Just the Rules: Proposed Rule Changes?

Every year at the U.S. Open, the Delegates from each state have a chance to change our rulebook. Sometimes it is just a tweak or two (or three). Most of the new approved rules kick in on the first day of January (1-1-26) after their Delegate’s August 2-3, 2025 meeting finishes.

The changes we are interested in get listed on the now-published advanced agenda. Yes, there are also non-rulebook matters that don’t concern us on that same agenda. But for the rules motions, the rules become almost-instant chess law if the Delegates vote them in with a super 85% approval rating. But, if those ideas only get high passing marks from the lawmakers, then they get shipped off to the Rules Committee for comment. That nets them another guest appearance on next year’s advanced agenda for another vote. Then, a second approval rating from the Delegates installs them as chess law. Any non-approval vote in either year sends them packing.

Here is a peek at the abridged versions of the major proposed rulebook changes that will be debated this year. Notice that Blitz chess seems to have grabbed most of rulebook headlines.

Blitz Chapter Replacement: One major motion wants to replace the current set of Blitz rules with a new mix of old and new material; i.e., it would be the replacement for the current chapter. This set of proposed regulations first showed up on last year’s agenda. Since it did not garner the needed super 85% vote for instant approval, it was sent off to the Rules committee for comment. If this set of Blitz instructions gets the nod this year, they will be the new Blitz regulations starting in 2026.

The makers of those intended new rules are aiming for a set of directives that speak directly to Blitz chess only. They suggest that any reminders regarding the regular rules are more appropriate as TD TIPs rather than as part of the Blitz rules.

Final Blitz Appeal Made Clear: There is a motion onboard to make it clear that rule 18 in the Blitz chapter refers to the Chief TD as the last refuge for an appeal at the site. Any other plea would involve a direct one to US Chess.

Modified Blitz Rule 7E: There are some steps offered to clear up what rights triumph when an illegal move faces off with a flag fall. The new language also puts a stop to tricksters attempting to claim an unearned victory in that faceoff.

Late Arrival for the Game (13D) Amendment: Some steps are being proposed that would outline the process, when an opponent is tardy, of allowing the general of the white pieces to notate their first move only on their scoresheet without making that move on their board. This revision has been reviewed by the Rules Committee.

Correspondence Chess Upgrade: The correspondence rules are in need of revisions. They are several years old and have not kept up with the technology needed by the US Chess staffer to supervise these events. It the Delegates approve the revisions it will create a new Chapter 9 (Correspondence Chess). These changes were already reviewed by the Rules Committee.

Note: The exact wording of all advanced motions on the agenda can be seen here.

After the advanced agenda is discussed and voted on, more new rules can be introduced by the Delegates via their meeting procedures. We will need to wait until the meeting is over to report on those new ideas.

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 the podcasts “One Move at a Time” and “The Chess Angle.”

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.