I’ve just noticed that nowhere in the US Chess rulebook does it state explicitly that the player having the white pieces must sit on the side of the board closest to the initial position of the white pieces, nor similarly for the player having the black pieces.
Rule 2C says only:
2C. Placement. The chessboard is placed between the players in such a way that the nearer corner to the right of each player is white. …
This appears to exclude the possibility of a 90-degree rotation, with one player on the kingside, the other on the queenside, but says nothing about a 180-rotation, with each player nearest the opponent’s pieces.
This disallowance of a 90-degree rotation, along with the complete failure to disallow a 180-degree rotation, is further fortified by the next two rules:
2D. Files. The eight vertical rows of squares are called files.
2E. Ranks. The eight horizontal rows of squares are called ranks.
Rule 3C doesn’t help, either. It shows a diagram of the initial position, without specifying which side “belongs to” white or black.
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT THIS IMMEDIATELY. Kevin Bachler, your services are urgently requested. You need to enter a tournament, and when the pairings are posted, go to your table and sit on the side closest to your opponent’s pieces. When your opponent arrives, and claims you are in the wrong seat, just point out to him that there is no right or wrong seat according to the rules, and that you wish to play this game by pulling pawns instead of pushing pawns.
When your opponent complains and the TD overrules you, stand your ground. Announce that, rather than complying with the TD ruling, you will forfeit the game, and then appeal, all for the sole purpose of getting the rule rewritten. Emphasize that you are taking this action for the good of rule clarity, and that you have no animosity toward your opponent or the TD. Point out that a similar tactic has worked for you once or twice in the past.
THIS MUST BE CHANGED.
Bill Smythe