I've been competing online for two years and plan to compete in OTB tournaments soon. May I have advice for a good start? I'm concerned about learning the tournament rules, writing down moves correctly and any other suggestions you have.
@morphyms1817 Hi, I recently started playing OTB as well.
General rules and etiquette:
Shake hands before and after the game.
If you are adjusting a piece on its square, say 'I adjust' or just 'adjust' (say it quietly though. :))
If you touch a piece without saying 'adjust' you have to move it.
Press the clock with the same hand you moved the piece with.
If your phone goes off during the game, you will be disqualified.
Write down the moves as you go. If you miss a few, don't be afraid to ask to look at your opponent's sheet.
If you are under time pressure, you do not have to write down the moves.
If you move a piece to a square, then change your mind(e.g you play Bf3, then decide you want it on e2), if you STILL HAVE YOUR HAND ON THE PIECE and have NOT pressed the clock, you can move it to your new chosen square.
Tips:
For your first tournament, play in a standard chess time control, not rapid.
To resign, knock your king over(carefully! :)) and hold out your hand.
To offer a draw, say 'I offer a draw' or 'draw?' and hold out your hand.
Brush up on square coordinates.
Don't play too fast. It's harder calculating OTB than online, so take your time.
Stay hydrated. Really. This is important.
Don't be afraid to ask the arbiters questions.
Most importantly, have fun! :)
General rules and etiquette:
Shake hands before and after the game.
If you are adjusting a piece on its square, say 'I adjust' or just 'adjust' (say it quietly though. :))
If you touch a piece without saying 'adjust' you have to move it.
Press the clock with the same hand you moved the piece with.
If your phone goes off during the game, you will be disqualified.
Write down the moves as you go. If you miss a few, don't be afraid to ask to look at your opponent's sheet.
If you are under time pressure, you do not have to write down the moves.
If you move a piece to a square, then change your mind(e.g you play Bf3, then decide you want it on e2), if you STILL HAVE YOUR HAND ON THE PIECE and have NOT pressed the clock, you can move it to your new chosen square.
Tips:
For your first tournament, play in a standard chess time control, not rapid.
To resign, knock your king over(carefully! :)) and hold out your hand.
To offer a draw, say 'I offer a draw' or 'draw?' and hold out your hand.
Brush up on square coordinates.
Don't play too fast. It's harder calculating OTB than online, so take your time.
Stay hydrated. Really. This is important.
Don't be afraid to ask the arbiters questions.
Most importantly, have fun! :)
@Eligora most helpful and appreciated, thank you.
@morphyms1817 Happy to help! :)
Most importantly, have fun! :) +1
Play some random offline games in a club before because everything is different. Sounds strange but you should get used to writing down the moves, handling the clock, 3D vision, a visible opponent and spectators...
Have fun!
Have fun!
thank you for the advice
Most of this is excellent advice but holding out your hand when offering a draw isn't something you should do. If your opponent doesn't immediately shake your hand it's going to hang there for a while... Just say 'I offer a draw.“ and make a note on the scoresheet that you offered a draw on that move.
One simple advice for you, which is a simple question: What expectations duo you have about this tournament? If you precisely know your goal, then writing down moves shouldn't be such a big issue.
@AndWeShallHavePeace I have reasonable opening and middlegame knowledge and seek to minimize non-analysis/calculation errors that a new OTB player is prone to. Thanks for your question.
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