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In contrast, Bobby was strictly observant of this rule and said “j’adoube” first whenever he touched a piece to straighten it.

The “j’adoube” statement is the customary announcement when a player wishes to center or adjust one of his or his opponent’s pieces, but according to the Laws of Chess this must be done before touching the piece, or the mover risks yielding a forfeit.

He must say j’adoube before touching his piece.

"J'adoube," "I adjust," or words to that effect, cannot protect a player from any of the penalties imposed by these laws, unless the man or men touched, obviously need adjustment, and unless such notification be distinctly uttered before the man, or men, be touched, and only the player whose turn it is to move is allowed so to adjust.

If a player touches a piece with the sole object of adjusting its position, he must apprise his opponent of his intention by saying "J'adoube" beforehand.