what is over the board chess

Over the board (OTB) chess refers to playing chess face to face with another person using physical chess pieces, rather than electronically. It is a traditional form of chess that has been played for centuries. In OTB chess, players sit across from each other and make their moves on a physical board. This allows players to see their opponents body language, hear their breathing, and feel the tension in the air, which can add to the excitement and pressure of the game. OTB chess games generally take longer than online games, and a players performance is generally more meaningful to them as well. The rating system for OTB chess also moves more slowly than online chess. In OTB chess, players must follow certain etiquette and behavior rules, such as not distracting their opponent, not talking during the game, and not touching a piece unless they intend to move it.