World Chess Federation FIDE Arbiters' Commission
Case F: The Conduct of the Players
This case occurred in an individual tournament during
the Chess Festival in Groningen, Netherlands.
During the game a player was playing his moves very quickly, and then he was standing and discussing with other players, who were his friends.
The opponent complained to him, but the player paid no attention.
Then the opponent complained to the Arbiter.
According to the opponent, the Arbiter first talked to the player, and then informed the opponent
that he was discussing with his friends, but not about their game, and therefore it was no problem.
This would be a big mistake by the Arbiter.
According to the Article 9.4 of the FIDE Competition Rules:
9.4. A player shall not speak about any game while it is in progress, except as allowed in the
Laws of Chess.
According to the Articles 11.5 and 11.6 of the Laws of Chess:
11.5. It is forbidden to distract or annoy the opponent in any manner whatsoever.
11.6. Infraction of any part of Articles 11.1 – 11.5 shall lead to penalties in accordance with Article
12.9.
It is clear that when the opponent sees that the player is speaking with other players/his
friends, he cannot be sure that they are not discussing about their games, and thus he is
highly distracted and annoyed.
So the Arbiter must intervene and stop the discussions between the players immediately.
If such behavior is continuing by the player, the Arbiter must penalize him according to the Article
12.9 of the Laws of Chess.
The Arbiter must always ensure that the players are not disturbed,
distracted or annoyed.
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