I’m going to be in France for several weeks this summer and will play in at least one tournament.
Just wondering whether anyone has any suggestions or advice, ideas about how things will differ from US tournaments, etc.
Thanks,
Clay
I have a friend who lived, worked and played chess in France for several years. I’ll get in touch with him and see what he says.
Appreciate it. Thanks.
I have played in Switzerland twice.
First, the European standard is that sets, boards, clocks, and score sheets are provided, and that their use is required.
Second, the FIDE Laws of Chess apply without exception. It behooves a player to know how to do things like make a draw claim (write the 50th or position-repeating move on the score sheet, don’t make said move on the board, stop the clock, and state the claim). Move the king first when castling. Do not ever write a move before playing it. Leave your score sheet in plain view at all times. When you promote to a queen, stop the clock and secure an actual queen (because an upside down rook is a rook is a rook is invariably a rook). Basically, do all of the stuff you’re supposed to do anyway and none of the stuff we have decided to tolerate here in the States.
Third, the universal method of reporting scores is cross-signing the provided standard scoresheets with the results marked. An arbiter will collect them and record the result.
Finally, have fun. Chess overseas is a blast.
Hope this helps you to prepare for France because as Spinks would say at the House of Pain, “You gotta eat.”
Very helpful. Thanks!