From the 1st. July 2017 new Laws of Chess come into force. There are quite a few changes therefore I would recommend all players and especially Arbiters/Organizers to familiarize themselves with them.

I have attached the new laws, changes from previous version and a letter from the Arbiters’ Commission.

There is a new 10 move rule which effectively means that if there is an issue with setting up the board, a displaced piece or an illegal move that is not spotted for 10 move then the position stands.

Default times must be published; if not then it is zero.

The 5 move rule (repeated position) does not have to be sequential.

Both players must make at least one move before offering a draw.

Two handed promotion or castling may be penalized by 2 minutes.

There are slight changes as to putting you phone in a bag or similar during a game.

These are the main points but it is the responsibility of each player to know the rules and the Arbiters have no discretion in implementing them.

Ted Jennings IA