Pinoy chess etiquette

Let us review how Filipino chess players will fare to proper chess etiquette and rules provided from one of Susan Polgar's column at lubbockonlune.com "General chess etiquette and various tournament formats"

• It is considered rude and inappropriate for a player to eat or have a meal at the playing table.

In the Philippines- many tournaments organizers actually provided free fruits like bananas for the players to munch on as needed. Some even provided pancit bihon (Filipino fried noodles) kept in styrophones! Several players ate during the rounds (and even during games), but this didn't seem distracting players especially in long games.

• Basic refreshment such as water is OK.

In the Philippines- yes of course organizers provides free distilled bottled waters too.

• Refrain from singing while playing. You may think you're Josh Groban, but do not perform while playing chess.

In the Philippines- Many are humming some popular tunes but just under their breath. But those who opts for Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston songs can really distract you.

• When you chew gum, chew quietly. Don't annoy your opponent by chewing loudly or blow bubbles.

In the Philippines- yes many chew gums but never heard or seen one blow bubbles. I myself usually chew mint gums to release tensions.

• Smoking at the playing table is not allowed.

In the Philippines- definitely not.

• There should be no communication with your opponent until after the game, except to resign, offer a draw, or announce J'adoube (means adjusting your pieces).

In the Philippines- No problem with that also.

• Don't make a draw offer to your opponent after every move once it is refused or rejected.

In the Philippines- Unless you are facing a master, this rarely happens. I know one master who are notorious for this kind of rude behavior. "tabla nga yan e hindi ka ba nakaka intindi ng chess?"

• Don't listen to an MP3 player during the game.

In the Philippines- Many are doing this nowadays specially with the youth and teenagers. But nobody seems to be bother.

Although the following are not rules, it is recommended to do the following:

• Try to show up to your game in a timely manner. It is considered rude to be tardy.

- In the Philippines- this one of the biggest problem. This blogger once face a city official in an open tournament who was late for nearly an hour. Being a politician, the arbiter didn't start the clock and wait for the mayor before we start the game.

• Don't adjust the chess pieces with each move. It is quite annoying for your opponent.

-In the Philippines- again this is trivial things over the board and seems no one is being bother about this.

I would add "When making a move, make sure to place the piece in the center of the square."

• It may sound too basic to even mention, but don't cough or sneeze at your opponent.

-In the Philippines- nobody is doing that here.

• Shake hands before and after the game. It is customary.

In the Philippines- Some never offer their hands after a match. Some are just to shy, excited or uncomfortable doing that. But mostly, they forgot.

• Have you ever seen the sign: "No shirt, no shoes, no service"? The same rule holds true in chess. Proper attire should be worn while playing.

-the biggest problem for some Pinoy chess players. It is a common sight in tournaments to see players in their slippers, shorts and plain basketball shirts. Proper attire are some of the things Filipinos should be aware of, I should say.

• Don't whistle while you are playing. It is annoying and distracting to your opponent.

Some are whistling because their are tense. But it last for just a couple of seconds.

• No trash talking before, during, or after the game. Be courteous.

-In the Philippines- No problem with that.

• Don't do anything to annoy your opponent or other players who may be sitting next to you.

-In the Philippines, being a tropical country and most tournaments are being held outdoors, some players can have suffocating body odor. This is quite annoying, of course. But aside from that, Pinoy players are all business on the board and very courteous indeed.