Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • iChess
    • ChessTeacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman`s Chess Lab
    • Foxy Series
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

17 Questions to Candidates’ Tournament 2014 Arbiter

Yury Markushin
Yury Markushin
04.03.2014
Category: Reviews
Tags: candidates' tournament 2014, chess,
17 Questions to Candidates’ Tournament 2014 Arbiter

Today I have interviewed a FIDE Arbiter Jamie Kenmure, who was officiating the Candidates’ 2014.

We have discussed many different issues of the world of professional chess such as disputes during elite tournaments, current ‘anti-doping’ regulations, no tolerance policy and so on.

 

***

Interview with FIDE Arbiter Jamie Kenmure

FIDE arbiter

Q. How is the temperature in Khanty-Mansiysk?

A. It’s not cold here actually, +3+4 C.

Q. How is the [Candidates’] Tournament going so far?

A. You can just imagine……

Levon Aronian has lost two games. Anand is playing very strong. Kramnik was a piece down against Anand, but was able to hold a draw by a threefold repetition. Then he just blundered away some positions. That’s very unusual for him. He will play Svidler next round, so we shall see.

Q. According to ChessBase reports, Anand is going to win the tournament even though there are still 5 rounds to go. What do you think about it?

A. I think, the Tournament is over now. Anand has won it. The fight is now for the remaining places in the tournament table. That’s how I see it.

Q. How did you become an arbiter?

A. This is my first big tournament. Previously, I was officiating National level tournaments back in Australia. The selection process is done by FIDE, based on multiple criteria, one of which is the amount of work done in your zone promoting chess.

Q. What is your job as an arbiter in this event?

A. As an arbiter, you have to make sure that there are no hidden electronic devices with players or their rest rooms. You also have to see that the score sheets are properly done.

At such high level tournaments you don’t need to worry about simple rules such as touch & move etc. These are professional players, so officiating is much easier. But if there is any dispute you need to be completely 100% correct.

anand candidates 2014 -2

Q. You’ve mentioned disputes. How often do you have to deal with disputes in high level tournaments?

A. At 2700+ level of playing maybe, once during the whole tournament. It may be something like an incorrect threefold repetition claim. There was one player in this tournament (I will not mention his name) who said, most top players and even myself do not know all the FIDE rules of chess. For me it was very surprising since these players play so much chess.

Q. You know the FIDE rules so well, does it also help you as a chess player?

A. Yes, as a chess player you have to know when and how to claim a draw. The proper way to offer a draw is to make a move and then offer a draw without pressing the clock. If you press a clock and then offer a draw, you are offering it in your opponent’s time and it’s an incorrect draw offer.

Q. Is there a penalty for that?

A. OK. Most players are not going to complain about that. But if we get very technical it’s an incorrect offer.

Q. Can you offer a draw after move 1?

A. The regulations for this tournament do not allow that. Players must complete 30 moves before offering a draw. However, a quicker draw is still possible via three-fold repetition as in Anand-Aronian game (18 moves).

Q. What about ‘anti-doping’ rules for this event? All players have to undergo screening on a metal detector or something like that?

A. Absolutely. We first check the bags and then the players pass through the scanner. I want to make a special mention of Levon Aronian, who refused to enter the room until his bag was checked. He said, if we didn’t check his bag other players might suspect cheating.

Q. Do you check the bags thoroughly?

A. We just do a basic check. Players usually have water, coffee espresso or chocolate for the game.

Q. Would the metal detector catch a small electronic device?

A. A metal detector catches everything, even as small as a USB stick or a pen.

small electronic device

Q. What about eyeglasses, does the metal detector detect that also?

A. Strangely enough, no. With a zero tolerance policy in place we cannot delay players by checking every piece of metal.

Q. If you are even one minute late for the game, it’s a forfeit?

A. If you’re one second late, it’s a forfeit. Just imagine a soccer game starting 10 minutes late, fans would go crazy. Chess is no different, we need to be professional about it.

Q. When you are officiating in the playing area, do you actually understand what’s happening on the boards?

A. It’s very interesting to watch the games, but to understand what’s going on… it’s another planet.

anand candidates 2014

Q. Judging solely by players’ gestures and emotions can you tell whose position is better or worse?

A. It’s very odd because these players are so used to hiding their emotions, you have no idea. Karjakin and Anand show no emotion at all regardless of position on the board. Topalov and Svidler are somewhat easier to read.

Q. Do players spent most of their time thinking on moves or they step out a lot?

A. Players, generally, will make one or two moves, then go to the restroom. There are exceptions of course.

Editor: Well, Thank you very much for taking your time off and giving us this interview. Do keep in touch with our readers.

Read more similar articles:

  • Anand Wins The Candidates 2014
  • 10 Answers by Judit Polgar about Success at Chess
  • Gelfand on World Championship Match 2013

Credits:

Images used with a permission from the official Candidates Tournament site.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Happy 2023!Happy 2023!
  • 10 Reasons to Train with Chess Coach10 Reasons to Train with Chess Coach
  • 2020 Recap and What to Expect in 20212020 Recap and What to Expect in 2021
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz