Etiquette is an Important Part of the Game of Chess

Understanding chess and playing it well can benefit you in everyday life, because it teaches you how to concentrate, plan, focus and think ahead. And the fact that it gives you the opportunity for some friendly competition in a way that doesn't require any more than a board, pieces and your brain is wonderful too. That's probably why you see so many chess tips in stores and online. It's been a popular game for people who think for centuries.

Many people don't realize, though, that it takes more than just learning chess strategies to play chess well. Many new chess players are surprised to discover that when they go to a chess club or tournament. One of the more important of these aspects is specific etiquette that should be followed so your opponents will respect you. It's amazing how many chess players who should know better don't know these basic etiquette rules. They should have gotten this information from whoever helped them learn to play chess, but that doesn't happen for many who play the game.

Here are some of the more essential chess etiquette rules:

* Mobile phones and beepers
Cell phones and beepers aren't allowed during tournament play, even if set to vibrate. It's also considered good manners to keep them turned off when at a chess club, whether or not you're playing in a tournament.

* Talking while playing chess
The Golden Rule applies here: Do onto others as you would have them do onto you. If you don't want someone talking during your chess game, then don't talk while they play.

* Moving pieces
If you touch a chess piece, you're obligated to move it. If you pick up a piece, place it on a square and keep your fingers on it, though, you can return it to its original square. You still have to move it, but you