Do I hit the clock after I move then record the move?or make a move then record the move then hit the clock?

Question

this is a chess question

Answer 1

You can record your move either before or after you hit the clock. It's entirely up to you. Each person is different.

In my case, because the first couple of moves of a game tend to go quite quickly, I often would move, hit the clock and then record my move. However, in more complicated positions when I needed to take quite a bit of time on a single move, I would often record my move, move and then hit the clock.

I guess the reason I did that was because actually writing my move down on paper was a way of confirming all of the variations I just examined and giving myself one last chance to catch any flaws in my analysis.

Then sometimes in time scrambles, I would play a few moves in a row with out recording them down and only try to add them to my scoresheet when I had a some time to spare.

Writing a move down on your score sheet does not make it an official move. Excluding speed chess, your move only becomes official when you release you piece on the square you've moved it to. You can write down any move you want on your score sheet, erase it and write another one in it's place as many times as you want.

The most important thing is not when you write down you're moves but that your write them down accurately and legibly. If the TD is unable to make out your score sheet then it's possible you will be ruled against if some kind of claim is made against you (ie: 50 move rule, time forfeit claims, etc.).

Develop your own rythymn and style for recording your moves. If it helps you to write them down first and then move then do so. There is really no single correct way.

Answer 2

The player must first make the move (including hit the clock),

and then record the move.

I provided a link to authoritatively document this new answer

according to International (FIDE) and USA (USCF) rules of chess.

I also add this explanation:

The rule about "Move First, Write Later" was modified because

people were bringing the new invention: electronic scoresheets.

After they record a move, electronic scoresheets provide analysis!

Unless they "Move First, Write Later", that would be cheating.

Answer 3

I'll make it simple:

1. Move Piece

2. Punch Clock

3. Record Move

Answer 4

Write down your move BEFORE you make it.  Yes it sounds stupid, but you'll notice a few more "Hey, that drops a rook" moments you catch BEFORE you move.

Wow, times have changed.  Go with Captain Kirk.