Rules changes for the USCF and the MonRoi device

I was just recently made aware of two rule changes by the United States Chess Federation.

#1: Change to rule 15A: (proposed) The player must first make the move, and then record it on the scoresheet.

#2: Use of electronic scoresheets

When I first heard of the change to rule 15A, I was a bit angered. Since my first couple of rated games, I have been recording my moves before I make them on the board. Secondly, I have been passing on this advice to students as a means of rooting out blunders in their games. It is an effective means to help one make better moves and not be impulsive.

It also seems that the first rule change is related to the second rule change. As someone who at the present time will not have access to such a device, I feel a bit disappointed.

Anyways, with that gripe out of the way, I considered the use of the device and how it can help in the future of chess. It is called MonRoi, and FIDE promoted its use in this news release. I think it has great promise in making chess games easier to record (I hate in a time scramble that I can't write down the moves and lose interesting endgames--using a stylus and screen seems to be easier). In addition, it will be easier to load games to Internet sites.

I liked what Chris Bird had to say:

"With my TD hat on I saw the potential for numerous organizers, particularly scholastic organizers, for them to purchase the systems and rent or lease them out for use at events thereby obtaining some costs back. Games from top boards could be displayed in other rooms allowing the parents to watch meaningful games, or friends and family to watch from the comfort of their own homes. Many of the Denker and Polgar players were commenting on how everyone was back home and tuned in to every game they played!"

In the long run, I'll learn to adapt to the rule change and welcome the use of the devices. I look forward to see how chess will change. I think the changes will be more apt to happen when the prices of the devices come down to prices more affordable to the average chess player.

Tags: chess, United States Chess Federation, MonRoi