We hope you find this short guide useful.
It important to understand and abide by the rules, since not doing so could result in a lost game. For example, making two illegal moves during a competition game will mean forfeiting that game. Also, you must press the clock with the same hand that moved the piece. See below for more.
The Basics
We recommend using Chess.com to learn the basics of chess, including simple strategies. See this guide from chess.com.
Also see:
- Beginner’s guide: https://www.chess.com/articles/beginners
- 10 common mistakes: https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-10-most-common-mistakes-among-chess-beginners
Competition Play
To play competition chess you will need to know chess notation (because it is required to keep score during the game), how to use the chess clock, and the rules of the competition (see Competition Rules below). Games in the NGCL are normally played with a time control 75 minutes + 10 seconds per move.
- Chess notation: from chess.com
- Clocks and time controls: from chess.com
Competition Rules
You must abide by the official rules of Chess. See official rules applying to the North Gloucestershire Chess League (and Association):
- FIDE Laws of Chess: see Section E.01
- Fide Laws of Chess: pdf
- ECF Rules: https://www.englishchess.org.uk/grading/ecf-tournament-rules/
- North Gloucester League Rules: http://www.gloucesterchess.co.uk/rules.php
Coaching
We run occasional coaching sessions at the club. And Members are always willing to help. See our coaching articles.
