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FIDE Chess Equipment and Standards

Standards for Chess Equipment and Electronic Devices Approved by FIDE

Why Standards Matter

Chess is considered one of the most precise and disciplined intellectual games. Every element — from the size of the pieces to the quality of the digital clocks — affects player comfort, fairness, and compliance with international rules. That is why FIDE has developed strict standards regulating everything: wooden boards, pieces, digital clocks, sensor tables, and even score sheets.

This article explains what requirements FIDE sets, why they are important, and how to choose the right equipment for tournaments of any level.

Illustration of chess equipment: wooden chessboard with pieces in the initial setup, an electronic chessboard, digital chess clock, notation sheets, and a pen on a wooden table

1. Chess Equipment Standards

1.1. Chess Pieces: Materials, Sizes, and Proportions

FIDE requires that pieces follow the classical — most commonly “Staunton” — style and maintain strict proportions:

  • king height: 9–10.5 cm
  • pawn height: 4.5–5.5 cm
  • base diameter should be about 40–50% of the piece’s height
  • material: wood or high-quality polymer
  • overall design: strict, without unnecessary decorative elements

The pieces must be stable, with weighted bases to prevent accidental tipping during play.

1.2. Chessboard: Squares, Material, and Contrast

FIDE regulates the following:

  • square size: 5–6 cm for official tournaments
  • preferred material: wood; composite materials allowed
  • contrast: clear but unobtrusive; typical combinations include walnut/beech, wenge/maple, mahogany/birch

Main rule:
king height ≈ two square sizes — this ensures visual balance.

1.3. Tables and Playing Area

An official chess table must have:

  • length: 110–120 cm
  • width: 70–80 cm
  • height: 74–78 cm
  • matte, non-reflective surface
  • no protruding elements that could disturb the players

Each player must have enough space to maintain comfortable arm position and clear visibility of the board.

1.4. Score Sheets and Accessories

FIDE requires the use of:

  • official score sheets
  • pens with non-erasable ink
  • nameplates for players
  • round counters in team competitions

Even such details matter, as they ensure transparency and correctness during play.

2. FIDE-Approved Electronic Chess Equipment

The modern chess world is rapidly adopting digital solutions. However, any electronic device used in tournaments must be FIDE-certified.

2.1. Digital Chess Clocks

FIDE approves clocks that provide:

  • accurate second counting
  • support for all time controls (classical, rapid, blitz)
  • Fischer increment mode
  • Bronstein delay mode
  • anti-cheating protection features

Approved models include: DGT 3000, DGT 2010, LEAP PQ9903.

2.2. Sensor Electronic Boards

These boards automatically record moves and send them to live broadcasts, making tournaments transparent and engaging.

Equipment categories:

• DGT Sensor Boards

Used at all major tournaments. Advantages include precision, reliability, and compatibility with broadcast software.

• Electronic Pieces

Pieces contain built-in induction tags that determine their position on the board.

• Integration with Online Platforms

Allows using a real board to play online.

2.3. Anti-Cheating Equipment

FIDE actively combats digital cheating. The following tools are used:

  • metal detectors
  • radio-frequency scanners
  • signal blockers
  • special booths for inspecting suspicious players

Modern systems help minimize the risk of unfair play.

2.4. Electronic Displays and Broadcast Systems

All approved systems must:

  • transmit moves instantly
  • show the clock and current time control
  • integrate with official FIDE servers
  • support high-quality live broadcasts

Standards — the Foundation of Fair Play

Chess equipment standards are not a formality. They ensure:

  • equal conditions for all players
  • comfortable playing environment
  • technological precision
  • fairness and transparency at tournaments

Certified electronic equipment helps transform chess into a modern, high-tech sport that blends tradition with digital accuracy.

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