Chess Clock

Will be playing in my first OTB tourney in a couple of weeks.  What if your opponent is not on time, can you make your move if you are white and hit the clock? 

yes, start your own side of the clock, play your 1st move, press the clock if you are white.

If you are black then just start your opponents clock.

I think you get the win if your opponent doesn't show up for 60 mins or something. But the win isn't rated, its basically like a full point bye. You might also get someone else to play in that round from a different section.

You would probably still get the bye in your section and this game would probably be seperate to just get you a game to play if you want it. Just ask the TD if theres some confusion

Really!?  You can start your opponents clock if I am black.

Another thing, do I have to say 'check' ?  Someone said, I don't have to, and then if he makes a move, not getting himself out of check, I can pick up his king and and the game is over - I win. 

Yes, you may start the clock. I got a 25 minute advantage at a tournament this way once. :)

No, you may not end the game if your opponent makes an illegal move. Check with the tournament director for how they handle this. A typical response is that you get 2 minutes added to your clock, but the move is always taken back.

You dont have to say check, and if they make an illegal move the Tournament Director will decide on their punishment.. sometimes 5 minutes taken away etc, depends on the time control.

Edit: Its better not to say check, if they move a queen for example, and then they realise they are in check, and can only block the check with the queen they touched, they are forced to use the queen to block a check, so sometimes it works in ur favour.

Thx, so I don't HAVE to say check.  DO most people say check?

In a tournament setting, most people do not. Some might regard it as annoyance if you do say check, though technically there is nothing wrong with doing so.

It's a distraction, not only for the opponent but for any players within earshot. It would certainly be rude to disturb them.

If you insist on informing your opponent of check, make your move and touch the top of the king.

I've never had an opponent miss check though, and neither have I.

I really want a clock for my house. Does anybody know where I can get one?

chess.com sells them. Goto the "More" tab and choose "Shop Online."