Article 8: The recording of the moves
8.1. a.In the course of play each player is required to record his own moves and those of his opponent in the correct manner, move after move, as clearly and legibly as possible, in the algebraic notation (Appendix C), on the ‘scoresheet’ prescribed for the competition. It is forbidden to write the moves in advance, unless the player is claiming a draw according to Article 9.2, or 9.3 or adjourning a game according to Appendix E.1 a.
b. The scoresheet shall be used only for recording the moves, the times of the clocks, offers of a draw, matters relating to a claim and other relevant data.
c. A player may reply to his opponent’s move before recording it, if he so wishes. He must record his previous move before making another.
d. Both players must record the offer of a draw on the scoresheet with a symbol (=).
e. If a player is unable to keep score, an assistant, who must be acceptable to the arbiter, may be provided by the player to write the moves. His clock shall be adjusted by the arbiter in an equitable way. This adjustment of the clock shall not apply to a player with a disability.
Article 8.1 makes the use of Descriptive Notation illegal. The nature of the event and age of the participant may determine what action, if any, is taken.
Also illegal is the habit of using algebraic in a foreign language e.g. German. This is only allowed if that is the normal language of the player (See Appendix C.3) or the language of the area where the event is held.
Many players still record the move before playing it, this is not allowed. A quiet word with the player after the game (or on a complaint by the opponent) is often enough. Should the player be constantly doing this and altering the move then this is equivalent to using written notes and should be punished more severely.
Players often complain that this rule is stupid but an advantage of it is that the Arbiter knows immediately if a player is ‘blitzing’. Before this rule the arbiter would need to wait an additional move before being certain that the player was not recording in the correct way.
If a player is failing to record, a tap on the scoresheet is often enough to jog their memory.
8.2. The scoresheet shall be visible to the arbiter throughout the game.
Article 8.2 The scoresheet must be visible to the Arbiter during the game. It does not have to be visible to the opponent. It is normally deemed acceptable to put a barrier (often the player’s hand) between the scoresheet and the opponent. This may make it more difficult for the Arbiter. Normally the Arbiter should be able to see the number of moves played if standing to the side or to the rear of the player. Putting a hand or cup over the moves would therefore not be acceptable nor would putting the scoresheet on the player’s knee under the table.
8.3. The scoresheets are the property of the organiser of the competition.
Article 8.3 Some players try to prevent their opponent using their scoresheet to complete or correct a scoresheet. Provided it is the opponent’s turn to move the Arbiter can insist on the scoresheet being made available as it does not belong to the player.
There are also copyright issues but these are beyond the scope of this document.
8.4. If a player has less than five minutes left on his clock at some stage in a period and does not have additional time of 30 seconds or more added with each move, then for the remainder of the period he is not obliged to meet the requirements of Article 8.1.
Article 8.4 This legislates for a player who, having less than 5 minutes, stopped recording and was subsequently awarded extra time, thus taking them above the 5 minute mark; this player does not have to try to fill in the missing moves before continuing.
Note that the Law says LESS than 5 minutes. Some players stop recording when a digital clocks show 5 minutes which depending on the type of clock and setting could mean 5 minutes 59 seconds remain. They should only stop recording when the clock shows 4 minutes 59 seconds. The Arbiter must ensure that a player continues to record whilst appropriate.
After a flagfall it is normal for the player to update his scoresheet on his own move.
8.5. a.If neither player keeps score under Article 8.4, the arbiter or an assistant should try to be present and keep score. In this case, immediately after a flag has fallen the arbiter shall stop the chessclock. Then both players shall update their scoresheets, using the arbiter ’s or the opponent’s scoresheet.
b. If only one player has not kept score under Article 8.4, he must, as soon as either flag has fallen, update his scoresheet completely before moving a piece on the chessboard. Provided it is that player’s move, he may use his 0pponent’s scoresheet, but must return it before making a move.
c. If no complete scoresheet is available, the players must reconstruct the game on a second chessboard under the control of the arbiter or an assistant. He shall first record the actual game position, clock times, whose clock was running and the number of moves made/completed, if this information is available, before reconstruction takes place.
8.6. If the scoresheets cannot be brought up to date showing that a player has overstepped the allotted time, the next move made shall be considered as the first of the following time period, unless there is evidence that more moves have been made or completed.
Article 8.6 Often when reconstructing there is disagreement over the number of times a position has been repeated. This can be a difficult situation for the Arbiter and emphasises the importance of being there to record time scrambles. In the absence of the arbiter it is normal to give the player the benefit of the doubt over the number of moves made.
Where both players have agreed that the time control has been reached but not on how many moves have been played the smaller number of agreed moves is to be taken.
8.7. At the conclusion of the game both players shall sign both scoresheets, indicating the result of the game. Even if incorrect, this result shall stand, unless the arbiter decides otherwise.
Article 8.7 Not all tournaments use duplicate scoresheets allowing this article to be carried out exactly. If results slips are used it is best the players sign these at the end indicating the agreed result rather than filling them in at the beginning leaving the result blank. If a wrong result is handed in that result can stand (especially if only brought to the arbiters attention several rounds later). Though it will normally be corrected.