Chess Etiquette: What To Do and Not Do
Like any other sport, chess not only has rules and regulations but also customs, common practices, and ideas about sporting behavior. Commonly called chess etiquette, these unspoken rules allow players to show their respect for the game and their opponents.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about chess etiquette. From informal rules that have become formal rules to some little-known examples of chess etiquette — let's look at the social side of chess.
What is Chess Etiquette?
Chess Etiquette refers to the unwritten customs that govern how you play chess, behave at a tournament, and treat your opponent. In a sense, etiquette covers the areas that official rules do not. You could also think of chess etiquette as good sportsmanship.
Chess etiquette tends to be tacitly understood by players and changes over time based on customs and culture. However, it does have a close relationship to the written rules of chess.
When Unwritten Rules Become Official
Sometimes, chess etiquette becomes part of the official rules of chess tournaments.
Perhaps the most common example of chess etiquette is shaking hands before a game. It shows respect to your opponent and begins the game on polite terms. This is so expected among players that many tournaments have included it in the official rules. In some instances, this has led to controversy, as in some cultures handshaking is not traditional or even acceptable.
Aside from refusing the handshake for cultural reasons, there have been instances of refusing to shake hands as a political or personal statement. In the culturally diverse, international world of chess, the issue of etiquette can quickly become complex.
Let’s look at some more examples of chess etiquette and their complexities.
Chess Etiquette and Rule Awareness
One of the first things you can do to show respect to your opponent and the game is to be aware of the official rules of chess.
Casual Games and Tournaments
In casual games, not being up to date on the rules can lead to awkward misunderstandings or disputes. Of course, most people go into casual games in good faith and the stakes are fairly low. Usually, a simple discussion can sort out any disagreements or different standards.
That said, it is usually worth briefly discussing which rules of chess you will be following. Of course, most are commonly agreed, but others, like the touch rule, may not be followed by everyone. Making sure you’re both on the same page makes the game fairer and easier.
In tournaments, knowing the rules is important for your performance and is part of chess etiquette. By understanding the specific rules of a tournament, you show that you are prepared and ready to focus on chess.
Related: What is the 50 Move Rule in Chess?
Chess Etiquette: Common Practices and Tricky Cases
Naturally, there is some variation in chess etiquette. Attempting to be sporting and playing with good faith will cover much of what you need to know about chess etiquette. That said, here are some common ways chess players practice etiquette and a few behaviors that are still up for debate.
Limiting Distractions
Purposefully distracting your opponents is officially prohibited in most tournament rules. Some rulebooks are strict about this and have even introduced controversial rules about dress.
Some distractions are subtle and may be technically within the rules. However, to purposefully attempt to distract your opponent would be contrary to chess etiquette. While chess is a psychological game and you can exert pressure on your opponent, the best way to do this is through your play.
Touch Rule
The touch rule has some nuances that are a part of chess etiquette rather than the rulebook. The basic rule, enforced in most tournaments, is that once you have touched a piece, you must move it.
If you wish to adjust your pieces, you must do it during your turn and announce it, usually by saying ‘I adjust' or 'J'adoube'. It is also acceptable to adjust your opponent’s pieces during your turn. This is generally not considered rude when the pieces are in a central position and misaligned on their squares. If your opponent objects, you can refer to the rules or comply with their wishes.
Naturally, it would be unsporting to over-adjust pieces or to move your opponent’s pieces in distracting ways.
Resetting the Pieces After A Game
One bit of chess etiquette that is not always followed is resetting the pieces after a game. Usually, this is done by both players in casual and tournament games alike. However, this is usually not included in the official rules. After a difficult loss or if a player is angry with their opponent, they may consciously or unconsciously neglect this practice, which is viewed as impolite by some.
Excessive or Inopportune Draws
Offering excessive draws is prohibited in some tournaments and would always be considered outside of common practice and etiquette. Excessive may have many definitions, but regularly offering a draw, especially in a lost position, would certainly come across as rude and unsporting.
Punctuality
A key feature of tournament etiquette is simply arriving on time. There are a few things you will have to do before starting your chess matches, so ensuring you are punctual makes everything easy for the organizers.
Beyond etiquette, making sure you are on time will help you avoid missing the first few minutes of your game.
Presentability
Tournaments sometimes have dress codes, and in general, it is polite to dress presentably. The Magnus Carlsen “jeans” scandal will be familiar to some of you. In early tournaments, suits were the norm and etiquette has changed alongside culture and fashion.
Overall, it is advisable to check the dress code of a given tournament and in general to dress in a presentable way.
When and How to Resign
Some of the debate about etiquette covers things like when to resign.
There is no position in which you must resign in chess. You are entitled to make your opponent checkmate you. However, at the highest level players will usually resign when the position is badly lost and the opponent has plenty of time. In effect, they are saying I know you can win this position – why play it out?
As such, in high-level matches, it might be seen as disrespectful not to resign. However, for most players, it is acceptable and even advisable to play to the last move. At a lower level of play, there are often opportunities to turn a game around, find a stalemate trap, or “flag” your opponent.
When you do resign, there are several ways you can politely signal this to your opponent. This includes:
- Announcing it verbally
- Offering your hand
- Laying down your king
- Any combination of the above
Impolite Openings and Rude Moves?
Typically, chess etiquette has little to do with the position on the board, but is it possible to make a disrespectful move in chess?
While it is certainly not a clear issue in chess etiquette, there are instances in which certain moves or openings are played to either disrespect the opponent or make light of the game.
Sometimes, this might involve an advanced player opening with moves often played by beginners. For example, some players consider trying to Scholar's Mate an advanced player to be rude because low-ranked players often try this trap. However, the setup for a Scholar's Mate is actually a legitimate opening for white, even if it doesn't provide checkmate in 4 moves
Other examples include when a player makes obviously counter-intuitive moves in an attempt to taunt their opponent. For example, moving the king across the board without developing any pieces or moving a single piece back and forth.
Related: Avoid These Mistakes Beginner Chess Players Make
Online Chess Etiquette
The world of online chess has its own rules and regulations and even its own etiquette. Have you ever had a player run out their clock or spam the chat function with random messages? Unfortunately, it happens a lot. The relative anonymity of online chess is only partially mediated by the ability to report unsportsmanlike conduct.
If you’re looking for ways to be a good online chess player, the answer is again to approach the game in a sporting way. If you believe your position is completely lost either play it out as best you can or resign. Running out the clock to annoy your opponent is really only a waste of your own time.
Related: Are You Playing a Chess Cheat
Conclusion: How to Approach Chess Etiquette
Every chess player may approach the game with their own unique style and conduct. Much of the drama and intrigue of professional chess comes from the personalities behind the board. As in any sport, while a player's ability in the game is the main focus, their character forms an interesting part of their career.
It is up to you to decide how you approach the unwritten rules of chess, but knowing them is a good place to start. Perhaps the only fundamental principle of chess etiquette is to treat your opponent with a reasonable level of respect and consideration.