Official Chess Handbook

For sale is Official Chess Handbook by Kenneth Harkness is a practical and authoritative guide that served for many years as a standard reference for tournament players, organizers, and officials.Compiled by Harkness in his role as a leading figure in American chess administration, the book was designed to bring clarity and consistency to the rules and procedures of competitive play. It outlines the official laws of chess as recognized during its time, including regulations governing piece movement, touch-move, time controls, adjournments, and the proper conduct of players during tournament games.Beyond the basic rules, the handbook delves into the organizational side of chess, offering detailed guidance on how to run tournaments, pair players, record results, and handle disputes. It also explains rating systems and provides practical advice for directors and clubs, making it especially valuable for those involved in managing competitive events.Written in a clear and straightforward style, Harkness’s work emphasizes fairness, sportsmanship, and standardization—principles that helped shape modern tournament practice in the United States. While some procedures have evolved over time, the Official Chess Handbook remains an important historical document and a useful reference for understanding how organized chess was conducted in the mid-20th century.Both instructional and administrative, this handbook stands as a cornerstone resource for anyone interested in the rules, structure, and governance of tournament chess.

Condition: Good.

One available.