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Chess Scotland Rule Book - Advice on Quickplay Finishes

The rules for Quickplay finishes are included in Article 10 and Appendix D of the Laws of Chess. Players are advised to make themselves aware of these Laws. In summary, a claim of a draw MUST be made by the player whose move it is and before a flag falls. Following the claim of the draw the opponent may be awarded an additional two minutes by the Arbiter.


1

The recommended time-controls for games completed under quickplay finish rules, and which are to be sent for grading are: An initial period of at least 1 hour per player, with a clock rate not faster than 2 minutes per move (eg 40 moves in at least 80 minutes or 30 moves in 1 hour), followed by at least an extra 15 minutes per player
These requirements must have been clearly stated before the tournament starts. Organisers planning a faster time-control should consult the grader.

2

The guidance given here is an attempt to ensure that the player does not lose who, from the position on the board and his demonstrated standard of play, would be able to gain at least a draw had time considerations not played a critical role.
Before claiming a draw from the Arbiter the player is recommended to first offer his opponent a draw. The draw should be offered when less than two minutes remain on the player's clock.
If this is declined the player should stop the clocks when next on move and summon the Arbiter.

3

The Arbiter will consider the player's claim. In these circumstances the Arbiter may

a.

Reject the draw claim and if appropriate award the opponent an additional two minutes;

b.

Award the draw immediately;

c.

Order play to continue and if appropriate award the opponent additional time of two minutes
4 If the Arbiter has postponed hisdecision (3(c)), the player should attempt to demonstrate the draw in the time remaining. It is advisable that the player allows himself as much time as possible to demonstrate the draw by his play to the Arbiter. If a playercontinues to play for a win then he risks losing
5 If 3(c) applies the Arbiter should try to watch the remainder of the game, though there may be other similar situations occurring. In that case the Arbiter should use discretion as to his most appropriate positioning. It may be appropriate to note the position and number of moves played.

6

If 3(c) applies the Arbiter may award the draw during further play or after a flag fall. The reasons for awarding the draw include:

a.

the player's material and/or positional advantage is clear, and that the opponent has no reasonable way to create counterplay that would give him winning chances. The more material on the board, the greater the advantage must be;

b.

that the position is clearly drawn, eg the player is controlling the queening square with his king against a or h pawn and wrong coloured bishop;

c.

the opponent has not been trying to win on the board, but has been trying to win on time by making passive moves.
  d that the player's offer of a draw was declined when the opponent had an inferior position and the opponent has not since then created any counterplay.

e.

that the play of the player has fully demonstrated that he knows how to draw the position which is materially even or disadvantageous to him, eg K+N vs K+R with no pawns.

7

In exceptional circumstances the Arbiter, before making a decision, may allow each player to make a brief statement of his view on the position.

8 The Arbiter's decision is not an adjudication, but an ad hoc decision based on the position on the board, the play after he has been summoned and the claims of the players. The game is still in progress until the decision has been reached. Pieces must not be moved on the board, and only the players concerned and the Arbiter must be involved in the decision. It is acceptable for the Arbiter to consult another Arbiter.
9 The onus of proof is on the player who has made the claim. If there is reasonable doubt, the claim must fail.

10

In matches where no official Arbiter is present and if item 2 has been satisfied then:

a.

If a draw claim is being made because the opponent cannot win by normal means a copy of the final position should be noted and verified by the opponent.

b.

If a draw claim is being made because the opponent is making no effort to win then a copy of the final position and a copy of both players' scoresheets should be submitted.

These actions permanently halt the game with immediate effect.

 


In a match between two teams the respective captains should attempt to reach a decision; otherwise the evidence should be submitted to the person designated in the tournament rules.