This is the final version of the new Laws of Chess.

Thus previously
highlighting in yellow has been removed as it was principally there to
help people who were translating the Laws.
Grey shows where the Laws have been tidied up more recently due to
input by various people.

FIDE LAWS OF CHESS TAKING EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 2014
Contents:
INTRO!CTION page "
#R$%&C$ page "
'&(IC R!L$( O% #L&) page "
&rticle *+ The nature and ob,ectives of the game of chess page "
&rticle "+ The initial position of the pieces on the chessboard page -
&rticle -+ The moves of the pieces page .
&rticle .+ The act of moving the pieces page /
&rticle 0+ The completion of the game page 1
CO2#$TITION R!L$( page 3
&rticle 4+ The chesscloc5 page 3
&rticle /+ Irregularities page **
&rticle 1+ The recording of the moves page *"
&rticle 3+ The drawn game page *-
&rticle *6+ #oints page *.
&rticle **+ The conduct of the players page *.
&rticle *"+ The role of the arbiter 7see #reface8 page *0
Aen!"#es:
&. Rapidplay page */
'. 'lit9 page *1
C. &lgebraic notation page *3
1
. Rules for play with blind and visually disabled players page "*
$. &d,ourned games page "-
%. Chess346 rules page "0
G. :uic5play %inishes page "/
Glossary of terms in the Laws of Chess page "1
INTRODUCTION
%I$ Laws of Chess cover over;the;board play.
The Laws of Chess have two parts+ *. 'asic Rules of #lay and ". Competition Rules.
The $nglish te<t is the authentic version of the Laws of Chess 7which was adopted at the 1.th
%I$ Congress at Tallinn 7$stonia8 coming into force on * =uly "6*..
In these Laws the words >he?@ >him?@ and >his? shall be considered to include >she? and >her?.
$REFACE
The Laws of Chess cannot cover all possible situations that may arise during a game@ nor can
they regulate all administrative Auestions. Bhere cases are not precisely regulated by an &rticle
of the Laws@ it should be possible to reach a correct decision by studying analogous situations
which are discussed in the Laws. The Laws assume that arbiters have the necessary competence@
sound ,udgement and absolute ob,ectivity. Too detailed a rule might deprive the arbiter of his
freedom of ,udgement and thus prevent him from finding a solution to a problem dictated by
fairness@ logic and special factors. %I$ appeals to all chess players and federations to accept
this view.
& necessary condition for a game to be rated by %I$ is that it shall be played according to the
%I$ Laws of Chess.
It is recommended that competitive games not rated by %I$ be played according to the %I$
Laws of Chess.
2ember federations may as5 %I$ to give a ruling on matters relating to the Laws of Chess.
%ASIC RULES OF $LAY
A&t"#'e 1: T(e n)t*&e )n! o+,e#t"-es o. t(e /)0e o. #(ess
*.* The game of chess is played between two opponents who move their pieces on a sAuare
board called a >chessboard?. The player with the light;coloured pieces 7Bhite8 ma5es
the first move@ then the players move alternately@ with the player with the dar5;coloured
pieces 7'lac58 ma5ing the ne<t move. & player is said to >have the move? when his
opponent?s move has been >made?.
*." The ob,ective of each player is to place the opponent?s 5ing >under attac5? in such a way
that the opponent has no legal move. The player who achieves this goal is said to have
>chec5mated? the opponent?s 5ing and to have won the game. Leaving one?s own 5ing
under attac5@ e<posing one?s own 5ing to attac5 and also ?capturing? the opponent?s 5ing
are not allowed. The opponent whose 5ing has been chec5mated has lost the game.
2
*.- If the position is such that neither player can possibly chec5mate the opponent?s 5ing@
the game is drawn 7see &rticle 0." b8.
A&t"#'e 2: T(e "n"t")' os"t"on o. t(e "e#es on t(e #(ess+o)&!
".* The chessboard is composed of an 1 < 1 grid of 4. eAual sAuares alternately light 7the
>white? sAuares8 and dar5 7the >blac5? sAuares8.
The chessboard is placed between the players in such a way that the near corner sAuare
to the right of the player is white.
"." &t the beginning of the game Bhite has *4 light;coloured pieces 7the >white? pieces8C
'lac5 has *4 dar5;coloured pieces 7the >blac5? pieces8.
These pieces are as follows+
& white 5ing usually indicated by the symbol D
& white Aueen usually indicated by the symbol :
Two white roo5s usually indicated by the symbol R
Two white bishops usually indicated by the symbol '
Two white 5nights usually indicated by the symbol N
$ight white pawns usually indicated by the symbol
& blac5 5ing usually indicated by the symbol D
& blac5 Aueen usually indicated by the symbol :
Two blac5 roo5s usually indicated by the symbol R
Two blac5 bishops usually indicated by the symbol '
Two blac5 5nights usually indicated by the symbol N
$ight blac5 pawns usually indicated by the symbol
(taunton #ieces
p : D ' N R
".- The initial position of the pieces on the chessboard is as follows+
3
".. The eight vertical columns of sAuares are called >files?. The eight hori9ontal rows of
sAuares are called >ran5s?. & straight line of sAuares of the same colour@ running from
one edge of the board to an ad,acent edge@ is called a >diagonal?.
A&t"#'e 1: T(e 0o-es o. t(e "e#es
-.* It is not permitted to move a piece to a sAuare occupied by a piece of the same colour. If
a piece moves to a sAuare occupied by an opponent?s piece the latter is captured and
removed from the chessboard as part of the same move. & piece is said to attac5 an
opponent?s piece if the piece could ma5e a capture on that sAuare according to &rticles
-." to -.1.
& piece is considered to attac5 a sAuare even if this piece is constrained from moving to
that sAuare because it would then leave or place the 5ing of its own colour under attac5.
-." The bishop may move to any sAuare along a diagonal on which it stands.
-.- The roo5 may move to any sAuare along the file or the ran5 on which it stands.
4
-.. The Aueen may move to any sAuare along the file@ the ran5 or a diagonal on which it
stands.
-.0 Bhen ma5ing these moves@ the bishop@ roo5 or Aueen may not move over any
intervening pieces.
-.4 The 5night may move to one of the sAuares nearest to that on which it stands but not on
the same ran5@ file or diagonal.
-./ a. The pawn may move forward to the sAuare immediately in front of it on the same
file@ provided that this sAuare is unoccupied@ or
b. on its first move the pawn may move as in -./.a or alternatively it may advance
two sAuares along the same file@ provided that both sAuares are unoccupied@ or
c. the pawn may move to a sAuare occupied by an opponent?s piece diagonally in
front of it on an ad,acent file@ capturing that piece.
5
d. & pawn occupying a sAuare on the same ran5 as and on an ad,acent file to an
opponent?s pawn which has ,ust advanced two sAuares in one move from its
original sAuare may capture this opponent?s pawn as though the latter had been
moved only one sAuare. This capture is only legal on the move following this
advance and is called an >en passant? capture.
e. Bhen a player@ having the move@ plays a pawn to the ran5 furthest from its
starting position@ he must e<change that pawn as part of the same move for a new
Aueen@ roo5@ bishop or 5night of the same colour on the intended sAuare of arrival.
The playerEs choice is not restricted to pieces that have been captured previously.
This e<change of a pawn for another piece is called EpromotionE@ and the effect of
the new piece is immediate.
-.1 There are two different ways of moving the 5ing+
a. by moving to an ad,oining sAuare
b. by >castling?. This is a move of the 5ing and either roo5 of the same colour along
the player?s first ran5@ counting as a single move of the 5ing and e<ecuted as
follows+ the 5ing is transferred from its original sAuare two sAuares towards the
roo5 on its original sAuare@ then that roo5 is transferred to the sAuare the 5ing has
,ust crossed.
6
'efore white 5ingside castling &fter white 5ingside castling
'efore blac5 Aueenside castling &fter blac5 Aueenside castling
'efore white Aueenside castling &fter white Aueenside castling
'efore blac5 5ingside castling &fter blac5 5ingside castling
7*8 The right to castle has been lost+
FaG if the 5ing has already moved@ or
FbG with a roo5 that has already moved.
7"8 Castling is prevented temporarily+
FaG if the sAuare on which the 5ing stands@ or the sAuare which it must
cross@ or the sAuare which it is to occupy@ is attac5ed by one or more
of the opponentEs pieces@ or
FbG if there is any piece between the 5ing and the roo5 with which castling
is to be effected.
-.3 The 5ing is said to be Ein chec5E if it is attac5ed by one or more of the opponentEs pieces@
even if such pieces are constrained from moving to the sAuare occupied by the 5ing
because they would then leave or place their own 5ing in chec5. No piece can be moved
that will either e<pose the 5ing of the same colour to chec5 or leave that 5ing in chec5.
-.*6 a. & move is legal when all the relevant reAuirements of &rticles -.* H -.3 have
been fulfilled.
b. & move is illegal when it fails to meet the relevant reAuirements of &rticles -.* H
-.3
c. & position is illegal when it cannot have been reached by any series of legal
moves.
A&t"#'e 4: T(e )#t o. 0o-"n/ t(e "e#es
..* $ach move must be made with one hand only.
7
.." #rovided that he first e<presses his intention 7for e<ample by saying I,?adoubeJ or II
ad,ustJ8@ only the player having the move may ad,ust one or more pieces on their
sAuares.
..- $<cept as provided in &rticle .."@ if the player having the move touches on the
chessboard@ with the intention of moving or capturing+
a. one or more of his own pieces@ he must move the first piece touched that can be
moved
b. one or more of his opponent?s pieces@ he must capture the first piece touched that
can be captured
c. one piece of each colour@ he must capture the opponent?s piece with his piece or@ if
this is illegal@ move or capture the first piece touched that can be moved or
captured. If it is unclear whether the player?s own piece or his opponent?s was
touched first@ the player?s own piece shall be considered to have been touched
before his opponent?s.
... If a player having the move+
a. touches his 5ing and a roo5 he must castle on that side if it is legal to do so
b. deliberately touches a roo5 and then his 5ing he is not allowed to castle on that
side on that move and the situation shall be governed by &rticle ..-.a
c. intending to castle@ touches the 5ing and then a roo5@ but castling with this roo5 is
illegal@ the player must ma5e another legal move with his 5ing 7which may
include castling with the other roo58. If the 5ing has no legal move@ the player is
free to ma5e any legal move.
d. promotes a pawn@ the choice of the piece is finalised when the piece has touched
the sAuare of promotion.
..0 If none of the pieces touched in accordance with &rticle ..- or &rticle ... can be moved
or captured@ the player may ma5e any legal move.
..4 The act of promotion may be performed in various ways+
1. the pawn does not have to be placed on the sAuare of arrival@
2. removing the pawn and putting the new piece on the sAuare of arrival may
occur in any order.
If an opponent?s piece stands on the sAuare of arrival@ it must be captured.
../ Bhen@ as a legal move or part of a legal move@ a piece has been released on a sAuare@ it
cannot be moved to another sAuare on this move. The move is considered to have been
made in the case of+
a. a capture@ when the captured piece has been removed from the chessboard and the
player@ having placed his own piece on its new sAuare@ has released this capturing
piece from his hand.
b. castling@ when the playerEs hand has released the roo5 on the sAuare previously
crossed by the 5ing. Bhen the player has released the 5ing from his hand@ the
move is not yet made@ but the player no longer has the right to ma5e any move
other than castling on that side@ if this is legal. If castling on this side is illegal@ the
player must ma5e another legal move with his 5ing 7which may include castling
with the other roo58. If the 5ing has no legal move@ the player is free to ma5e any
legal move.
c. promotion@ when the playerEs hand has released the new piece on the sAuare of
promotion and the pawn has been removed from the board.
8
..1 & player forfeits his right to claim against his opponent?s violation of &rticles ..* H ../
once the player touches a piece with the intention of moving or capturing it.
..3. If a player is unable to move the pieces@ an assistant@ who must be acceptable to the
arbiter@ may be provided by the player to perform this operation.
A&t"#'e 2: T(e #o0'et"on o. t(e /)0e
0.* a. The game is won by the player who has chec5mated his opponent?s 5ing. This
immediately ends the game@ provided that the move producing the chec5mate
position was in accordance with &rticle - and &rticles .." H ../.
b. The game is won by the player whose opponent declares he resigns. This
immediately ends the game.
0." a. The game is drawn when the player to move has no legal move and his 5ing is not
in chec5. The game is said to end in >stalemate?. This immediately ends the game@
provided that the move producing the stalemate position was in accordance with
&rticle - and &rticles .." H ../.
b. The game is drawn when a position has arisen in which neither player can
chec5mate the opponent?s 5ing with any series of legal moves. The game is said to
end in a >dead position?. This immediately ends the game@ provided that the move
producing the position was in accordance with &rticle - and &rticles .." H ../.
c. The game is drawn upon agreement between the two players during the game.
This immediately ends the game.
d. The game may be drawn if an identical position is about to appear or has appeared
on the chessboard at least three times 7see &rticle 3."8.
e. The game may be drawn if each player has made at least the last 06 moves
without the movement of any pawn and without any capture 7see &rticle 3.-8.
COM$ETITION RULES
A&t"#'e 3: T(e #(ess#'o#4
4.* >Chesscloc5? means a cloc5 with two time displays@ connected to each other in such a
way that only one of them can run at one time.
>Cloc5? in the Laws of Chess means one of the two time displays.
$ach time display has a >flag?.
>%lag;fall? means the e<piration of the allotted time for a player.
4." a. uring the game each player@ having made his move on the chessboard@ shall stop
his own cloc5 and start his opponent?s cloc5 7that is to say@ he shall press his
cloc58. This IcompletesJ the move. & move is also completed if+
7*8 the move ends the game 7see &rticles 0.*.a@ 0.".a@ 0.".b@ 0.".c and 3.48@ or
7"8 the player has made his ne<t move@ in case his previous move was not
completed.
& player must be allowed to stop his cloc5 after ma5ing his move@ even after the
opponent has made his ne<t move. The time between ma5ing the move on the
chessboard and pressing the cloc5 is regarded as part of the time allotted to the
player.
b. & player must press his cloc5 with the same hand with which he made his move.
It is forbidden for a player to 5eep his finger on the cloc5 or to >hover? over it.
9
c. The players must handle the chesscloc5 properly. It is forbidden to press it
forcibly@ to pic5 it up@ to press the cloc5 before moving or to 5noc5 it over.
Improper cloc5 handling shall be penalised in accordance with &rticle *".3.
d. Only the player whose cloc5 is running is allowed to ad,ust the pieces.
e. If a player is unable to use the cloc5@ an assistant@ who must be acceptable to the
arbiter@ may be provided by the player to perform this operation. Kis cloc5 shall
be ad,usted by the arbiter in an eAuitable way. This ad,ustment of the cloc5 shall
not apply to the cloc5 of a player with a disability.
4.- a. Bhen using a chesscloc5@ each player must complete a minimum number of
moves or all moves in an allotted period of time andLor may be allocated an
additional amount of time with each move. &ll these must be specified in advance.
b. The time saved by a player during one period is added to his time available for the
ne<t period@ where applicable.
In the time;delay mode both players receive an allotted >main thin5ing time?.
$ach player also receives a >fi<ed e<tra time? with every move. The countdown of
the main thin5ing time only commences after the fi<ed e<tra time has e<pired.
#rovided the player presses his cloc5 before the e<piration of the fi<ed e<tra time@
the main thin5ing time does not change@ irrespective of the proportion of the fi<ed
e<tra time used.
4.. Immediately after a flag falls@ the reAuirements of &rticle 4.- a. must be chec5ed.
4.0 'efore the start of the game the arbiter shall decide where the chesscloc5 is placed.
4.4 &t the time determined for the start of the game Bhite?s cloc5 is started.
4./ a. The rules of a competition shall specify in advance a default time. &ny player who
arrives at the chessboard after the default time shall lose the game unless the
arbiter decides otherwise.
b. If the rules of a competition specify that the default time is not 9ero and if neither
player is present initially@ Bhite shall lose all the time that elapses until he arrives@
unless the rules of the competition specify or the arbiter decides otherwise.
4.1 & flag is considered to have fallen when the arbiter observes the fact or when either
player has made a valid claim to that effect.
4.3 $<cept where one of &rticles 0.*.a@ 0.*.b@ 0.".a@ 0.".b@ 0.".c applies@ if a player does not
complete the prescribed number of moves in the allotted time@ the game is lost by that
player. Kowever@ the game is drawn if the position is such that the opponent cannot
chec5mate the player?s 5ing by any possible series of legal moves.
4.*6 a. $very indication given by the chesscloc5 is considered to be conclusive in the
absence of any evident defect. & chesscloc5 with an evident defect shall be
replaced by the arbiter@ who shall use his best ,udgement when determining the
times to be shown on the replacement chesscloc5.
b. If during a game it is found that the setting of either or both cloc5s is incorrect@
either player or the arbiter shall stop the chesscloc5 immediately. The arbiter shall
install the correct setting and ad,ust the times and move;counter@ if necessary. Ke
shall use his best ,udgement when determining the cloc5 settings.
4.** If both flags have fallen and it is impossible to establish which flag fell first then+
10
a. the game shall continue if this occurs in any period of the game e<cept the last
period.
b. the game is drawn if this occurs in the period of a game in which all remaining
moves must be completed.
4.*" a. If the game needs to be interrupted@ the arbiter shall stop the chesscloc5.
b. & player may stop the chesscloc5 only in order to see5 the arbiter?s assistance@ for
e<ample when promotion has ta5en place and the piece reAuired is not available.
c. The arbiter shall decide when the game restarts.
d. If a player stops the chesscloc5 in order to see5 the arbiter?s assistance@ the arbiter
shall determine whether the player had any valid reason for doing so. If the player
had no valid reason for stopping the chesscloc5@ the player shall be penalised in
accordance with &rticle *".3.
4.*- (creens@ monitors@ or demonstration boards showing the current position on the
chessboard@ the moves and the number of moves madeLcompleted@ and cloc5s which
also show the number of moves@ are allowed in the playing hall. Kowever@ the player
may not ma5e a claim relying only on information shown in this manner.
A&t"#'e 5: I&&e/*')&"t"es
/.* If an irregularity occurs and the pieces have to be restored to a previous position@ the
arbiter shall use his best ,udgement to determine the times to be shown on the
chesscloc5. This includes the right not to change the cloc5 times. Ke shall also@ if
necessary@ ad,ust the cloc5?s move;counter.
/." a. If during a game it is found that the initial position of the pieces was incorrect@ the
game shall be cancelled and a new game shall be played.
b. If during a game it is found that the chessboard has been placed contrary to &rticle
".*@ the game shall continue but the position reached must be transferred to a
correctly placed chessboard.
/.- If a game has begun with colours reversed then it shall continue@ unless the arbiter rules
otherwise.
/.. If a player displaces one or more pieces@ he shall re;establish the correct position in his
own time. If necessary@ either the player or his opponent shall stop the chesscloc5 and
as5 for the arbiter?s assistance. The arbiter may penalise the player who displaced the
pieces.
/.0 a. If during a game it is found that an illegal move has been completed@ the position
immediately before the irregularity shall be reinstated. If the position immediately
before the irregularity cannot be determined@ the game shall continue from the last
identifiable position prior to the irregularity. &rticles ..- and ../ apply to the
move replacing the illegal move. The game shall then continue from this
reinstated position.
If the player has moved a pawn to the furthest distant ran5@ pressed the cloc5@ but
not replaced the pawn with a new piece@ the move is illegal. The pawn shall be
replaced by a Aueen of the same colour as the pawn.
b. &fter the action ta5en under &rticle /.0.a@ for the first completed illegal move by a
player the arbiter shall give two minutes e<tra time to his opponentC for the second
completed illegal move by the same player the arbiter shall declare the game lost
11
by this player. Kowever@ the game is drawn if the position is such that the
opponent cannot chec5mate the player?s 5ing by any possible series of legal
moves.
/.4 If@ during a game@ it is found that any piece has been displaced from its correct sAuare
the position before the irregularity shall be reinstated. If the position immediately before
the irregularity cannot be determined@ the game shall continue from the last identifiable
position prior to the irregularity. The game shall then continue from this reinstated
position.
A&t"#'e 6: T(e &e#o&!"n/ o. t(e 0o-es
1.* a. In the course of play each player is reAuired to record his own moves and those of
his opponent in the correct manner@ move after move@ as clearly and legibly as
possible@ in the algebraic notation 7&ppendi< C8@ on the >scoresheet? prescribed for
the competition. It is forbidden to write the moves in advance@ unless the player is
claiming a draw according to &rticle 3."@ or 3.- or ad,ourning a game according to
&ppendi< $.* a.
b. The scoresheet shall be used only for recording the moves@ the times of the cloc5s@
offers of a draw@ matters relating to a claim and other relevant data.
c. & player may reply to his opponent?s move before recording it@ if he so wishes. Ke
must record his previous move before ma5ing another.
d. 'oth players must record the offer of a draw on the scoresheet with a symbol 7M8.
e. If a player is unable to 5eep score@ an assistant@ who must be acceptable to the
arbiter@ may be provided by the player to write the moves. Kis cloc5 shall be
ad,usted by the arbiter in an eAuitable way. This ad,ustment of the cloc5 shall not
apply to a player with a disability.
1." The scoresheet shall be visible to the arbiter throughout the game.
1.- The scoresheets are the property of the organiser of the competition.
1.. If a player has less than five minutes left on his cloc5 at some stage in a period and does
not have additional time of -6 seconds or more added with each move@ then for the
remainder of the period he is not obliged to meet the reAuirements of &rticle 1.*.
1.0 a. If neither player 5eeps score under &rticle 1..@ the arbiter or an assistant should
try to be present and 5eep score. In this case@ immediately after a flag has fallen
the arbiter shall stop the chesscloc5. Then both players shall update their
scoresheets@ using the arbiter?s or the opponent?s scoresheet.
b. If only one player has not 5ept score under &rticle 1..@ he must@ as soon as either
flag has fallen@ update his scoresheet completely before moving a piece on the
chessboard. #rovided it is that player?s move@ he may use his opponent?s
scoresheet@ but must return it before ma5ing a move.
c. If no complete scoresheet is available@ the players must reconstruct the game on a
second chessboard under the control of the arbiter or an assistant. Ke shall first
record the actual game position@ cloc5 times@ whose cloc5 was running and the
number of moves madeLcompleted@ if this information is available@ before
reconstruction ta5es place.
12
1.4 If the scoresheets cannot be brought up to date showing that a player has overstepped
the allotted time@ the ne<t move made shall be considered as the first of the following
time period@ unless there is evidence that more moves have been made or completed.
1./ &t the conclusion of the game both players shall sign both scoresheets@ indicating the
result of the game. $ven if incorrect@ this result shall stand@ unless the arbiter decides
otherwise.
A&t"#'e 7: T(e !&)8n /)0e
3.* a. The rules of a competition may specify that players cannot agree to a draw@
whether in less than a specified number of moves or at all@ without the consent of
the arbiter.
b. Kowever@ if the rules of a competition allow a draw agreement the following shall
apply+
7*8 & player wishing to offer a draw shall do so after having made a move on
the chessboard and before pressing his cloc5. &n offer at any other time
during play is still valid but &rticle **.0 must be considered. No conditions
can be attached to the offer. In both cases the offer cannot be withdrawn and
remains valid until the opponent accepts it@ re,ects it orally@ re,ects it by
touching a piece with the intention of moving or capturing it@ or the game is
concluded in some other way.
7"8 The offer may be indicated to the opponent by crossing the two inde<
fingers at the middle 5nuc5les.
7-8 The offer of a draw shall be noted by each player on his scoresheet with the
symbol 7M8.
7.8 & claim of a draw under &rticle 3." or 3.- shall be considered to be an offer
of a draw.
3." The game is drawn@ upon a correct claim by a player having the move@ when the same
position for at least the third time 7not necessarily by a repetition of moves8+
a. is about to appear@ if he first writes his move@ which cannot be changed@ on his
scoresheet and declares to the arbiter his intention to ma5e this move@ or
b. has ,ust appeared@ and the player claiming the draw has the move.
#ositions are considered the same if and only if the same player has the move@ pieces of
the same 5ind and colour occupy the same sAuares and the possible moves of all the
pieces of both players are the same. Thus positions are not the same if+
7*8 at the start of the seAuence a pawn could have been captured en passant.
7"8 a 5ing or roo5 had castling rights@ but forfeited these after moving. The castling
rights are lost only after the 5ing or roo5 is moved.
3.- The game is drawn@ upon a correct claim by a player having the move@ if+
a. he writes his move@ which cannot be changed@ on his scoresheet and declares to
the arbiter his intention to ma5e this move which will result in the last 06 moves
by each player having been made without the movement of any pawn and without
any capture@ or
b. the last 06 moves by each player have been completed without the movement of
any pawn and without any capture.
3.. If the player touches a piece as in &rticle ..-@ he loses the right to claim a draw under
&rticle 3." or 3.- on that move.
13
3.0 If a player claims a draw under &rticle 3." or 3.-@ he or the arbiter shall stop the
chesscloc5 7see &rticle 4.*" b8. Ke is not allowed to withdraw his claim.
a. If the claim is found to be correct@ the game is immediately drawn.
b. If the claim is found to be incorrect@ the arbiter shall add two minutes to the
opponent?s remaining thin5ing time. Then the game shall continue. If the claim
was based on an intended move@ this move must be made in accordance with
&rticles - and ..
3.4 If one or both of the following occur7s8 then the game is drawn+
a. the same position has appeared@ as in 3."b@ for at least five consecutive alternate
moves by each player.
b. any consecutive series of /0 moves have been completed by each player without
the movement of any pawn and without any capture.
3./ The game is drawn when a position is reached from which a chec5mate cannot occur by
any possible series of legal moves. This immediately ends the game@ provided that the
move producing this position was in accordance with &rticle - and &rticles .." H ../.
A&t"#'e 10: $o"nts
*6.* !nless the rules of a competition specify otherwise@ a player who wins his game@ or
wins by forfeit@ scores one point 7*8@ a player who loses his game@ or forfeits@ scores no
points 768@ and a player who draws his game scores a half point 7N8.
A&t"#'e 11: T(e #on!*#t o. t(e ')9e&s
**.* The players shall ta5e no action that will bring the game of chess into disrepute.
**." The >playing venue? is defined as the >playing area?@ rest rooms@ toilets@ refreshment
area@ area set aside for smo5ing and other places as designated by the arbiter.
The playing area is defined as the place where the games of a competition are played.
Only with the permission of the arbiter can
a. a player leave the playing venue.
b. the player having the move be allowed to leave the playing area.
c. & person who is neither a players nor arbiter be allowed access to the playing
area.
**.- a. uring play the players are forbidden to use any notes@ sources of information or
advice@ or analyse any game on another chessboard.
b. uring play@ a player is forbidden to have a mobile phone andLor other electronic
means of communication in the playing venue. If it is evident that a player
brought such a device into the playing venue@ he shall lose the game. The
opponent shall win.
The rules of a competition may specify a different@ less severe@ penalty.
The arbiter may reAuire the player to allow his clothes@ bags or other items to be
inspected@ in private. The arbiter or a person authorised by the arbiter shall inspect
the player and shall be of the same gender as the player. If a player refuses to
cooperate with these obligations@ the arbiter shall ta5e measures in accordance
with &rticle *".3.
c. (mo5ing is permitted only in the section of the venue designated by the arbiter.
14
**.. #layers who have finished their games shall be considered to be spectators.
**.0 It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever. This
includes unreasonable claims@ unreasonable offers of a draw or the introduction of a
source of noise into the playing area.
**.4 Infraction of any part of &rticles **.* H **.0 shall lead to penalties in accordance with
&rticle *".3.
**./ #ersistent refusal by a player to comply with the Laws of Chess shall be penalised by
loss of the game. The arbiter shall decide the score of the opponent.
**.1 If both players are found guilty according to &rticle **./@ the game shall be declared lost
by both players.
**.3 & player shall have the right to reAuest from the arbiter an e<planation of particular
points in the Laws of Chess.
**.*6 !nless the rules of the competition specify otherwise@ a player may appeal against any
decision of the arbiter@ even if the player has signed the scoresheet 7see &rticle 1./8.
A&t"#'e 12: T(e &o'e o. t(e A&+"te& :see $&e.)#e;
*".* The arbiter shall see that the Laws of Chess are strictly observed.
*"." The arbiter shall
a8 ensure fair play.
b) act in the best interest of the competition.
c) ensure that a good playing environment is maintained.
d) ensure that the players are not disturbed.
e) supervise the progress of the competition.
f) ta5e special measures in the interests of disabled players and those who need
medical attention.
*".- The arbiter shall observe the games@ especially when the players are short of time@
enforce decisions he has made@ and impose penalties on players where appropriate.
*".. The arbiter may appoint assistants to observe games@ for e<ample when several players
are short of time.
*".0 The arbiter may award either or both players additional time in the event of e<ternal
disturbance of the game.
*".4 The arbiter must not intervene in a game e<cept in cases described by the Laws of
Chess. Ke shall not indicate the number of moves completed@ e<cept in applying &rticle
1.0 when at least one flag has fallen. The arbiter shall refrain from informing a player
that his opponent has completed a move or that the player has not pressed his cloc5.
*"./ If someone observes an irregularity@ he may inform only the arbiter. #layers in other
games are not to spea5 about or otherwise interfere in a game. (pectators are not
allowed to interfere in a game. The arbiter may e<pel offenders from the playing venue.

15
*".1 !nless authorised by the arbiter@ it is forbidden for anybody to use a mobile phone or
any 5ind of communication device in the playing venue or any contiguous area
designated by the arbiter.
*".3 Options available to the arbiter concerning penalties+
a. warning
b. increasing the remaining time of the opponent
c. reducing the remaining time of the offending player
d. increasing the points scored in the game by the opponent to the ma<imum
available for that game
e. reducing the points scored in the game by the offending person
f. declaring the game to be lost by the offending player 7the arbiter shall also decide
the opponent?s score8
g. a fine announced in advance
h. e<pulsion from the competition.
16
A$$ENDICES
Aen!"< A= R)"!')9
&.* & >Rapidplay? game is one where either all the moves must be completed in a fi<ed time
of more than *6 minutes but less than 46 minutes for each playerC or the time allotted
plus 46 times any increment is of more than *6 minutes but less than 46 minutes for
each player.
&." #layers do not need to record the moves.
&.- The Competition Rules shall apply if
a. one arbiter supervises at most three games and
b. each game is recorded by the arbiter or his assistant and@ if possible@ by electronic
means.
&.. Otherwise the following apply+
a. %rom the initial position@ once ten moves have been completed by each player@
7*8 no change can be made to the cloc5 setting@ unless the schedule of the event
would be adversely affected.
7"8 no claim can be made regarding incorrect set;up or orientation of the
chessboard. In case of incorrect 5ing placement@ castling is not allowed. In
case of incorrect roo5 placement@ castling with this roo5 is not allowed.
b= &n illegal move is completed once the player has pressed his cloc5. If the arbiter
observes this he shall declare the game lost by the player@ provided the opponent
has not made his ne<t move. If the arbiter does not intervene@ the opponent is
entitled to claim a win@ provided the opponent has not made his ne<t move.
Kowever@ the game is drawn if the position is such that the opponent cannot
chec5mate the player?s 5ing by any possible series of legal moves. If the opponent
does not claim and the arbiter does not intervene@ the illegal move shall stand and
the game shall continue. Once the opponent has made his ne<t move@ an illegal
move cannot be corrected unless this is agreed by the players without intervention
of the arbiter.
c. To claim a win on time@ the claimant must stop the chesscloc5 and notify the
arbiter. %or the claim to be successful@ the claimant must have time remaining on
his own cloc5 after the chesscloc5 has been stopped. Kowever@ the game is drawn
if the position is such that the opponent cannot chec5mate the player?s 5ing by any
possible series of legal moves.
d. If the arbiter observes both 5ings are in chec5@ or a pawn on the ran5 furthest from
its starting position@ he shall wait until the ne<t move is completed. Then@ if the
illegal position is still on the board@ he shall declare the game drawn.
&.0 The Rules for a competition shall specify whether &rticle &.- or &rticle &.. shall apply
for the entire event.
17
Aen!"< %= %'"t>
'.* & >blit9? game? is one where all the moves must be completed in a fi<ed time of *6
minutes or less for each playerC or the allotted time plus 46 times any increment is *6
minutes or less.
'." The penalties mentioned in &rticles / and 3 of the Competition Rules shall be one
minute instead of two minutes.
'.- The Competition Rules shall apply if
a. one arbiter supervises one game and
b. each game is recorded by the arbiter or his assistant and@ if possible@ by electronic
means.
'.. Otherwise@ play shall be governed by the Rapidplay Laws as in &ppendi< &...
'.0 The Rules for a competition shall specify whether &rticle '.- or &rticle '.. shall apply
for the entire event.
18
Aen!"< C= A'/e+&)"# not)t"on
%I$ recognises for its own tournaments and matches only one system of notation@ the &lgebraic
(ystem@ and recommends the use of this uniform chess notation also for chess literature and
periodicals. (coresheets using a notation system other than algebraic may not be used as
evidence in cases where normally the scoresheet of a player is used for that purpose. &n arbiter
who observes that a player is using a notation system other than the algebraic should warn the
player of this reAuirement.
Des#&"t"on o. t(e A'/e+&)"# S9ste0
C.* In this description@ >piece? means a piece other than a pawn.
C." $ach piece is indicated by an abbreviation. In the $nglish language it is the first letter@ a
capital letter@ of its name. $<ample+ DM5ing@ :MAueen@ RMroo5@ 'Mbishop@ NM5night.
7N is used for a 5night@ in order to avoid ambiguity.8
C.- %or the abbreviation of the name of the pieces@ each player is free to use the name which
is commonly used in his country. $<amples+ % M fou 7%rench for bishop8@ L M loper
7utch for bishop8. In printed periodicals@ the use of figurines recommended.
C.. #awns are not indicated by their first letter@ but are recognised by the absence of such a
letter. $<amples+ the moves are written e0@ d.@ a0@ not pe0@ #d.@ pa0.
C.0 The eight files 7from left to right for Bhite and from right to left for 'lac58 are
indicated by the small letters@ a@ b@ c@ d@ e@ f@ g and h@ respectively.
C.4 The eight ran5s 7from bottom to top for Bhite and from top to bottom for 'lac58 are
numbered *@ "@ -@ .@ 0@ 4@ /@ 1@ respectively. ConseAuently@ in the initial position the
white pieces and pawns are placed on the first and second ran5sC the blac5 pieces and
pawns on the eighth and seventh ran5s.
C./ &s a conseAuence of the previous rules@ each of the si<ty;four sAuares is invariably
indicated by a uniAue combination of a letter and a number.
C.1 $ach move of a piece is indicated by a8 the abbreviation of the name of the piece in
Auestion and b8 the sAuare of arrival. There is no hyphen between a8 and b8. $<amples+
'e0@ Nf-@ Rd*.
In the case of pawns@ only the sAuare of arrival is indicated. $<amples+ e0@ d.@ a0.
C.3 Bhen a piece ma5es a capture@ an < may be inserted between a8 the abbreviation of the
name of the piece in Auestion and b8 the sAuare of arrival. $<amples+ '<e0@ N<f-@ R<d*@
see also C*6.
19
Bhen a pawn ma5es a capture@ the file of departure must be indicated@ then an < may be
inserted@ then the sAuare of arrival. $<amples+ d<e0@ g<f-@ a<b0. In the case of an >en
passant? capture@ >e.p.? may be appended to the notation. $<ample+ e<d4 e.p.
C.*6 If two identical pieces can move to the same sAuare@ the piece that is moved is indicated
as follows+
*. If both pieces are on the same ran5+ by a8 the abbreviation of the name of the
piece@ b8 the file of departure@ and c8 the sAuare of arrival.
". If both pieces are on the same file+ by a8 the abbreviation of the name of the piece@
b8 the ran5 of the sAuare of departure@ and c8 the sAuare of arrival.
If the pieces are on different ran5s and files? method * is preferred.
$<amples+
a. There are two 5nights@ on the sAuares g* and e*@ and one of them moves to the
sAuare f-+ either Ngf- or Nef-@ as the case may be.
b. There are two 5nights@ on the sAuares g0 and g*@ and one of them moves to the
sAuare f-+ either N0f- or N*f-@ as the case may be.
c. There are two 5nights@ on the sAuares h" and d.@ and one of them moves to the
sAuare f-+ either Nhf- or Ndf-@ as the case may be.
d. If a capture ta5es place on the sAuare f-@ the notation of the previous e<amples is
still applicable@ but an < may be inserted+ *8 either Ng<f- or Ne<f-@ "8 either
N0<f- or N*<f-@ -8 either Nh<f- or Nd<f-@ as the case may be.
C.** In the case of the promotion of a pawn@ the actual pawn move is indicated@ followed
immediately by the abbreviation of the new piece. $<amples+ d1:@ e<f1N@ b*'@ g*R.
C.*" The offer of a draw shall be mar5ed as 7M8.
C.*- &bbreviations
6;6 M castling with roo5 h* or roo5 h1 75ingside castling8
6;6;6 M castling with roo5 a* or roo5 a1 7Aueenside castling8
< M captures
O M chec5
OO or P M chec5mate
e.p. M captures >en passant?
The last four are optional.
(ample game+
*.e. e0 ". Nf- Nf4 -. d. e<d. .. e0 Ne. 0. :<d. d0 4. e<d4 e.p. N<d4 /. 'g0 Nc4 1.
:e-O 'e/ 3. Nbd" 6;6 *6. 6;6;6 Re1 **. Db* 7M8
Or+ *. e. e0 ". Nf- Nf4 -. d. ed. .. e0 Ne. 0. :d. d0 4. ed4 Nd4 /. 'g0 Nc4 1. :e-
'e/ 3 Nbd" 6;6 *6. 6;6;6 Re1 **. Db* 7M8
20
Aen!"< D= R*'es .o& ')9 8"t( +'"n! )n! -"s*)''9 !"s)+'e! ')9e&s
.* The organiser@ after consulting the arbiter@ shall have the power to adapt the following
rules according to local circumstances. In competitive chess between sighted and
visually disabled 7legally blind8 players either player may demand the use of two
boards@ the sighted player using a normal board@ the visually !"s)+'e! player using one
specially constructed. This board must meet the following reAuirements+
a. measure at least "6 cm by "6 cm@
b. have the blac5 sAuares slightly raised@
c. have a securing aperture in each sAuare@
The reAuirements for the pieces are+
a. all are provided with a peg that fits into the securing aperture of the board@
b. all are of (taunton design@ the blac5 pieces being specially mar5ed.
." The following regulations shall govern play+
*. The moves shall be announced clearly@ repeated by the opponent and e<ecuted on
his chessboard. Bhen promoting a pawn@ the player must announce which piece is
chosen. To ma5e the announcement as clear as possible@ the use of the following
names is suggested instead of the corresponding letters+
& ; &nna
' ; 'ella
C ; Cesar
; avid
$ ; $va
% ; %eli<
G ; Gustav
K ; Kector
!nless the arbiter decides otherwise@ ran5s from Bhite to 'lac5 shall be given the
German numbers
* ; eins
" ; 9wei
- ; drei
. ; vier
0 ; fuenf
4 ; sechs
/ ; sieben
1 ; acht
Castling is announced ILange RochadeJ 7German for long castling8 and IDur9e
RochadeJ 7German for short castling8.
The pieces bear the names+ Doenig@ ame@ Turm@ Laeufer@ (pringer@ 'auer.
". On the visually disabled playerEs board a piece shall be considered >touched? when
it has been ta5en out of the securing aperture.
-. & move shall be considered >made? when+
a. in the case of a capture@ the captured piece has been removed from the board
of the player whose turn it is to move
b. a piece has been placed into a different securing aperture
c. the move has been announced.
Only then shall the opponentEs cloc5 be started.
21
.. &s far as points " and - are concerned@ the normal rules are valid for the sighted
player.
0. & specially constructed chesscloc5 for the visually disabled shall be admissible. It
shall incorporate the following features+
a. a dial fitted with reinforced hands@ with every five minutes mar5ed by one
raised dot@ and every *0 minutes by two raised dots@ and
b. a flag which can be easily feltC care should be ta5en that the flag is so
arranged as to allow the player to feel the minute hand during the last 0
minutes of the full hour.
c. optionally@ a means of announcing audibly to the visually disabled player the
number of moves.
4. The visually disabled player must 5eep score of the game in 'raille or longhand@
or record the moves on a recording device.
/. & slip of the tongue in the announcement of a move must be corrected
immediately and before the cloc5 of the opponent is started.
1. If during a game different positions should arise on the two boards@ they must be
corrected with the assistance of the arbiter and by consulting both playersE game
scores. If the two game scores correspond with each other@ the player who has
written the correct move but made the wrong one must ad,ust his position to
correspond with the move on the game scores. Bhen the game scores are found to
differ@ the moves shall be retraced to the point where the two scores agree@ and the
arbiter shall read,ust the cloc5s accordingly.
3. The visually disabled player shall have the right to ma5e use of an assistant who
shall have any or all of the following duties+
a. ma5ing either playerEs move on the board of the opponent
b. announcing the moves of both players
c. 5eeping the game score of the visually disabled player and starting his
opponentEs cloc5 75eeping point -.c in mind8
d. informing the visually disabled player@ only at his reAuest@ of the number of
moves completed and the time used up by both players
e. claiming the game in cases where the time limit has been e<ceeded and
informing the arbiter when the sighted player has touched one of his pieces
f. carrying out the necessary formalities in cases where the game is ad,ourned.
*6. If the visually disabled player does not ma5e use of an assistant@ the sighted player
may ma5e use of one who shall carry out the duties mentioned in points 3.a and
3.b.
22
Aen!"< E= A!,o*&ne! /)0es
$.*. a. If a game is not finished at the end of the time prescribed for play@ the arbiter shall
reAuire the player having the move to >seal? that move. The player must write his
move in unambiguous notation on his scoresheet@ put his scoresheet and that of his
opponent in an envelope@ seal the envelope and only then stop the chesscloc5.
!ntil he has stopped the chesscloc5 the player retains the right to change his
sealed move. If@ after being told by the arbiter to seal his move@ the player ma5es a
move on the chessboard he must write that same move on his scoresheet as his
sealed move.
b. & player having the move who ad,ourns the game before the end of the playing
session shall be considered to have sealed at the nominal time for the end of the
session@ and his remaining time shall so be recorded.
$.". The following shall be indicated upon the envelope+
a. the names of the players@
b. the position immediately before the sealed move@
c. the time used by each player@
d. the name of the player who has sealed the move@
e. the number of the sealed move@
f. the offer of a draw@ if the proposal is current@
g. the date@ time and venue of resumption of play.
$.-. The arbiter shall chec5 the accuracy of the information on the envelope and is
responsible for its safe5eeping.
$... If a player proposes a draw after his opponent has sealed his move@ the offer is valid
until the opponent has accepted it or re,ected it as in &rticle 3.*.
$.0. 'efore the game is to be resumed@ the position immediately before the sealed move
shall be set up on the chessboard@ and the times used by each player when the game was
ad,ourned shall be indicated on the cloc5s.
$.4. If prior to the resumption the game is agreed drawn@ or if one of the players notifies the
arbiter that he resigns@ the game is concluded.
$./. The envelope shall be opened only when the player who must reply to the sealed move
is present.
$.1. $<cept in the cases mentioned in &rticles 0@ 4.3 and 3.4@ the game is lost by a player
whose recording of his sealed move+
a. is ambiguous@ or
b. is recorded in such a way that its true significance is impossible to establish@ or
c. is illegal.
$.3. If@ at the agreed resumption time+
a. the player having to reply to the sealed move is present@ the envelope is opened@
the sealed move is made on the chessboard and his cloc5 is started.
b. the player having to reply to the sealed move is not present@ his cloc5 shall be
startedC on his arrival@ he may stop his cloc5 and summon the arbiterC the envelope
is then opened and the sealed move is made on the chessboardC his cloc5 is then
restarted.
23
c. the player who sealed the move is not present@ his opponent has the right to record
his reply on the scoresheet@ seal his scoresheet in a fresh envelope@ stop his cloc5
and start the absent player?s cloc5 instead of ma5ing his reply in the normal
mannerC if so@ the envelope shall be handed to the arbiter for safe5eeping and
opened on the absent player?s arrival.
$.*6. &ny player who arrives at the chessboard after the default time shall lose the game
unless the arbiter decides otherwise. Kowever@ if the sealed move resulted in the
conclusion of the game@ that conclusion shall still apply.
$.**. If the rules of a competition specify that the default time is not 9ero@ the following shall
apply+ If neither player is present initially@ the player who has to reply to the sealed
move shall lose all the time that elapses until he arrives@ unless the rules of the
competition specify or the arbiter decides otherwise.
$.*". a. If the envelope containing the sealed move is missing@ the game shall continue
from the ad,ourned position@ with the cloc5 times recorded at the time of
ad,ournment. If the time used by each player cannot be re;established@ the arbiter
shall set the cloc5s. The player who sealed the move shall ma5e the move he
states he sealed on the chessboard.
b. If it is impossible to re;establish the position@ the game shall be annulled and a
new game shall be played.
$.*-. If@ upon resumption of the game@ either player points out before ma5ing his first move
that the time used has been incorrectly indicated on either cloc5@ the error must be
corrected. If the error is not then established the game shall continue without correction
unless the arbiter decides otherwise.
$.*.. The duration of each resumption session shall be controlled by the arbiter?s timepiece.
The starting time shall be announced in advance.
24
Aen!"< F= C(ess730 R*'es
%.* 'efore a Chess346 game a starting position is randomly set up@ sub,ect to certain rules.
&fter this@ the game is played in the same way as standard chess. In particular@ pieces
and pawns have their normal moves@ and each playerEs ob,ective is to chec5mate the
opponentEs 5ing.
%." St)&t"n/@os"t"on &eA*"&e0ents
The starting position for Chess346 must meet certain rules. Bhite pawns are placed on
the second ran5 as in regular chess. &ll remaining white pieces are placed randomly on
the first ran5@ but with the following restrictions+
a. the 5ing is placed somewhere between the two roo5s@ and
b. the bishops are placed on opposite;coloured sAuares@ and
c. the blac5 pieces are placed opposite the white pieces.
The starting position can be generated before the game either by a computer program or
using dice@ coin@ cards@ etc.
%.- C(ess730 #)st'"n/ &*'es
a. Chess346 allows each player to castle once per game@ a move by potentially both
the 5ing and roo5 in a single move. Kowever@ a few interpretations of standard
chess rules are needed for castling@ because the standard rules presume initial
locations of the roo5 and 5ing that are often not applicable in Chess346.
b. How to castle
In Chess346@ depending on the pre;castling position of the castling 5ing and roo5@
the castling manoeuvre is performed by one of these four methods+
*. double;move castling+ by ma5ing a move with the 5ing and a move with the roo5@
or
". transposition castling+ by transposing the position of the 5ing and the roo5@ or
-. 5ing;move;only castling+ by ma5ing only a move with the 5ing@ or
.. roo5;move;only castling+ by ma5ing only a move with the roo5.
Recommendations
*. Bhen castling on a physical board with a human player@ it is recommended that
the 5ing be moved outside the playing surface ne<t to his final position@ the roo5
then be moved from its starting position to its final position@ and then the 5ing be
placed on his final sAuare.
". &fter castling@ the roo5 and 5ingEs final positions should be e<actly the same
positions as they would be in standard chess.
Clarification
Thus@ after c;side castling 7notated as 6;6;6 and 5nown as Aueen;side castling in
orthodo< chess8@ the 5ing is on the c;sAuare 7c* for white and c1 for blac58 and the roo5
is on the d;sAuare 7d* for white and d1 for blac58. &fter g;side castling 7notated as 6;6
and 5nown as 5ing;side castling in orthodo< chess8@ the 5ing is on the g;sAuare 7g* for
white and g1 for blac58 and the roo5 is on the f;sAuare 7f* for white and f1 for blac58.
Notes
*. To avoid any misunderstanding@ it may be useful to state QI am about to castleQ
before castling.
". In some starting positions@ the 5ing or roo5 7but not both8 does not move during
castling.
25
-. In some starting positions@ castling can ta5e place as early as the first move.
.. &ll the sAuares between the 5ingEs initial and final sAuares 7including the final
sAuare8 and all the sAuares between the roo5Es initial and final sAuares 7including
the final sAuare8 must be vacant e<cept for the 5ing and castling roo5.
0. In some starting positions@ some sAuares can stay filled during castling that would
have to be vacant in standard chess. %or e<ample@ after c;side castling 6;6;6@ it is
possible to have a@ b@ andLor e still filled@ and after g;side castling 76;68@ it is
possible to have e andLor h filled.
26
Aen!"< G= B*"#4')9 F"n"s(es
G.* & >Auic5play finish? is the phase of a game when all the remaining moves must be
completed in a finite time.
G." 'efore the start of an event it shall be announced whether this &ppendi< shall apply or
not.
G.-. This &ppendi< shall only apply to standard play and rapidplay games without increment
and not to blit9 games.
G.. If the player having the move has less than two minutes left on his cloc5@ he may reAuest
that a time delay or cumulative time of an e<tra five seconds be introduced for both
players@ if possible. This constitutes the offer of a draw. If refused@ and the arbiter agrees
to the reAuest@ the cloc5s shall then be set with the e<tra timeC the opponent shall be
awarded two e<tra minutes and the game shall continue.
G.0 If &rticle G.. does not apply and the player having the move has less than two minutes
left on his cloc5@ he may claim a draw before his flag falls. Ke shall summon the arbiter
and may stop the chesscloc5 7see &rticle 4.*" b8. Ke may claim on the basis that his
opponent cannot win by normal means@ andLor that his opponent has been ma5ing no
effort to win by normal means
a. If the arbiter agrees that the opponent cannot win by normal means@ or that the
opponent has been ma5ing no effort to win the game by normal means@ he shall
declare the game drawn. Otherwise he shall postpone his decision or re,ect the
claim.
b. If the arbiter postpones his decision@ the opponent may be awarded two e<tra
minutes and the game shall continue@ if possible@ in the presence of an arbiter. The
arbiter shall declare the final result later in the game or as soon as possible after
the flag of either player has fallen. Ke shall declare the game drawn if he agrees
that the opponent of the player whose flag has fallen cannot win by normal means@
or that he was not ma5ing sufficient attempts to win by normal means.
c. If the arbiter has re,ected the claim@ the opponent shall be awarded two e<tra
minutes.
.
G.4 The following shall apply when the competition is not supervised by an arbiter+
a. & player may claim a draw when he has less than two minutes left on his cloc5 and
before his flag falls. This concludes the game.
Ke may claim on the basis+
7*8 that his opponent cannot win by normal means@ andLor
7"8 that his opponent has been ma5ing no effort to win by normal means.
In 7*8 the player must write down the final position and his opponent must
verify it.
In 7"8 the player must write down the final position and submit an up;to;
date scoresheet. The opponent shall verify both the scoresheet and the final
position.
b. The claim shall be referred to the designated arbiter.
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G'oss)&9 o. te&0s "n t(e L)8s o. C(ess
The number after the term refers to the first time it appears in the Laws.
)!,o*&n: 1.*. Instead of playing the game in one session it is temporarily halted and then
continued at a later time.
)'/e+&)"# not)t"on: 1.*. Recording the moves using a;h and *;1 on the 1<1 board.
)n)'9se: **.-. Bhere one or more players ma5e moves on a board to try to determine what is the
best continuation.
)e)': **.**. Normally a player has the right to appeal against a decision of the arbiter or
organiser.
)&+"te&: #reface. The person7s8 responsible for ensuring that the rules of a competition are
followed.
)&+"te&Cs !"s#&et"on: There are appro<imately -3 instances in the Laws where the arbiter must
use his ,udgement.
)ss"st)nt: 1.*. & person who may help the smooth running of the competition in various ways.
)tt)#4: -.*. & piece is said to attac5 an opponent?s piece if the piece could ma5e a capture on
that sAuare.
+')#4: ".". 1= There are *4 dar5;coloured pieces and -" sAuares called blac5. Or 2= Bhen
capitalised@ this also refers to the player of the blac5 pieces.
+'"t>: & game where each player?s thin5ing time is less than *6 minutes
+o)&!: "... (hort for chessboard.
%&onste"n 0o!e: 4.-b. (ee delay mode.
#)t*&e: -.*. Bhere a piece is moved from its sAuare to a sAuare occupied by an opponent?s
piece@ the latter is removed from the board. (ee also -./d. In notation <.
#)st'"n/: -.1a;b. & move of the 5ing towards a roo5. (ee the article. In notation 6;6 5ingside
castling@ 6;6;6 Aueenside castling.
#e''(one: (ee mobile phone.
#(e#4: -.3. Bhere a 5ing is attac5ed by one or more of the opponent?s pieces. In notation O.
#(e#40)te: *.". Bhere the 5ing is attac5ed and cannot parry the threat. In notation OO or P.
#(ess+o)&!: *.*. The 1<1 grid as in ".*.
#(ess#'o#4: 4.*. & cloc5 with two time displays connected to each other.
#(ess set: The -" pieces on the chessboard.
C(ess730: & variant of chess where the bac5;row pieces are set up in one of the 346
distinguishable possible positions
#')"0: 4.1. The player may ma5e a claim to the arbiter under various circumstances.
#'o#4: 4.*. One of the two time displays.
#o0'ete! 0o-e: 4./a. Bhere a player has made his move and then pressed his cloc5.
#ont"/*o*s )&e): *".1. &n area touching but not actually part of the playing area. %or e<ample@
the area set aside for spectators.
#*0*')t"-e :F"s#(e&; 0o!e: Bhere a player receives an e<tra amount of time 7often -6
seconds8 prior to each move.
!e)! os"t"on: 0."b. Bhere neither player can mate the opponent?s 5ing with any series of legal
moves.
!e.)*'t t"0e: 4.4. The specified time a player may be late without being forfeited.
!e')9 :%&onste"n; 0o!e+ 4.-b. 'oth players receive an allotted >main thin5ing time?. $ach
player also receives a >fi<ed e<tra time? with every move. The countdown of the main thin5ing
time only commences after the fi<ed e<tra time has e<pired. #rovided the player presses his
cloc5 before the e<piration of the fi<ed e<tra time@ the main thin5ing time does not change@
irrespective of the proportion of the fi<ed e<tra time used.
!e0onst&)t"on +o)&!: 4.*-. & display of the position on the board where the pieces are moved
by hand.
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!")/on)': "... & straight line of sAuares of the same colour@ running from one edge of the board
to an ad,acent edge.
!"s)+"'"t9: 4."e. & condition@ such as a physical or mental handicap@ that results in partial or
complete loss of a personEs ability to perform certain chess activities.
!&)8: 0.". Bhere the game is concluded with neither side winning.
!&)8 o..e&: 3.*.b. Bhere a player may offer a draw to the opponent. This is indicated on the
scoresheet with the symbol 7M8.
en )ss)nt: -./d. (ee that article for an e<planation. In notation e.p.
e<#()n/e: 1= -./e. Bhere a pawn is promoted. Or 2=Bhere a player captures a piece of the same
value as his own and this piece is recaptured. Or 1= Bhere one player has lost a roo5 and the
other has lost a bishop or 5night.
e<')n)t"on: **.4. & player is entitled to have a Law e<plained.
.)"& ')9: *"."a. Bhether ,ustice has been done has sometimes to be considered when an arbiter
finds that the Laws are inadeAuate.
."'e: "... & vertical column of eight sAuares on the chessboard.
F"s#(e& 0o!e: (ee cumulative mode.
.')/: 4.*. The device that displays when a time period has e<pired.
.')/@.)'': 4.*. Bhere the allotted time of a player has e<pired.
.o&.e"t+ ..1. *. To lose the right to ma5e a claim or move. Or ". To lose a game because of an
infringement of the Laws or a loss on time.
.o&e."n/e&+ (ee inde< finger.
()n!"#): (ee disability.
I )!,*st: (ee ,?adoube.
"''e/)': 1=10#. & position or move that is impossible because of the Laws of Chess.
"0)"&0ent: (ee disability.
"n#&e0ent: 4.*. &n amount of time 7from " to 46 seconds8 added from the start before each
move for the player. This can be in either delay or cumulative mode.
"n!e< ."n/e&: 3.*b 7"8. The finger nearest the thumb.
"nte&-ene: *"./. To involve oneself in something that is happening in order to affect the
outcome.
,C)!o*+e: ..". Giving notice that the player wishes to ad,ust a piece@ but does not necessarily
intend to move it.
4"n/s"!e: -.1a. The vertical half of the board on which the 5ing stands at the start of the game.
'e/)' 0o-e: (ee &rticle *6.-a.
0)!e: *.*. & move is said to have been >made? when the piece has been moved to its new
sAuare@ the hand has Auit the piece@ and the captured piece@ if any@ has been removed from the
board.
0)te: &bbreviation of chec5mate.
0"no& "e#e= 'ishop or 5night.
0o+"'e (one+ **.-b. Cellphone.
0on"to&: 4.*-. &n electronic display of the position on the board.
0o-e: *.*. 1= .6 moves in 36 minutes@ refers to .6 moves by each player. Or 2= having the move
refers to the player?s right to play ne<t. Or 1= Bhite?s best move refers to the single move by
Bhite.
0o-e@#o*nte&: 4.*6b. & device on a chesscloc5 which may be used to record the number of
times the cloc5 has been pressed by each player.
no&0)' 0e)ns+ G.0. #laying in a positive manner to try to winC or@ having a position such that
there is a realistic chance of winning the game other than ,ust flag;fall.
o&/)n"se&= 1.-. The person responsible for the venue@ dates@ pri9e money@ invitations@ format of
the competition and so on.
o-e&@t(e@+o)&!: Introduction. The Laws cover only this type of chess@ not internet@ nor
correspondence@ and so on.
29
en)'t"es: *".*6. The arbiter may apply penalties as listed in *2.3 in ascending order of severity.
"e#e: ". 1= One of the -" figurines on the board. Or 2= & Aueen@ roo5@ bishop or 5night.
')9"n/ )&e): **.". The place where the games of a competition are played.
')9"n/ -en*e: **.". The only place to which the players have access during play.
o"nts: *6.*. Normally a player scores * point for a win@ N point for a draw@ 6 for a loss. &n
alternative is - for a win@ * for a draw@ 6 for a loss.
&ess t(e #'o#4+ 4."a. The act of pushing the button or lever on a chess cloc5 which stops the
player?s cloc5 and starts that of his opponent.
&o0ot"on: -./e. Bhere a pawn reaches the eighth ran5 and is replaced by a new Aueen@ roo5@
bishop or 5night of the same colour.
A*een: &s in Aueen a pawn@ meaning to promote a pawn to a Aueen.
A*eens"!e: -.1a. The vertical half of the board on which the Aueen stands at the start of the
game.
A*"#4')9 ."n"s(: G.*. The last part of a game where a player must complete an unlimited
number of moves in a finite time.
&)n4: "... & hori9ontal row of eight sAuares on the chessboard.
&)"!')9: &. & game where each player?s thin5ing time is at least *6 minutes@ but less than 46.
&eet"t"on: 0.".d. *. & player may claim a draw if the same position occurs three times. ". &
game is drawn if the same position occurs five times.
&es"/ns: 0.*b. Bhere a player gives up@ rather than play on until mated.
&est &oo0s+ **.". Toilets@ also the room set aside in Borld Championships where the players can
rela<.
&es*'t: 1./. !sually the result is *;6@ 6;* or N;N. In e<ceptional circumstances both players may
lose 7&rticle **.*68@ or one score N and the other 6 7&rticle *".-b8. %or unplayed games the
scores are indicated by OL; 7Bhite wins by forfeit8@ ;LO 7'lac5 wins by forfeit8@ ;L; 7'oth players
lose by forfeit8.
&*'es o. t(e #o0et"t"on: 4./a. &t various points in the Laws there are options. The competition
rules must state which have been chosen.
se)'e! 0o-e: $. Bhere a game is ad,ourned the player seals his ne<t move in an envelope.
s#o&es(eet: 1.*. & paper sheet with spaces for writing the moves. This can also be electronic.
se#t)to&s: Non;players viewing the games. This includes players after their games have been
concluded.
s#&een: 4.*-. &n electronic display of the position on the board.
se#t)to&s: **... #eople other than arbiters or players viewing the games. This includes players
after their games have been concluded.
st)n!)&! ')9: G-. & game where each player?s thin5ing time is at least 46 minutes.
st)'e0)te: 0."a. Bhere the player has no legal move and his 5ing is not in chec5.
sA*)&e o. )&&"-)': -./e. The sAuare a pawn lands on when it reached the eighth ran5.
s*e&-"se: *".-= Inspect or control.
t"0e #ont&o': *. The regulation about the time the player is allotted. %or e<ample@ .6 moves in
36 minutes@ all the moves in -6 minutes@ plus -6 seconds cumulatively from move *. Or ". &
player is said >to have reached the time control?@ if@ for e<ample he has completed the .6 moves
in less than 36 minutes.
t"0e e&"o!: 1.4. & part of the game where the players must complete a number of moves or all
the moves in a certain time.
to*#( 0o-e: ..-. If a player touches a piece with the intention of moving it@ he is obliged to
move it.
-e&t"#)': "... The 1
th
ran5 is often thought as the highest area on a chessboard. Thus each file is
referred to as >vertical?.
8("te: ".". 1= There are *4 light;coloured pieces and -" sAuares called white. Or 2= Bhen
capitalised@ this also refers to the player of the white pieces.
30
>e&o to'e&)n#e+ 74./b8. Bhere a player must arrive at the chessboard before the start of the
session.
20@0o-e &*'e: 0."e. & player may claim a draw if the last 06 moves have been completed by
each player without the movement of any pawn and without any capture.
52@0o-e &*'e: 7=3+= The game is drawn if the last /0 moves have been completed by each player
without the movement of any pawn and without any capture.
.
31