Laws of Chess

Most children learn how to play chess from friends and family, and that is fine.  However, sometimes they pick up false rules.  I once had a tricky time in a school club when a boy loudly announced "My dad says . . . " followed by a completely false rule!  Some chess sets and many chess books for beginners give rules of how to play, and these should help dad.  When joining a club, many young players are still unsure of some rules.  These often include the following . . .

• When you are not allowed to castle.
• The "touch piece" rules.
• The en passant pawn move.
• The rules for a draw.

Dr.Dave's section on the adult Exeter site How to Play Chess covers most things that a new player needs to know.  If in doubt about any rule, then ask us at the club.

Unlike other games, the rules in chess are called laws.  There are many serious chess tournaments, often with cash prizes, and the laws have to try to cover all possibilities.  The International Chess Federation, FIDE, oversees these tournaments.  Even strong adult chess players are uncertain of some laws, as they are not often needed.  In cases of dispute, they need to look at FIDE Laws of Chess 2018, but they are not an easy read!