A comprehensive new FIDE reference for technical implementation
The International Chess Federation, FIDE, has published the FIDE Technical Commission Manual (FTM) in an effort to bring together the technical standards used in international tournaments under one roof. According to the federation’s announcement, the document is now available on the official website of the FIDE Technical Commission and will serve as one of the main reference texts for the technical processes connected to FIDE competitions. As a result, many regulations that were previously consulted across different documents are now presented in a more structured format for federations, arbiters, organisers and technical service providers.
The significance of the new manual is clearly underlined in the C.02 Chess Equipment Technical Specifications, Rules and Regulations, which will come into force on March 1, 2026. Prepared as a complementary document to the FIDE Handbook, the manual brings together definitions, procedures and clarifications that are frequently needed in practice. Such a compilation is especially important not only for understanding technical rules in theory, but also for applying them correctly and consistently in real tournament conditions. In modern chess events, where standards for boards and pieces are linked to digital pairing software and operational procedures, the practical value of the FTM becomes even more evident.
The manual includes updated guidance on critical areas such as chess equipment, certified and endorsed products, Tournament Handler Programs, Swiss pairing systems and tie-break procedures. These are highly sensitive topics that can directly affect outcomes in international open tournaments, team events and official FIDE competitions. An incorrect pairing algorithm, unsuitable digital clocks or a flawed interpretation of tie-break rules can undermine the sporting credibility of an event. Through this manual, FIDE aims to ensure that the same regulations are applied worldwide in a clearer, more transparent and more consistent manner.
FIDE has also invited national federations, chief arbiters and arbiters, event organisers, manufacturers, service providers and software developers to consult the new manual alongside the current FIDE Handbook on a regular basis. The message is clear: chess today is not defined only by the moves played on the board, but also by technical compliance, software accuracy and standardised procedures that safeguard fair play. For questions and further information, FIDE noted that stakeholders may contact Technical Commission Secretary Hendrik du Toit. The publication of the manual stands out as an important institutional step toward strengthening technical governance across the global chess ecosystem.