How to Keep Score in a Tournament
Recording your moves correctly is a tournament requirement and a study tool.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: Your scoresheet is your game diary. Years from now, you can replay a tournament game and relive every moment. I still have scoresheets from my first tournament thirty years ago, and reviewing them shows me how far I have come.
Why Scorekeeping Is Required
In tournament games with time controls over 30 minutes, both players are required to record every move on a scoresheet. This serves multiple purposes: it provides an official record for dispute resolution, allows the arbiter to verify move counts for time control, and gives both players a record for post-game analysis.
Scorekeeping is also a valuable study tool. After the game, you can replay your moves, find where you went wrong, and identify patterns in your play.
How to Keep Score Properly
- Use algebraic notation - Write each move in standard algebraic notation. Your move number, White's move, then Black's move. For example: 1. e4 e5, 2. Nf3 Nc6. Write clearly and legibly.
- Record immediately after each move - Write your move down right after you play it and press the clock. Do not wait until the end of the game or try to catch up later. Falling behind creates stress and errors.
- Note the clock times - Many scoresheets have columns for recording the time remaining after each move. This is optional but extremely useful for post-game analysis - it shows where you spent too much or too little time.
- Record the result - At the end of the game, write the result (1-0, 0-1, or 1/2-1/2) and both players sign the scoresheet. The signed scoresheet is the official record of the game.
Common Scorekeeping Mistakes
The most common mistake is falling behind. If you miss writing one move, it cascades - suddenly you are three moves behind and trying to remember from the position on the board. Always stay current.
Another common error is ambiguous notation. If two rooks can move to the same square, specify which rook with the file or rank. Unclear notation causes problems during analysis and dispute resolution.
Finally, some players record their intended move before playing it. This is against the rules in most tournaments because it constitutes note-taking. Write your move only after you have made it on the board.
Scorekeeping FAQ
Can I use electronic devices to record moves?
Some tournaments allow electronic scorekeeping devices, but many do not because of concerns about hidden chess engines. Check the tournament rules beforehand. When in doubt, bring a paper scoresheet.
What if I run low on time - do I still have to keep score?
In most rule sets, if you have less than five minutes remaining on your clock, you may stop recording moves. You should catch up on your scoresheet during your opponent's time or after the game.
Professor Archer says: Write clearly and write immediately after each move. I have seen too many players fall behind on their scoresheets and then scramble to reconstruct moves from memory. That is a distraction you do not need during a game.
Quick Quiz
When should you write down your move on the scoresheet?
- Before you play the move on the board - Writing your move before playing it is considered note-taking and is against the rules in most tournaments.
- Immediately after playing the move and pressing the clock (Correct) - Correct. Record your move right after making it on the board to keep your scoresheet current and avoid falling behind.
- At the end of the game from memory - Waiting until the end leads to errors and missing moves. Record each move as it happens.
- Only when the arbiter asks you to - Scorekeeping is the player's responsibility throughout the game, not something done only on request.