♟️ Idaho Chess Federation

Player Rules & Guidelines

 

"Fair Play, Clear Rules, Good Sportsmanship"

Welcome to the tournament! As a registered player, you are responsible for knowing these rules. They are based on the US Chess Federation (USCF) Official Rules of Chess. By registering for an ICF event, you agree to abide by them.

1. Arrival & Registration

• On Time: Players must be present at the start of the round. If you are 30 minutes late for a round without prior notice, you forfeit the game (unless the Tournament Director (TD) decides otherwise).

• Check-In: You must check in with the TD or registration desk before the first round begins to confirm your section and pairing.

• ID: Bring your USCF membership card or number. If you are not a member, you can buy a temporary membership at the event.

• Bye Requests: If you know you will miss a round, you must request a bye before the pairing of the 2nd round is generated.

  • Deadline: Once the TD has generated the pairings for Round 2, late requests will generally not be honored, and you will be marked as absent (0 points) for that round.

  • Types of Byes: Please specify if you are requesting a Zero Point Bye (forfeiture) or a Half-Point Bye (if available and requested early enough).

  • Note: A Zero Point Bye is a planned absence (0 points), distinct from a forfeit due to lateness or no-show.

2. The Clock & Time Controls

• Press the Clock: After making your move, you must press the clock with the same hand.

• Time Controls: ICF events utilize a variety of time controls. Some use a delay (e.g., 5-second delay), some use an increment (e.g., 5-second increment), and some may have neither.

  • Delay: The clock waits a set number of seconds before counting down your time.

  • Increment: A set number of seconds are added to your clock after you make a move.

  • No Delay/Increment: In games without these features, the clock counts down immediately after you press it.

  • Check the Listing: Always verify the specific time control (and whether it includes delay or increment) for your event before playing.

• Flag Fall: If your flag falls (time runs out), you lose the game unless your opponent has insufficient material to checkmate you (e.g., King vs. King, King+Bishop vs. King).

3. Piece Movement & Touch-Move

• Touch-Move Rule: If you touch a piece with the intention of moving it, you must move it if it is legal. If you touch an opponent's piece, you must capture it if legal.

  • Exception: You may say "I adjust" (or "J'adoube") before touching a piece to straighten it on the square.

• Illegal Moves: If you make an illegal move, stop the clock immediately and call the TD. Penalties may apply depending on the stage of the game.

4. Conduct & Etiquette

• Seating & Movement: Players are not required to remain seated at all times. You may stand up for bathroom breaks or to observe other games in the hall.

  • Restriction: When observing other games, you must stand back and never hover over a board or block a player's view. Do not stand directly behind an opponent or lean over their shoulder.

  • Distraction: Do not stand or move in a way that distracts your own opponent or others.

• Silence: Keep noise to a minimum. No talking, phone calls, or loud conversations during active games.

• No Analysis in the Hall: Never analyze games (discussing moves, variations, or outcomes) inside the tournament hall while any games are still in progress.

  • Analysis is only permitted after all games in the round are finished, or in a designated "analysis area" if provided by the TD.

• Phones: Cell phones must be turned OFF completely.

  • Storage: Phones may be stored in a bag/backpack (placed under the table or in a designated area) or left at the Check-in/Registration Desk.

  • On Person: Phones must not be on your person (e.g., in a pocket, waistband, or hand) while playing.

  • On Table: If kept on the table, the phone must be OFF and placed screen facing UP.

  • Penalty: If a phone rings, vibrates, or is found on your person or face-down, the player may be penalized (loss of game or time penalty) at the TD's discretion.

• Leaving the Room: If you need to leave the playing hall, ask the TD for permission. Do not leave and return without notifying the TD, as this can affect pairings.

• ⚠️ CRITICAL NOTE: Once your game concludes, you become a SPECTATOR. You must immediately follow the Spectator Code of Conduct regarding silence, positioning, and NO ANALYSIS until all games in the round are finished.

5. Disputes & Appeals

• STOP THE CLOCK FIRST: If you see a violation (illegal move, clock issue, distraction, or need to adjust a piece), immediately stop both clocks by pressing the button. Do not make another move.

• Call the TD: Once the clocks are stopped, raise your hand and call the Tournament Director.

• Wait: Wait for the TD to arrive before discussing the issue with your opponent.

• TD Authority: The Tournament Director's decision is final.

• Appeals: If you strongly disagree with a ruling, you may request an appeal to the Chief TD or the Appeal Committee (if available). This must be done immediately after the ruling.

6. Scoring & Reporting

• Standard USCF Rated Games: You must record your moves on the score sheet for the entire game.

  • 30-Second Rule: If your time control includes a delay or increment of 30 seconds or more, you must notate the entire game, including the final minutes. The "last 5 minutes" exception does not apply in this case.

  • Last 5 Minutes Exception (Standard Delay): For time controls with less than 30 seconds of delay/increment, recording moves is not required during the last 5 minutes of your time control.

  • Critical Warning: The TD may not be able to resolve a dispute in your favor without a score sheet that accurately reflects the moves played up to the point of the dispute. If you fail to notate, and a dispute arises (e.g., 3-fold repetition, 50-move rule, or illegal move claim), the TD must rule based on available evidence. Without your notation, your claim may be rejected.

• Blitz or Rapid: Recording moves is optional unless specifically requested by the TD.

• Signing: At the end of the game, both players must sign the score sheet to confirm the result (Win, Loss, or Draw).

• Discrepancies: If the scoresheets don't match, the TD will review the clocks and any available evidence to determine the result.

7. Withdrawals & "No-Shows"

• Notification Required: If you must withdraw from a tournament after it has started, you MUST notify the Tournament Director (TD) immediately.

  • Do not simply stop showing up. Do not leave without telling anyone.

  • You may notify the TD in person, via email, or by phone.

• Penalty for Failure to Notify:

  • Disqualification from Prizes: Any player who withdraws without notifying the TD will be automatically disqualified from receiving any monetary or non-monetary prizes, even if they are currently in a prize-winning position.

  • Suspension: Repeated failure to notify (e.g., 2 or more instances) may result in a suspension from future ICF events for up to 12 months.

• Reasonable Excuses: In cases of genuine emergency (medical, family crisis), please contact the TD as soon as possible. The TD has the discretion to waive penalties if a valid reason is provided promptly.

8. Cheating & Unsporting Behavior

• Zero Tolerance: Cheating (using engines, notes, or communicating with others) will result in immediate disqualification and a report to the USCF.

• Harassment: Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unsporting behavior will not be tolerated and may lead to expulsion from the event.

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⚡ Quick Reference: Common Scenarios

Scenario	Rule
I need to miss a round (Bye).	Request BEFORE Pairings for Round 2 are made. Late requests are denied.
I need to quit the tournament.	NOTIFY THE TD IMMEDIATELY. If you disappear without notice, you are disqualified from all prizes. Repeat offenders may be banned for 12 months.
I see an illegal move or need help.	STOP THE CLOCK immediately. Then call the TD. Do not make your next move.
My clock ran out, but I have a winning position.	You lose. Time is part of the game. (Exception: Opponent has no pieces to mate).
I touched a piece but didn't want to move it.	You must move it if legal. Say "I adjust" before touching.
Watching other games.	You may stand and walk around, but never hover or block a player's view. Stand back.
Analyzing games.	NEVER in the hall while games are in progress. Wait until all games are done.
My Phone.	Must be OFF. Can be in a bag (not on person) or left at check-in. On table = Screen UP.
Recording Moves.	Required in Standard games. Required if delay/increment ≥ 30s. Optional in last 5 mins (if delay < 30s). Risky if not notated for disputes.
Game Over?	You are now a SPECTATOR. No talking/analyzing until all games end.

📞 Need Help?

If you have questions about these rules or need assistance during the event, please find the Tournament Director or ask at the registration desk.

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