Every chess player has their own thought process during games. They’re also focused on the board and trying not to waste even a second. So, talking is pretty much off the table.
Still, are chess players allowed to talk?
According to FIDE Laws, chess players shouldn’t speak at any point during the match unless it’s to claim a draw. Yet, a little chatter during friendly matches doesn’t hurt as long as you’re respectful to your opponent.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything regarding speaking during chess matches and the penalty for causing a disturbance. Let’s dive in.
Are Chess Players Allowed to Talk?
In an official tournament, chess players aren’t allowed to talk to each other. In fact, no one in the room should speak so as not to disturb the other players.
Typically, the only words you can speak during a chess match are:
- I offer a draw: When you see no possible outcomes to the match.
- J’adoube: When you only want to adjust a chess piece without making a move.
- Checkmate: When making a winning move, though this is no longer required nor encouraged during formal games.
Otherwise, you’re not allowed to taunt your opponent, announce your moves, or even chat, according to the FIDE Laws of Chess 11.5.
If a player doesn’t follow this rule by making unreasonable claims, appeals, or draw offers, according to the following clause, he’ll be penalized.
Depending on the seriousness of the distraction and the player’s intentions, the penalty could be any of the following:
- A warning
- Increasing the opponent’s time
- Decreasing the penalized player’s time
- Increasing the opponent’s points to the maximum available
- Decreasing the penalized player’s points
- Declaring the game as lost for the penalized player
- Announcing a fine
- Removing the penalized player from one or more rounds of the competition
- Completely removing the penalized player from the competition
Still, if you’re playing a friendly match, the choice is yours. If you’re still learning or only playing for fun, the occasional chatter makes the game even more enjoyable.
Though, you should always be respectful of your opponent and avoid distracting them. If you don’t know your opponent well, it’s best to not speak as they might consider it rude.
Why Shouldn’t Chess Players Talk During Matches?
Chess is an incredibly stressful game. It requires immense concentration and problem-solving.
Chess players also need to recount countermoves and tactics on the spot, as well as track their opponent’s patterns and predict their next moves.
Naturally, the slightest sound can make you lose your train of thought, costing you the game.
That’s not all. If chess players were allowed to talk, emotions would run wild. It’d be more like a game of poker, where you’re trying to bluff your opponent, rather than a strategic board game.
How to Raise a Claim During a Chess Match
Chess players are allowed to speak under certain circumstances. Still, it’s crucial to understand chess rules. That’s because if you talk out of turn or make an unnecessary claim, you might receive a penalty.
Moreover, chess, like all sports, has a specific etiquette. Following it creates a positive community and fosters a sense of sportsmanship between all players.
Accordingly, you should note the following rules when making a claim:
Drawn Game
To claim a draw, you should either have a threefold repetition or the 50-move rule. For this reason, all chess players must write down all their moves to avoid unreasonable claims and penalties.
First, to claim a draw, you must have the move. Then, declare your claim to the tournament official.
In the case of a threefold repetition, the same position must be repeated at least three times consecutively.
In contrast, the 50-move rule states that the game may be drawn after 50 moves without the movement of any pawns or any captures.
You don’t have to physically make the move. Simply writing it down on the scoresheet is sufficient.
Keep in mind that you can’t withdraw your claim after making it. Moreover, if the arbiter finds the claim incorrect, they’ll add two minutes to the opponent’s remaining time, and the game will continue.
Touch-Move Rule
Sometimes, adjusting a piece on the board is necessary, so you can visualize the match better. However, chess rules state that you must never touch a chess piece if it isn’t your move.
If you touch a chess piece during your move, you must either capture it or move it if legal.
Yet, if you only want to adjust the position of a piece without making a move, it must be your turn, and you must say “J’adoube” or “I adjust” and only move the piece in its square.
While this might seem excessive, if chess players frequently picked up their pieces, it’d be a form of distraction, as the opponent wouldn’t be able to keep up with which piece has been moved. That’s why touching a chess piece on the board is equivalent to making a move.
Can Spectators and Tournament Officials Talk During a Chess Match?
The “no distractions” rule doesn’t just apply to chess players. There shouldn’t be any outside disturbances or interference with the chess game, as the players must be as focused as possible.
In fact, many tournaments don’t allow spectators, including parents and coaches, in the playing area. Even if the players leave the area with the permission of the tournament official, they mustn’t speak with anyone outside.
The arbiters and tournament officials can only point out illegal moves when both players have at least 5 minutes. Otherwise, they mustn’t interfere.
Wrapping Up
Are chess players allowed to talk?
No one in the playing room of official tournaments is allowed to talk, including players and tournament officials. That’s because disturbances, interferences, and unreasonable claims can completely throw chess players off their game.
To keep disturbances to a minimum, players who speak out of turn are penalized, and there are no spectators allowed in the room.
As for friendly games, chess etiquette calls for silence as well. Though, if you’re playing with a friend, chatting can be pretty fun!
