blitz rules question

[Micah_Smith]

@wintdoan

@Micah Smith

Perhaps the TD Tip should add in the “provided the player has sufficient mating material” clause.

TD TIP: A completed illegal move for any reason loses instantly if claimed correctly (and provided the player has
sufficient mating material). The one-minute penalty does not apply to illegal moves. The standard penalty of one minute applies to other Blitz rules infractions.

Who is “the player”?

Good point. How about this for the TD Tip (which also improves the language):

TD TIP: A completed illegal move loses the game, provided the opponent of the player who completed the illegal move has mating material and claims correctly. The one-minute penalty does not apply to illegal moves but applies to other Blitz rules infractions.

[Micah_Smith]

@Smythe Dakota

Actually, U.S. Chess should update its blitz rules. FIDE has already done so. The first completed illegal move results in 1 minute being added to the opponent’s clock. The second completed illegal move (by the same player in the same blitz game) results in a loss.

I agree. The US Chess blitz rules chapter is a mess. Just several examples:

1. The definition of “mating material” makes it different from regular chess. I see no reason why it should be different for blitz.

2. The wording in blitz rule 8 and 8a-8d make it unclear as to what draws are allowed in blitz and I know people who have been confused by the wording.

3. Blitz rule 18 and the TD Tip after it contradict each other.