FIDE Rules Explained
The Laws of Chess (FIDE handbook) run to dozens of pages of formal language. This guide translates every important rule into plain English, so you know exactly what's allowed and what isn't in tournament play.
Move rules
- Touch-move: If you touch a piece, you must move it. If you touch an opponent's piece, you must capture it (if legal).
- "J'adoube": Say this BEFORE touching a piece to adjust it without being forced to move it.
- Illegal moves: If you make an illegal move, your opponent can claim a time bonus. Two illegal moves = loss of game.
Draw claims
- Threefold repetition: Same position appears 3 times with the same player to move, you can claim a draw.
- 50-move rule: 50 consecutive moves without a pawn move or capture, draw claim.
- Dead position: Neither player can checkmate = automatic draw.
- Agreement: Both players can agree to draw at any time. See our beginner rules guide.
Time and conduct
- Time forfeit: If your flag falls (time runs out), you lose, unless your opponent has insufficient material to mate.
- Phone policy: Your phone must be OFF during the game, not silent, OFF. Violation = loss.
- Notation: You must record every move in classical games.