--- title: "Rules of chess" url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/rules-of-chess.md" canonical_url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/rules-of-chess" last_updated: "2026-11-07" type: "reference" summary: "The rules of chess are the Laws of Chess, the document FIDE publishes that sets out how pieces move, how a game ends, how clocks and records work." related: ["https://georgelichess.com/glossary/arbiter.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/touch-move-rule.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/fide.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/illegal-move.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess960.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/rules-notation.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md"] --- # Rules of chess > **For AI agents:** the complete index of GeorgeLiChess pages is [llms.txt](https://georgelichess.com/llms.txt). Every page is also served as markdown at its URL plus .md. The rules of chess are the Laws of Chess, the document FIDE publishes that sets out how pieces move, how a game ends, how clocks and records work. The rules of chess are the Laws of Chess, the document FIDE publishes that sets out how pieces move, how a game ends, how clocks and records work, and how arbiters handle problems. There is one official set of rules for over-the-board chess, the FIDE Laws of Chess. They have two parts. The Basic Rules of Play, Articles 1 to 5, cover the aim of the game, the [starting position](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/starting-position.md), how each piece moves, the act of moving, and how a game is completed. The Competitive Rules of Play, Articles 6 to 12, cover the [chess clock](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md), irregularities, recording moves, drawn games, scoring, player conduct and the arbiter. The Laws also carry appendices for [rapid chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/rapid-chess.md), blitz, [algebraic notation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/algebraic-notation.md) and play with blind or visually disabled players. FIDE adds guidelines for adjourned games, [Chess960](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess960.md) and games without increment; the document says these are not part of the Laws but strongly recommends them where needed. A game must follow the Laws to be rated by FIDE, and non-rated competitive games are encouraged to follow them as well. Event organizers add their own regulations, for example on [default](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/forfeit.md) times or draw agreements, so always read both. The Preface adds a useful principle: where a case is not covered, look at analogous situations that are. The current edition at the time of writing took effect on 1 January 2023. Online sites follow their own versions, so touch-move and clock rules differ there. Also called: FIDE Laws of Chess, laws of chess. It sits close to [FIDE](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/fide.md). FIDE, the Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation, is the international body that publishes the Laws of Chess, keeps the rating lists and awards titles, working through its member national federations. Also worth reading is [Staunton pieces](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/staunton-pieces.md). Staunton pieces are the standard design of chess set used in tournaments, with a distinct silhouette for each piece, and the design the Laws name for the specially made boards used by visually disabled players. It sits close to [Adjusting a piece](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/adjusting-a-piece.md). Adjusting a piece means straightening one on its square; the Laws allow it only to the player on the move, who must first say "j'adoube" or "I adjust" to show they do not intend to move it. Once "Rules of chess" is familiar, the next question is what to work on at your rating, which the [improvement plans by rating band](https://georgelichess.com/improve.md) answer with game and puzzle data. ## Related terms - [Arbiter](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/arbiter.md) - [Touch-move rule](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/touch-move-rule.md) - [Chess clock](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md) - [FIDE](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/fide.md) - [Illegal move](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/illegal-move.md) - [Chess960](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess960.md) ## Guides that go further - [How to choose a chess coach](https://georgelichess.com/how-to-choose-a-chess-coach.md): What to decide first, the questions to ask, what a first lesson should show and the red flags to avoid. - [How much does chess coaching cost?](https://georgelichess.com/chess-coaching-cost.md): Published rates for private, group and subscription chess coaching, with the source and the date of each. - [The first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md): A game review, a read on your level and a written study plan from George Li. ## Sources - FIDE Laws of Chess (effective 1 January 2023) (Preface 0.1 and 0.2), read 2026-10-21: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012023 - FIDE Laws of Chess (effective 1 January 2023) (Articles 1 to 12), read 2026-10-21: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012023 - FIDE Laws of Chess (effective 1 January 2023) (Appendices A to D and Guidelines I to III), read 2026-10-21: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012023 [Book your first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book.md) and George Li reviews your games and builds a study plan around them. Questions about lessons: write to hello@georgelichess.com. ## Related - [Arbiter in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/arbiter.md) - [Touch-move rule in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/touch-move-rule.md) - [Chess clock](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md) - [FIDE in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/fide.md) - [Illegal move in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/illegal-move.md) - [Chess960](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess960.md) - [Chess terms: Rules, notation and equipment](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/rules-notation.md) - [Chess terms glossary: plain definitions](https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md)