Chess FIDE Tournament Lessons Learned

While playing in my first FIDE chess tournament today, I noticed some things that would be important to tournament directors:

1. There was a morning forehead temperature check as well as hand sanitizers at both doors.

2. Non woven masks were required to be worn by all participants.

3. Scoresheets had a carbon copy because they were required to be turned in to the chief Arbitrator with signatures from both players and a checking arbiter.

4. The tournament had a chief arbiter and 4 assistants. When my game went over 60 moves. I did not have to ask for an additional scoresheet, one was provided already by the assistant arbiter.

5. Phones and any phone technology had to be off your person and 10 feet away in a backpack or jacket. If your phone rings, you lose your game.

6. The chief arbiter spoke 3 different languages including English so everyone was clear on the rules.

7. Chess pieces, boards and tables were cleaned each morning.

8. 60 chess players were in the open section. I was in the reserve section with 40 players. Open players played on one floor and reserve players played on another floor. 2 rounds were played each day with 90/30 time control.

9. The location had many choices for lunch.