MICHIGAN CHESS ASSOCIATION

Sudden Death Time Controls

Important Rules for Sudden Death Time Controls
These rules apply only when the allegro clock time-delay feature is not in effect.
A.  Scorekeeping
Both players may stop keeping score when either player has less than five minutes left.  This is different than for non-sudden death time controls, where only the player with less than five minutes may stop keeping score.
B.  Time forfeits
To claim a win on time, the player must be able to stop the clocks with the player's own flag still up and have mating material.
C.  Illegal moves
If a player makes an illegal move during time pressure, the opponent should immediately stop the clocks and summon the director (TD), who will add two minutes to the offended player's clock.  Repeated violations will result in one minute being subtracted from the offending player's own clock.  Claims of an illegal move in time pressure must be made before another move has been played.
D.  Draws
The director may step in and declare a draw if a game is observed where neither side has a legitimate chance to win on the board because of reduced material (K+N vs K+B, for example), or when neither side is making an attempt to win the position on the board.
In addition to the standard rules, a draw may be claimed by a player who has no real chances to lose on the board.  The standard applied is that if a Class C player, with time on the clock, should draw the position against a master, then the claim will be allowed.  To make this claim, the player should stop both clocks and summon the director.  Invalid claims will be assessed a time penalty.  Two minutes will be added to the opponent's clock for the first occurrence, one minute will be subtracted from the player's clock for each subsequent invalid claim.
E.  Miscellaneous
The clock must be punched with the same hand that moved the piece.
Do not count on your opponent to be an authority on the rules.  In case of a dispute, stop the clocks and summon a director.
All standard tournament rules are in effect; touch-move, triple repetition, etc.

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