If you touch a piece, you have to move that piece

• You can ask to adjust a piece, but it needs to be clear you are doing so for your opponent

• As soon as you let go of a piece, the move is done. There are no take backs.

You must notate the game, move by move

• You can learn all about Chess Notation in this article by Chess.com

• If you want to print scoresheets, you can use this one for free

• We are happy to help if you have questions, and it's okay to make mistakes! 

  • This is one reason why both players take notes!

If you bring your own board, the squares must be between 2 inches and 2.5 inches according to USCF standards

• The chess pieces must also be of Staunton style, with King height between 3.375 and 4.5 inches

You may not use ANY assistance of any kind during tournament games (e.g., human, computer, notes)

• This is cheating and you will be expelled from the event, and likely from future events

If you have any questions or doubts about the rules, pause the clock and ask the tournament director. Don't ask other players. Only the tournament director's ruling counts.

• There are many rules for USCF events, but these are some of the most common situations to face.

Rulebooks are available online or in physical form

• USCF

  • https://www.uscfsales.com/us-chess-federation-s-official-rules-of-chess-seventh-edition-1.html 

  • https://new.uschess.org/news/7th-edition-rule-book-free-chapters-updated-2023 

• FIDE

  • https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012018

Please maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere in the event area so players can concentrate.

Try not to be late for your games, people come to these events to play chess!