What is Touch-move rule in chess?
Over-the-board rule: if you touch a piece you must move it; if you touch an opponent's piece you must capture it.
The touch-move rule prevents players from physically picking up pieces to 'try' a move. Online chess has no touch-move, but it applies in all official over-the-board tournaments. Say 'j'adoube' (I adjust) before touching a piece you only want to recentre.
Spot touch-move rule in your own games
Free. Chess2EZ finds the patterns you keep missing and explains each in plain English.
Analyze my games →More chess terms
- ResignTo concede defeat before being checkmated - the most common way competitive games end.
- FileA vertical column of squares on the chessboard, labelled a through h.
- RankA horizontal row of squares on the chessboard, numbered 1 through 8.
- DiagonalA line of squares running corner-to-corner at 45 degrees.
- Long diagonalThe two eight-square diagonals that run from corner to corner (a1-h8 and a8-h1).
- CentreThe four central squares d4, d5, e4, and e5 - the most important real estate on the board.