Standing & Chess

    Have a interesting question I think especially for those that play alot of OTB tournament games.  We have a tournament coming up here in Oct., State closed. And I would love to play in it , but,now that I have aged have trouble sitting long periods.  So I would like to trade off stand and sit etc. How does that make you feel if I am playing against you. When I was younger, I do not ever remember any one standing and playing chess.  I also find that I can make my move and walk away from the board  until my opponent makes there move. I find it helps give a a new and helpful perspective then just gazing at the board.  What do you think with this make you uneasy to play against some one that does that??  Thanks for your input, it would make up my mind if I should play or not?

Hi GhostNight,

I've played against people who have stood up during most of the game. In fact, I played against one person who stood on their chair, loudly smacked their chewing gum, mumbled to themselves, and messed around with the captured pieces by the side of the board... All at the same time, too. But I'm assuming you aren't planning to do that...

Seriously though, I don't find it distracting at all when my opponent stands up during a game. It is, as far as I know, perfectly legal. And it is very common, even at master level, I think, to stand up and walk around the tournament room when it is your opponent's move.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a problem, and I wouldn't let it stop you from participating. If you are worried that it might be a problem, I'm sure you could explain the situation to the tournament director before hand, and that you could work something out.

Hope this helps,

-hankm

  Yes that was helpful, the reason I ask this question is not to distract my opponent but to have a fair and enjoyable game!

It's not distracting at all, GhostNight! When we played I didn't even notice you standing! Were you upset that I was laying on the floor the whole game?

 There are countless videos of famous GM's standing up during matches.  It does get uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time - most people understand this and are ok with it.

I was playing in a team event some years ago and the playing venue was so cold ( we all kept our heavy winter coats on during the games ! ) that I stood a lot during the game and was walking around the room to stay warm.... it was freezing cold ! I made several moves without even sitting down... at this point the arbiter informed me that there is a rule ( FIDE ) that says I must sit to make my moves ?!  I was very upset with this particular experience and informed my team captain that I would never again play in a venue without heat in winter or ac in summer..... 

What the OP describes though , I dont think there will be a problem in the US and in uscf events. 

I was told that you can do it but not too often because your opponent has the right to complain about it.

My playing strength is reduced by 300 rating if I use 3-dimensional board. This is true. I'm stronger if I can see the board clearly as by standing, or putting the board on the floor. That's why I asked the tournament officer (a master) if I was allowed to stand during the game. And I had that answer.

before rhe tournament proper starts,perhaps you could ask and seek permission to the tournament director and the official arbiter of your stiffness problem.if they allow you to stand and walk at anytime during the duration of the game the better it is to your advantages.,so that when your opponent complains, they willreason it out as exceptional to your case.,or favorable to your case.

At OTB tournaments, I will get up and walk around every 10 moves or so. I found that it helps my thinking to keep the circulation up -- sitting too long makes me blunder. It's never been a problem at any USCF event I've been to.

It sometimes annoys my opponent, but my winning does as well and I have no intention of stopping that. =)

-Bri

    Well thanks very much for the answers!  I actually could have a doctors slip for my problem, think I will get one just incase. Also glad I only play USCF games  and  by the number of positive responses I am looking forward to this State tournament.  I feel relax going into it now I have this out of the way, and I do not expect to do very well except,, feel young again and bring back old memorys.  The are holding it in Deadwood South Dakota, thats where all the casinos are, only twenty five miles north of me. Also thats where Wild Bill was shot in the back while playing poker, remember he was holding Aces & Eights. Unlucky hand now.

Yes, it is legal, but i only recommend that you do it if you want to stretch or get awake, or go to the bathroom. I have sometimes walked to take a look at other boards, but that will get me distracted from my game, so I try to stay at my board for as long as possible. Only walk around if you absolutely need to.