Penalties in Football Chess

In Football Chess, penalties keep the game fair and flowing. Most infractions cost five yards, though a few are more severe. As the coach it's up to you to decide whether to accept or decline a penalty once it is called. Below you'll find a rundown of each rule with some tips to avoid getting flagged.

Pre-Snap Penalties

False Start (Offense, 5 yards, stops play)

An offensive piece crosses the line of scrimmage during motion before the snap. Make sure your pieces stay behind the line until you're ready to snap.

Offsides (Defense, 5 yards, stops play)

A defensive piece crosses into the offensive side during its reaction move. Double‑check your formation and reactions so you don't give the offense a free five yards.

Encroachment (Defense, 5 yards, stops play)

A defender crosses the line of scrimmage during their reaction and causes the offense to flinch or makes contact. Keep your defenders back until the ball is snapped.

Too Many Men on Field (Either side, 5 yards, stops play)

A team attempts to line up with more than seven pieces. Count your lineup before hitting Ready to avoid this easy mistake.

Illegal Formation (Offense, 5 yards, stops play)

The offense fails to meet formation requirements: you need at least two pawns and a pawn snapping the ball. Review your formation if the game won't let you start.

Delay of Game (Offense, 5 yards, stops play)

The play clock runs out before the snap or a required action. Keep an eye on the timer and be ready with a quick play if time is short.

Illegal Substitution (Either side, 5 yards, stops play)

Moving a piece to or from the sideline after pressing Ready. Once your team is set, keep the lineup unchanged until the snap.

Post-Snap Penalties

Illegal Forward Pass (Offense, 5 yards from the spot and loss of down)

Throwing a second forward pass or passing after the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. Plan your play so your quarterback throws before crossing the line.

Holding (Either side, 10 yards)

Counter‑pushing an opponent right after they pushed you. It may be tempting, but resist the urge to immediately shove a piece back or you'll be moved back ten yards.

Illegal Contact (Defense, 5 yards and automatic first down)

A defender bumps or blocks an eligible receiver more than five yards downfield before the ball is thrown. Focus on shadowing receivers rather than roughing them up early in their routes.

Pass Interference (Offense or Defense, spot foul or 10 yards)

Pushing a player who is trying to catch a pass while the ball is in the air. Defensive interference gives the offense the ball at the spot of the foul, while offensive interference costs ten yards and a loss of down.

Tips for Staying Penalty‑Free

• Set up your formation carefully and confirm your piece count before starting a play.
• Use the motion and reaction phases deliberately—moving too eagerly often leads to flags.
• When defending receivers, remember that contact after five yards is risky until the ball is thrown.
• If a penalty is called on your opponent, think about whether declining it might give you a better result.

Penalties add strategic depth, but the best strategy is avoiding them altogether. Keep these rules in mind and you'll keep your drives moving down the board.