Club rulesHow the club runs.
Simple rules so the club stays fun, fair, and easy for everyone — kids and adults. Read them once; they don't change much.
Spirit of the rulesDefaults, not laws.
These are our defaults. If both players agree before the game, you can bend things like touch-move, takebacks, or offering a draw. The point is to have fun and be a good sport — see the code of conduct for how agreements work.
Joining in
Signing up and showing up
A parent signs up the household.
One adult creates the account and adds each player — kids and adults alike.
Show up when you can.
Come Sundays after service. Missing a week is fine. Missing many weeks may drop your ladder spot.
Bring your own gear if you have it.
A board, pieces, or a clock all help. The club shares what it has with everyone.
Ask a parent to post results.
Only grown-ups report game results. That keeps the ladder honest and easy to trust.
At the boardWhile you're playing
- Touch-move is the default.If you touch a piece, you move it. If you let go, the move is done — unless both players agree otherwise before the game.
- Finish your game before starting a new one.No jumping between boards. Give your opponent your full attention.
- Shake hands before and after.Say "good game" when it's over — whether you won, lost, or drew.
- If something feels off, ask an adult.Rule questions, clock trouble, or a disagreement — grab an organizer instead of arguing.
The big stuffThings that matter most
- No cheating of any kind.No peeking at engines, no coaching from the sidelines, no taking back moves in secret.
- Report real games only.A reported game has to actually happen over the board — in person or on a real account online.
- Take care of the pieces.They're shared. Don't slam them, lose them, or draw on them.
- Grown-ups have the final call.Organizers can pause a match, correct a result, or step in if the rules get stretched.
Also readOur code of conduct.
The club rules cover how games work. The code of conduct covers how we treat each other. Both matter.