1. TOUCH - MOVE RULE - If a Player touches a piece, they must move that piece. This rule does not apply if that piece has no legal moves or if the player touched it accidentally - for example, whilst reaching out for another piece. Part of the touch rules is that you must announce when you are adjusting your pieces without intending to move them. You can also only adjust your pieces when your clock is running.
  2. ONE HAND RULE - In tournaments, players must make their moves with only one hand. You must use the same hand to press the clock to stop your times and begin your opponent’s.This helps to avoid any confusion with castling or taking your opponent’s piece.
  3. FAIR PLAY RULES REGARDING CHEATING - All of your moves must be your own. Do not cheat in any way. Do not get any help from any other person, including parents, friends, coaches or any other player. Do not use chess engines, software of any kind, bots, plugins, browser extensions or any tools that analyse positions during play.
  4. NOTES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES - You are not allowed to have any kind of electronic device or study notes on you during a chess match. This can lead to disqualification from the tournament.
  5. MULTIPLE DRAW OFFERS - It is considered unsporting and is often outright banned to offer draws in quick succession. As you can imagine, constantly receiving a draw offer would be distracting and frustrating.
  6. COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER PLAYERS / SILENT ZONES - In the playing hall, coaches and volunteers cannot make noise or communicate with the players. Players also cannot communicate with each other during play. The consequences for these actions may vary, but will usually only merit a warning rather than a disqualification or time penalty.
  7. LEAVING THE TOURNAMENT PLAYING HALL - If a player needs to use the bathroom during a chess game, you will have to let either a coach or a volunteer know. Additionally, you can only leave while your clock is running.
  8. ANY QUESTIONS DURING PLAY - Please raise your hands and a Coach or Volunteer wearing a United Knights Staff Badge will come and assist you.
  9. FINISHED YOUR GAME - Please write your names and scores on the score sheet provided and hand it in at the top table shown. You will be escorted to the door and a volunteer will help you find your parents / guardians.
  10. ENJOY THE GAME AND HAVE FUN! - Please enjoy this tournament. Whether you win or lose, it’s a lesson to be learnt and the experience you’ll gain will build your confidence and give you encouragement to better yourself for next time; not just in chess but in any situation you find yourself in!

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