4. Players & the Arbiter
The Players
- Chess is a two-player game; each controls one colour throughout the game (Art. 1.1)
- Moves must be made with one hand only (Art. 4.1)
- Players record their moves in algebraic notation on the prescribed scoresheet, or an approved electronic equivalent (Art. 8.1.1.1)
The Arbiter
- The arbiter shall see that the Laws of Chess are observed (Art. 12.1)
- Duties include ensuring fair play (Art. 12.2.1) and supervising the progress of the competition (Art. 12.2.5)
- The arbiter determines when a flag has fallen (Art. 6.8) and rules on irregularities (Art. 7)
Arbiter's Powers (Art. 12.9)
- Warning; increasing or reducing the remaining time of a player
- Awarding or deducting points; declaring the game lost by a player
- Imposing a fine; exclusion from one or more rounds; expulsion from the competition