Do I have to record moves in blitz or rapid?

Usually not. FIDE rapid and blitz rules do not require players to keep score, though some events ask for it. Standard (classical) games require both players to record every move.

What if I fall behind and stop writing?

With less than five minutes left and no increment of 30 seconds or more, FIDE rules let you stop recording for the rest of that period. Once a flag falls, complete your scoresheet before making another move.

Can I write my move before playing it?

No. Under FIDE rules the move is played on the board first, then written. The only exceptions are claiming a draw by repetition or the 50-move rule, and sealing a move at an adjournment.

← Chess blog

Notation · 2 min read

Why recording your moves matters

A scoresheet is the only record of what happened at your board. It turns a game you half remember into one you can study.

In standard FIDE games both players must record every move, except in time trouble: under five minutes, with less than a 30-second increment, recording can stop. Rapid and blitz usually do not, which is how many club players lose the habit.

What the scoresheet protects

Draw claims: repetition and the 50-move rule are proved from the sheet.
Disputes: the arbiter rebuilds the game from the scoresheets.
Time trouble: a complete sheet shows how many moves have been played.
Study: a game you did not record is a lesson you cannot reopen.

Play the move, then write it

The FIDE Laws require the move to be played before it is written. Writing it in advance is forbidden, except to claim a draw by repetition or the 50-move rule, or to seal a move at an adjournment.

You may reply before writing your opponent's move, but you must record it before your next one.

Habits that keep a sheet readable

One move per box, White and Black in their own columns.
Number every move. One slip makes the whole sheet ambiguous.
Mark captures, checks and promotions.
Write the result and sign both sheets.

From paper to study material

Scan the sheet while the game is fresh, convert it to PGN and replay it with the move insights open. Play, record, convert, review: it is the cheapest way a club player can improve.

Key takeaways

Standard FIDE games require notation.
Play the move first, then write it.
Clear numbering makes claims and reviews possible.
Convert your sheet to PGN the same week and review it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to record moves in blitz or rapid?: Usually not. FIDE rapid and blitz rules do not require players to keep score, though some events ask for it. Standard (classical) games require both players to record every move.
What if I fall behind and stop writing?: With less than five minutes left and no increment of 30 seconds or more, FIDE rules let you stop recording for the rest of that period. Once a flag falls, complete your scoresheet before making another move.
Can I write my move before playing it?: No. Under FIDE rules the move is played on the board first, then written. The only exceptions are claiming a draw by repetition or the 50-move rule, and sealing a move at an adjournment.

The ideas behind this

Evaluating PositionsMaterial, kings, pawns, piece activity: the checklist that gives a plan.