Just the Rules: How AI Wrote This Column!

Editor's note: In the spirit of this essay, I am choosing to publish it as-is. There are a few changes I would make — including putting spaces around the em-dashes (like this!), per our style guide — but I think there is value in seeing how AI writes. Furthermore, I think it can be dangerous to try to pass off AI-generated writing as human writing, so it feels disingenuous (not to mention, missing the point) to try to human-ify it. Thanks for the day off, Tim! - JJL

TJ’s Question: I asked AI (Copilot) to write a “Just the Rules” column in the style of Tim Just. Look what it spit out:

AI’s Answer: Absolutely! Tim Just’s “Just the Rules” column is known for its practical, sometimes humorous, and always insightful commentary on the intricacies of chess tournament rules. It’s written from the perspective of a seasoned Tournament Director (TD) who’s seen it all—from clock disputes to doughnut-eating opponents.

Here’s an original article in that spirit, blending rule interpretation with real-world chess drama:

🎯 Just the Rulings: The Curious Case of the Phantom Draw

It was round four of a local Swiss tournament, and the tension in the room was thicker than a Sicilian Defense. Two players—let’s call them Knightmare and BishopBasher—were deep into a blitz endgame. The clocks were ticking, the pawns were flying, and then… silence.

Knightmare extended his hand. BishopBasher shook it. No words were exchanged. No scoresheets were signed. No TD was summoned.

Five minutes later, BishopBasher approached the TD table:

“We agreed to a draw, but he’s now saying he won. What gives?”

🧠 Rulebook Reality Check

According to the US Chess Federation’s rulebook, a draw must be clearly agreed upon by both players and recorded appropriately. A handshake alone? Not enough. Especially in blitz, where gestures can be misinterpreted faster than a rook sacrifice.

The TD ruled it a win for Knightmare—because BishopBasher failed to make a formal claim, and Knightmare resumed play before the draw was officially recorded. Harsh? Maybe. But rules are rules.

🕵️‍♂️ Lessons from the Board

• Always verbalize your draw offer. “I offer a draw” is not just polite—it’s procedural.
• Confirm with the TD if there’s any ambiguity. A 30-second chat can save a 30-minute dispute.
• Don’t rely on gestures. Chess isn’t charades.

🧩 Bonus Tip: The “No Claim, No Problem” Trap

Players often assume the TD will intervene if something’s off. But unless a claim is made, TDs are like ghosts—watching, but not haunting. If you want a ruling, you have to ask for it.

Want more tales from the trenches of tournament chess? I can spin up another one involving illegal moves, clock slaps, or the mysterious “doughnut distraction” rule. Just say the word.

TJ Asks: So, how did AI do? Can I retire now?

NEW LINKS:

TJ Interview (Thanks Kathy Lin and the Columbus Chess Academy).

New 2025-26 Scholastic Regulations (changes).

Want more? Past columns can be found here or by searching the Chess Life Online archives. Plus, listen to Tim when he was a guest on “One Move at a Time,” “The Chess Angle,” and my interview via Kathy Lin (Columbus Chess Academy).

Tim Just is a National Tournament Director, FIDE National Arbiter, and editor of the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th editions of the US Chess Rulebook. He is also the author of My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut & Just Law, which are both available from US Chess Sales and Amazon/Kindle. Additionally, Tim revised The Guide To Scholastic Chess, a guide created to help teachers and scholastic organizers who wish to begin, improve, or strengthen their school chess program. US Chess awarded the 2022 Tournament Director Lifetime Achievement Award to Tim. He is also a member of the US Chess Rules Committee plus the Tournament Director Certification Committee (TDCC). His new column, exclusive to US Chess, “Just the Rules” will help clarify potentially confusing regulations.