j'adoube

J'adoube is a French expression meaning I adjust. In chess played in person with physical pieces, a player says it before touching a piece to show that the piece will only be centered or straightened within its current square.

The International Chess Federation, known by its French initials FIDE, also accepts an equivalent expression such as I adjust, as long as the intention is clear. Only the player whose turn it is should adjust pieces, and the announcement must come before physical contact.

The phrase does not allow a player to test moves, lift a piece to inspect the board, or transfer it to another square. If the player touches first and speaks afterward, the touch-move rule may already apply.