Any list of oldest recreational activities is sure to mention chess. Historians theorize that a version of chess was initially played in Persia. It was rather a version designed for skills building than just mere entertainment. In the early medieval times, chess found its way onto Europe where it swiftly became favored by royal families and commoners alike.

A love for chess extends to a fondness for those who play the board game. This behavior is obvious in many chess enthusiasts. When not busy, chess aficionados would actually daydream about how they can achieve that desired checkmate. The seasoned chess players find in tournaments an opportunity to flaunt some amazing chess moves. People who participate in tournaments get to enjoy chess with fellow aficionados and, when lucky, also get to gain the crowd’s admiration for a display of chess playing prowess.

It doesn’t take just a full day however to make a decision to join a competition. Entering a match itself is not a problem, yet there are factors which require a careful evaluation.

Get a glimpse of the playing guidelines

It’s rare for chess tournaments not to follow specific playing guidelines. This is in addition to the standard rules for playing chess. The worst mistake anybody can make is assuming that all chess tournaments are the same. You better acquainted you are with the guidelines, the better your playing experience will turn out.

Browsing through the highlights isn’t enough. This is what players ought to remember. The details that merit special attention may include allotted time per move as well as the stipulated hand positioning.

Know the time limits

You’re probably not new to some televised chess games where opponents will take hours to decide how they will move their chess pieces. Only a handful of chess contests operate in this manner. Killing the time is no longer "in.". In the case of speed chess, each turn should be used within 3 to 5 minutes only. Otherwise, the game will be automatically forfeited. Several tournaments do reach a point when they feel the player has ample time to make a move and will penalize the delay.

Examine the potential for making a name

The stakes of every chess match vary. Some are for pure pleasure. Others promise a prize. The World Chess Championships is usually the goal of the ambitious chess enthusiasts. To reach that level, they must carefully hand pick the chess matches that could provide the right exposure and opportunity.

Once you’ve chosen the tournament you plan to join, have a break. Interact with your fellow chess aficionados. Don’t take for granted the entertainment value that chess has to offer.