In this blog, I will be writing about some OTB tips and guidelines that will help in chess tournaments.
What is OTB?
OTB stands for Over the board chess. It is when you are playing in real life, with another person, instead of sitting next to a screen. If you haven't played OTB in a long time, or you're inexperienced and have a tournament coming up, feel free to read this blog. Enjoy!
Tip 1 - Phones
Make sure your phone is switched completely off, and on the table face down. This will prevent cheating in OTB tournaments. It is important that your phone is switched completely off, because if it makes a noise, you lose the game automatically.
Tip 2 - Recording Moves
If you are playing a standard game(usually the time control for standard is 90+30), you have to record all moves if your game is rated. If you have five minutes left on your clock, you don't have to record your moves.
Tip 3 - Touch move + Castling
Touch move - If you touch your own piece, you have to move it, and if you touch your opponent's piece, then you need to take it, if possible.
Castling - When castling(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castling), you need to move your King first, and then your rook. If you move your rook first, then you can't move your King.
Tip 4 - Press the clock!
In OTB chess, it is easy to forget to press your clock after you make your move if you are inexperienced. It is important to remember, because your opponent will not remind you, and your time will go down! Also, you have to tap your clock with the same hand you used to make the move.
Tip 5 - Distractions
Focus purely on your game and no one else's. This will mean you will make better moves as all of your attention is on your game. If your opponent is tapping the table or eating, ignore it(unless it is really distracting). If there is something going on in another game, just focus on yours.
Take your time!
In OTB it is very easy to rush. Make sure you take your time, and try to play slower than your opponent.
Resigning
When resigning, lightly knock your King over.
Calling an Arbiter
An arbiter is a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter. If you want to call an arbiter, because you think your opponent has done something wrong, you need to stop the clock and put your hand up.
How can you be respectful to your opponent?
Try not to eat, or do anything loud. Don't distract them, by looking them in the face or talking. Remember to also shake their hand at the start and end of the game.
Thank you for reading my blog!
I hope you enjoyed it and learned something from it.
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