I understand nutrition (I’ve missed more than my share of meals during tournaments, especially back in the days of 3 rounds/day). But unless you’ve just played a 6 hour round, there’s no need to have to eat a full meal at the board, or rustle through a bag of potato chips. It’s poor etiquette and distracting to everyone around.
I had a long game once where it was pretty clearly drawn, but my opponent wanted to play it out. I seriously considered ordering a pizza for delivery to my board, with the plan being to expose my opponent to the enticing smell, and then say “Want to call this a draw and go split this pizza with me in the analysis room?”.
This seems like a bribe to me! There are rules against that.
On the day of major events, I rarely eat. Usually I will go from 8-4 at least, non-stop. Too much to do to bother with such
luxuries.
Rob
On the days of major events I do make sure I eat something, as going 16 hours without food is a bit much. It is the smaller events (80-200 players going 6-10 hours) where I may not have time to eat.
People should never eat at the chess board during a tournament game. Ever. If you need to eat, do it in the hallway. OK to have coffee, bottled water, bottled soft drink (or heck a bottle of beer if you want). This is of course Gary’s rules and I don’t write the official rulebook, but seriously I consider it to be extremely rude to bring food to the chessboard.
In the events of a national scope, there are usually others to “spell you”. Local events, not so much the case.
And an event of 80-200 can keep a small crew hopping. Note, I am not all complaining, it is just part of the job.
Rob Jones
I have noticed some players will extend their legs under the table when you get up. I find it a bit annoying as I have to wait for them to retract their legs when I return to be able to sit again. I try not to intentionally break their concentration in that instance, but given the circumstances, they are setting themselves up for it.
I have seen a player offer a draw with their opponent’s clock ticking down just before time control to break their concentration. I believe you are supposed to offer as you make your move, so I’m curious if a penalty could’ve been assessed. For the record, he took the draw, since he lost his place in his analysis.
I would certainly hope so. But you have to ask for it. You could neutralize the clock and call out for the TD. If I were the TD, in this situation I wouldn’t penalize you for stopping the clock. I would also add a minute (maybe two minutes) to your time, to compensate for the unwarranted interruption in your train of thought. While I’m at it I’d also remind your opponent of the proper way to offer a draw.
Bill Smythe
If I were in your place I would havw complaimed thit my opponent was trying to trip me.
Right. Don’t eat anything. It might be good for you. And that would be cheating. I guess. At the U.S. Open in 1964 I brought two slices of bread and butter to be eaten at 10 p.m. I suppose I was supposed to play on an unsettled stomach. or else to divert my attention from the game.
Don’t we all love these people who are empowered to decide what other people may, or may not, do
David, I have seen players bring full course meals to their games. Containers with and entrée; soup; salad; and dessert. Others bring a 12 inch sub with bags of chips and cookies; as they are eating, lettuce falls on the board. My favorite is the guy who had a large pizza delivered to his board along with breadsticks and a two liter bottle of soda. Inevitably, pizza sauce or some other sticky thing gets on the chess pieces. Then there are the players who add flavoring and sugar to their water at the board; they have to stir and shake the bottle.
You brought only bread to your game?! Ah, but that was in a time without power bars and Gatorade. At the very least you should have had squares of dark chocolate and a bag of almonds that you could munch on when you walk away from the board for a short rest.
I don’t know how reliable this is, but I was amused by the notion that the oft-sainted Sammy Reshevsky was not above bending the rules a bit. Lots of food fouls as well.
DonM435, thanks for posting that link! 