Etiquette

Tournament etiquette is a lot simpler than table manners.
We expect Chess Odyssey students to always demonstrate
the following basic courtesies:

1.  Do your best to show up on time, as this is considerate, and extreme tardiness can cause a game to be forfeited. 
2.  Shake your opponent's hand as soon as you meet them at the table, tell them your name, and wish them good luck.
3.  Don't talk to your opponent during the game, or answer your opponent if they speak to you, except in three cases:  to say "I resign" if you want to (though this may also be accomplished simply by gently tipping your king over), to ask your opponent if they will agree to a draw, or to announce "j'doube" (or "I adjust," when straightening a piece).  It is not necessary to announce "check," though you may do so if you like.  If you have an important question or concern, stop both sides of the clock, raise your hand and quietly wait for a tournament official's help. 
4.  If your opponent refuses your offer of a draw, don't keep repeating the draw offer on each subsequent move--this is considered bad form.
5.  Noisy or messy eating (or gum chewing) is not allowed.
6.  Avoid making tapping noises or doing anything that may annoy or distract your opponent or the other players around you.  If you encounter someone else doing something like this, and it is making it very hard for you to concentrate on the game, raise your hand for a tournament official's assistance and politely explain the situation to them.
7.  When the game ends, usually either by checkmate, stalemate, time forfeit, resignation, or agreement of a draw, raise your hand to get a tournament official's attention to report the result, or else walk over to the reporting area with your opponent to record the result together.  Don't forget to thank your opponent for a good game! 

Always be polite, even if your opponent isn't!

Click here to read USCF's Code of Ethics.

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