#1: If this is a USCF rated tournament, G/30 with time delay is REQUIRED unless the tournament listing specifically indicates that there's no delay allowed (I've rarely seen this enforced). Some TDs will often ask that you subtract N (usually 5 for G/60 or G/45) minutes from each side to ensure that the rounds end within a predictable window of time.
In fact, the rule book states that if one player has a delay-capable clock and the other player has an old-timer / analog clock. they MUST use the delay clock!
#2: Recording a move should be done prior to making your next move. You have a ton of flexibility in that regard....as long as you EVENTUALLY take down moves, you're okay. Even if you forget or skip a few moves, most TDs are pretty okay with it.
Regarding the clock push, Most good coaches advise that it is better to do this on your opponent's time (after you push clock and when he's thinking) and not burn your own clock writing moves down.
It also helps to remember that if either of you have less than 5 minutes left, you can stop writing moves down ... period! This allows you to focus entirely on the rest of the game which is evidently played out within a time crisis. :)
Hi, newbie here. My son is going to enter his first chess tourney, and he wants to practice at home with a clock under the same conditions as the tourney. So, first question is whether G/30 tourney typically allows a 5 second delay on the clock after it's struck (the clock we bought lets you turn on or off a 5-sec delay, so we're confused). Second question is when he's recording moves on a scoresheet, does he have to record them before or after he hits the clock? Thanks much for help.