Can I keep my phone in my pocket at a chess tournament if it is off?

It depends on the event. FIDE rules forbid unapproved electronic devices in the playing venue, and many events allow a phone only if it is switched off and stored as the regulations say. Check the event's rules before round one.

Can I look at opening notes between rounds?

Yes. Between rounds you may study freely. During your own game you may not use notes, books or any device.

What should I do if my opponent's phone rings during a game?

Do not react at the board. Stop the clock and call the arbiter. The penalty is set by the rules and the event regulations, and it is often loss of the game.

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Tournament play · 2 min read

Fair play in chess: devices, advice and the rules

Fair play is what makes a rating mean something. At club level, most problems are carelessness rather than cheating: a phone that rings in a bag, or a friend offering advice.

The FIDE Laws of Chess and each event's regulations set the rules. Read your event's rules before round one.

Phones and other devices

FIDE rules forbid having an unapproved electronic device in the playing venue during a game. Some events allow a phone if it is switched off and stored as the regulations say.
A phone that rings during play can lose you the game. Silent mode may not be enough. Switch it off.
Looking at chess content on a device during your game is cheating, even between moves.
Smartwatches and earbuds count as devices.

Advice and outside help

No notes, analysis, advice or other outside help during play.
Do not discuss your game with anyone while it is in progress, including outside the hall.
If a spectator or parent comments on your position, tell the arbiter.

Touch-move and adjusting pieces

If you deliberately touch one of your pieces, you must move it if it has a legal move. If you touch an opponent's piece, you must capture it if you legally can.
Once you let go of a piece on a legal square, the move stands.
To straighten a piece, say "I adjust" or "j'adoube" first, and only on your own turn.

Honest results

Agreeing a result without playing, or throwing a game, breaks the rules.
Sign the correct result on both scoresheets and report it as the event requires.

Protecting yourself

Keep a complete scoresheet. It is your record of what happened.
If you are accused, do not argue with your opponent. Ask for the arbiter.
If you suspect an opponent, tell the arbiter quietly rather than confronting them.

Key takeaways

Devices off and stored as the regulations require.
No notes, no advice, no discussion of a game in progress.
Touch-move is strict. Keep your hands still while you think.
A complete, correctly signed scoresheet protects you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my phone in my pocket at a chess tournament if it is off?: It depends on the event. FIDE rules forbid unapproved electronic devices in the playing venue, and many events allow a phone only if it is switched off and stored as the regulations say. Check the event's rules before round one.
Can I look at opening notes between rounds?: Yes. Between rounds you may study freely. During your own game you may not use notes, books or any device.
What should I do if my opponent's phone rings during a game?: Do not react at the board. Stop the clock and call the arbiter. The penalty is set by the rules and the event regulations, and it is often loss of the game.