Extra space and phones

Excellent news regarding the new playing area.

Regarding phones, thanks for the clarification Sue. Perhaps it is worth sending Eastbourne a gentle note? Also, maybe team captains should make a clear announcement before the start of the game emphasising that 'silent' mode may not be good enough.

FIDE Article 12: The conduct of the players

12.3 b. Without the permission of the arbiter a player is forbidden to have a mobile phone or other electronic means of communication in the playing venue, unless they are completely switched off. If any such device produces a sound, the player shall lose the game. The opponent shall win. However, if the opponent cannot win the game by any series of legal moves, his score shall be a draw. ( E.I.01A. Laws of Chess)

This is always coming up - how many realise this is actually written into the laws of chess? Anyway, here it is for any future situations! Feel confident if you need to ask your opponent to turn it off. This is my understanding - without an arbiter actually present. Strictly speaking you could claim the game on the spot but, well, what do others think? The same situation might arise in an internal tournament game and not everyone knows the rule.

Mobile Phones and Chess

Question: Last night i was playing in a match against Eastbourne 2, my opponent during the game picked up his mobile phone are started typing a short text message, each time he pressed a key, there was an annoying peep which was irritating. He used his phone twice during the game to write 2 messages. Does anyone know what the rules are during a match and the use of mobile phones? is this behaviour allowed? Please Advise?

Many Thanks Michael

p.s. in the end i won my game.