Your First Tournament
Playing your first over-the-board tournament is a big step up from casual games, but there is nothing to be nervous about. Everyone in the room played a first tournament once, and club players are quick to help a newcomer. This page covers the customs and rules of play so nothing takes you by surprise. The club provides everything: boards, sets, clocks, scoresheets and pens. For costs, start times, membership and who can play, see the FAQ.
The two rules that apply to every move
- Touch move. If you touch one of your own pieces, you must move it if it has a legal move. Decide your move first, then reach for the piece.
- Touch take. If you touch an opponent’s piece, you must capture it if you legally can.
These are the habits to build before anything else. If a piece is sitting crooked and you just want to straighten it, say “adjusting” first, and only do it while your own clock is running.
Using the clock
Make your move and press the clock with the same hand that moved the piece. Your move isn’t complete until you’ve pressed, so your time keeps running if you forget.
Recording your moves
Recording is only required in classical (long time control) games, where both players write down every move for the whole game. Rapid and blitz games don’t require notation. It feels slow at first, but it becomes automatic within a game or two, and it means you can analyse your games afterwards.
If you can’t read or write notation yet, work through the notation item on the Learning Checklist before your first event.
Draws
- Offering a draw: make your move on the board, offer the draw, then press your clock. Never offer on your opponent’s time, and don’t repeat an offer that’s been declined; wait for the position to change or for them to offer.
- Claiming a draw: if the same position has occurred three times, or 50 moves have passed without a pawn move or capture, you can claim a draw. Pause the clock and call the arbiter to make the claim.
Promotion
If you promote a pawn and need a second queen that isn’t at hand, pause the clock and ask the arbiter for one. Don’t play on with an upside-down rook; it counts as a rook.
When something goes wrong
Any time there’s a problem, an illegal move, a dispute, a broken clock, or anything else you’re unsure about: pause the clock and call the arbiter. That is exactly what they are there for, and calling them is never rude.
Good manners
- Switch your phone off or to silent before the round.
- Shake hands before and after the game.
- Keep quiet in the playing area, and don’t comment on games in progress, including your own.
- Win and lose graciously. A “good game” afterwards goes a long way, and talking through the game with your opponent afterwards is one of the best ways to improve.
Ready to play?
Check the calendar for upcoming events, or see what’s on at the club. Arrive before registrations close at 6:50pm, and if it’s your first time playing over the board, let the tournament organiser know: we’ll waive your NSWCA membership fee for the year. The FAQ covers fees, time controls and everything else. If you have questions before your first event, ask in our Facebook group or on a club night.