicate offers of a draw by writing "=" at that move on their score sheets.<ref>{{Harvcol|Schiller|2003|p=27}}</ref> Notations about the time on the clocks can be made. A player with less than five minutes left to complete all the remaining moves is not required to record the moves (unless a delay of at least thirty seconds per move is being used). The score sheet must be made available to the {{chessgloss|arbiter}} at all times. A player may respond to an opponent's move before writing it down.<ref>{{Harvcol|Schiller|2003|pp=25–26}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Adjournment===
:{{em|See {{seclink|Adjournment (games)|Chess}}}}. 

Formerly common, adjournments are no longer standard practice in chess competition.<ref>{{cite web | last=Just | first=Tim | date=July 1, 2021 | title=Just the Rules: Remember When | url=https://new.uschess.org/news/just-rules-remember-when | website=uschess.org | access-date=March 1, 2024}}</ref>

When an adjournment is made, the player whose move it is writes their next move on their scoresheet but does not make the move on the chessboard. This is referred to as a {{chessgloss|sealed move}}. Both opponents' scoresheets are then placed in the sealed-move envelope and the envelope is sealed. The names of the players, the colors, the position, the time on the clocks and other game data are recorded on the envelope; the envelope may also be signed by both players. The arbiter then keeps possession of the envelope until it is time to restart the game, at which time the arbiter opens the envelope, makes the sealed move on the board, and starts the opponent's clock.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=Guideline I}}

===Irregularities===

====Illegal move====
An illegal move{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 3.10.2}} is a move not made according to a piece's possible defined movements{{Sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=articles 3.2 to 3.8}} or made according to its possible movements but such that its own king is left or placed in check.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 3.9}} Furthermore, pressing the clock without making a move or making a move with two hands is considered and penalized as an illegal move.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=articles 7.5.3 and 7.5.4}}

A player who makes an {{chessgloss|illegal move}} must retract that move and make a legal move. That move must be made with the same piece if possible, because the touch-move rule applies. If the illegal move was an attempt to castle, the touch-move rule applies to the king but not to the rook. If the mistake is noticed, the game should be restarted from the position in which the error occurred.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.5.1}} The arbiter should adjust the time on the clock according to the best evidence.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.1}} Some regional organizations have different rules.{{efn|The USCF requires that only an illegal move within the last ten moves be corrected. If the illegal move was more than ten moves ago, the game continues.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 1, section 11B}}}}

A player may correct an illegal move if the player has not pressed the clock. In standard chess, if a move is found during the game, the position immediately before the irregularity is reinstated.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.5.1}} In the most used form of rapid chess and blitz chess if the move is found before the opponent moves, the position immediately before the irregularity is also reinstated.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=appendices A.5.2 and B.3}}{{efn|If the player has pressed the clock, the standard USCF rule is that two minutes are added to the opponent's clock.}}

According to the FIDE Laws of Chess, the first stated completed illegal move results in a time penalty. The time penalty consists of giving the opponent two minutes extra time in standard chess,{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.5.5}} or one minute extra time in rapid or blitz.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-05 |title=Updated FIDE Laws of Chess – Suffolk Chess |url=https://suffolkchess.org/2023/04/updated-fide-laws-of-chess.html |access-date=2024-02-10 |language=en-US |quote=Previously for an illegal move in Rapidplay the opponent would receive 2 extra minutes. This has now changed to 1 minute, the same as in Blitz. |archive-date=2023-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922015453/https://suffolkchess.org/2023/04/updated-fide-laws-of-chess.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The second stated completed illegal move by the same player results in the loss of the game,{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.5.5}} unless the position is such that it is impossible for the opponent to win by any series of legal moves (e.g. if the opponent has a [[bare king]]) in which case the game is drawn.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.9}} A move is completed when it has been made and the player has pressed the clock.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.2.1}}

Under USCF rules, if a player completes an illegal move in blitz chess, the player's opponent may claim a win before making a move (if the opponent has enough material to win). One way to claim this win is to take a King left in check by the opponent. Once the illegal move has been answered, the move stands.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 11, section 7d}}

====Incorrect setup====
For standard chess and the most used form of rapid and blitz chess there are the following rules. If it is discovered during the game that the starting position was incorrect, the game is restarted.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.2.1}} If it is discovered during the game that the board is oriented incorrectly, the game is continued with the pieces transferred to a correctly oriented board.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.2.2}} If the game starts with colors reversed, the game is restarted if less than 10 moves have been made by both players, otherwise the game is continued.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.3}} If the clock setting is found to be incorrect during the game, it is corrected according to best judgement.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 6.10.2}} Some regional organizations have different rules.{{efn|The USCF rules are different. If before Black's tenth move is completed it is discovered that the initial position was wrong or that the colors were reversed, the game is restarted with the correct initial position and colors. If the discovery is made after the tenth move, the game continues.{{sfn|Just|2019|loc=chapter 1, section 11F}}}}

====Piece displacement====
If a player knocks over pieces, it is the same player's responsibility to restore them to their correct positions, on that player's time. If it is discovered that an illegal move has been made, or that pieces have been displaced, the game is restored to the position before the irregularity. If that position cannot be determined, the game is restored to the last known correct position.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 7.6}}

====Illegal position====
An illegal position is a position which cannot be reached by any series of legal moves.{{sfn|FIDE|2023|loc=article 3.10.3}}

===Conduct===
Players may not use any notes, outside sources of information (including computers), or advice from other people. Analysis on another board is not permitted. Scoresheets are to record objective facts about the game only, such as time on the clock or draw offers. Players may not leave the competition area without permission of the arbiter.<ref>{{Harvcol|Schiller|2003|pp=30–31}}</ref>

High standards of etiquette and ethics are expected. Players should shake hands before and after the game. Generally a player should not speak during the game, except to offer a draw, resign, or to call attention to an irregularity. An announcement of "check" is commonly made in informal games but is not recommended in officially sanctioned games. A player may not distract or annoy another player by any means, including repeatedly offering a draw.<ref>{{Harvcol|Schiller|2003|pp=30–31,49–52}}</ref>

Due to increasing concerns about the use of [[chess engine]]s and outside communication, [[mobile phone]] usage is banned. The first forfeit by a high-profile player, for phone ringing during play, occurred in 2003.<ref>[https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/chess-1-1295070 "I just called to say... you're disqualified!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125135130/https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/chess-1-1295070 |date=2018-01-25 }}, ''[[The Scotsman]]'', 19 October 2003</ref> In 2014 FIDE extended this to ban all mobile phones from the playing area during chess competitions, under penalty of forfeiture of the game or even expulsion from the tournament. The rules allow for less rigid enforcement in minor events.<ref name="chessbase-anti-cheating">[http://en.chessbase.com/post/new-fide-anti-cheating-rules New FIDE anti-cheating rules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506161412/http://en.chessbase.com/post/new-fide-anti-cheating-rules |date=2016-05-06 }}, ChessBase, 17 September 2014</ref>