Dear all,
Was recently asked what my thinking is on the forfeit and starting time of an
online chess game where one of the opponents is either late or a no-show.
I supported my response with the FIDE laws of chess which governs over the
board tournaments.
As I was given some time to re-consider my answer, I thought of making use of
your collective knowledge and expertise to gather a broader understanding.
The responses of qualified chess arbiters will be highly valued.
The scenario is that of a scheduled appointment between 3 people, a timekeeper
and 2 opponents, playing using the skype communication software.
The culture of the group who posed the question is to have as few rules as
possible and to have set rules as user friendly as can be.
What for example, in your opinion, is the difference between an appointment of
an online chess game vs a social or business meeting?
If the rules of an online tournament state that a forfeit is given after 30
minutes, is it polite to let the volunteer timekeeper and opponent wait 25
minutes without starting the clock before second player show for the game?
Please feel free to elaborate on the scenario and to include various issues
like connectivity problems, load shedding, computer troubles and whatever other
challenges you might think of.
Yours in chess.
Johannes
