Question for tournament players

My experience is USCF says to turn phones off. FIDE doesn't allow them in the playing hall at all.

I've never suspected an opponent of cheating, but sometimes I think about my own bathroom timing. For example I'd rather not use the bathroom in the middle of unclear tactics just so I don't make my opponent suspicious. Maybe I worry about the appearance too much, but anyway, thats the extent of it for me.

It's a local club with small prizes though, so I'm not worried about it. Maybe if I were playing in one of the huge tournaments where even low rated player might win thousands of dollars I'd start to worry.

This may be my imagination, but I think it's also courtesy to not leave the board when it's your move. I can't remember the last time an opponent of mine left the board during their move. Obviously this doesn't make cheating impossible, but typical is your opponent leaving the playing hall only once during the game, and not even on their move, so that helps me be confident nothing is going on (plus as I said before, the tournament winner basically wins nothing except reimburse for fees of travel, entry fee, food, etc).

I never ran across cheating, but like chin my tournaments were small and local where almost everybody knew each other and the cash prizes were trivial...I always timed my bathroom breaks between games or before/after the tournament because I need lots of time to think to play well.

First, circumstances happen. There is a reason they have restrooms in the movie theaters. If you leave your phone in a secure area (think car or locker) then there is nothing to be concerned with as far as being "caught" do something you shouldn't.

Second, follow someone to the restroom? Sure way to get accused of stalking or worse. Might want to re-think that.

It might not be a good idea to stand next to them at the urinal....also, what if your opponent is female?

#1. To wander off to the toilet and fire up the engine implies you either recall all the moves or the position. Surely if your visualisation is that good you do not need your program "friend" ?

That is the thought process of someone who has either has little experience or trouble interacting socially with others. You obviously do not understand what you are talking about.

Second, what will you do if they get up as soon as they make their move? Go to the restroom  with them on your time? I would just stay in there while you flagged. THAT would be funny. 

Just to throw out a number, lets say phone engines are 2500.

I'd expect many playes rated 1000 points less than that could remember the position if they tried.

Many payers rated around 2000 would remember both the position and the game without trying.

Both are far away from 2500

That is why the FIDE rule should be adopted by USCF. No phones in the laying hall - period.

Especially positions you spend a long time calculating are burned in your memory. After the game I've done blindfold analysis with my opponent on positions we both spent a long time on.

@2Q1C,

Leaving the board when it is your move is considered bad form unless of an emergency.  You do realize you don't get to stop your clock when following me around.

Yeah. Black to move 11. Three weeks ago. I can still set that position up today. I played a bad move when there was a good move. When I lose it hurts.

I just played in a high-school tournament and picked up a phone call mid-late and that wasn't a big deal. Also I haven't seen someone take a bathroom break since my longest game has been only 2 hours

my last tournament I played at didn't allow phones At ALL.

I get up and walk around all the time. I often get water, walk around (since it's good to have some circulation etc) and stand behind my opponent (so I can see the board from his/her perspective). There's never been a problem. I never have a phone with me or electronics in the playing hall though. 

@Cherub_Enjel - Do you walk away from the game on your time or your opponents time?

Usually opponent's time. I mean, if it's my turn, I should move first before walking around.