Do I have to say 'check'?

No. In tournament chess announcing check is unnecessary and generally discouraged.

Is it rude to play on in a hopeless position?

No, it is your right. It only becomes a problem if you are clearly playing on to irritate your opponent rather than to play chess.

Can I refuse to shake hands?

Handshakes are customary rather than universally compulsory, and some events have their own etiquette. Refusing pointedly to be discourteous can be treated as unsporting behaviour.

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Tournament play · 5 min read

Respecting your opponent: chess etiquette that costs nothing

Etiquette in chess is not decoration. Most of it exists because it protects both players' ability to concentrate, and some of it is written into the Laws as rules about not distracting or annoying your opponent.

The standard is simple: nothing you do at the board should make the game about you.

Before the game

Arrive on time and set up your side of the board without rearranging your opponent's pieces.
Offer a handshake if it is the custom at your event, or a nod and 'good luck' if it is not.
Do not comment on your opponent's rating, age or previous results. Play the position, not the person.

During the game

Silence: no talking beyond 'check' being unnecessary, offering a draw, or 'I adjust'. Sound effects, sighing and drumming fingers are annoying behaviour and can be penalised.
Move and press the clock with the same hand, and never slam the pieces or the clock.
Do not stare at your opponent instead of the board, hover a piece over squares, or take back a released move.
Do not repeat a declined draw offer every few moves; one offer, then play.
Keep your phone away and your body still. Getting up quietly is fine; pacing beside your opponent is not.

Resigning and accepting results

Resign by saying so clearly or by stopping the clock and offering a handshake — do not sweep the pieces off the board.
You are never obliged to resign a lost position; playing on is legitimate, but do it because you see a chance, not to annoy someone.
Congratulate the winner, sign both sheets, and report the result. If you lost, say so plainly; if you won, do not lecture.
Postmortem analysis is a courtesy, not a right. Take it away from the playing hall if other games are running.

Juniors, parents and coaches

Parents stay out of the playing area if the event asks; no signalling, no comments, no photographs at the board mid-game.
Coaches do not discuss a game in progress with their player — that is a fair-play offence, not a shortcut.
Teach the handshake, the silence and the signed scoresheet as part of learning to play, like castling.

Key takeaways

Silence and stillness are the core of chess etiquette.
Some etiquette is a rule: distracting or annoying your opponent is penalisable.
Resign clearly, sign the sheet, congratulate the winner.
Nothing at the board should make the game about you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to say 'check'?: No. In tournament chess announcing check is unnecessary and generally discouraged.
Is it rude to play on in a hopeless position?: No, it is your right. It only becomes a problem if you are clearly playing on to irritate your opponent rather than to play chess.
Can I refuse to shake hands?: Handshakes are customary rather than universally compulsory, and some events have their own etiquette. Refusing pointedly to be discourteous can be treated as unsporting behaviour.