Playing
Online
[Information current
as of January 2004]
Playing chess over the Internet has become quite popular over the past several years. Depending on the strength of the opponents you choose to play, and the time controls utilized, this can be an useful, neutral or potentially counterproductive expenditure of time. The value of playing online, as with any chess, is dependent on the quality and amount of preparation, seriousness of play, and post-game analysis you put into it. If at least half of the time you play opponents rated roughly a class above you (approximately 100-300 points higher), and you only infrequently play opponents rated more than 50 points below you, your playing strength is likely to increase steadily. Also, playing five-minute chess online might help your Blitz game but can create poor habits in relation to standard chess (by reinforcing patterns that don't work well when there's more time on the clock for precise play on both sides). Time controls of 30 minutes or more allow for concentrated chess that better parallels standard, over-the-board tournament games. Remember that your online rating has nothing to do with your over-the-board rating, so don't worry about it--playing this way is mostly for the learning experience. Whenever possible, be sure to save your online games, especially losses or draws, in a format which you know can be easily retrieved for reviewing afterwards.
Various Modes
One way of playing online is via game software that has a modem interface, allowing you to connect directly to the IP address of an opponent using the same software. Example: Zillions of Games.
Another way to play online is via email. Considered a type of correspondence chess, it's great for people who like really slow (e.g., might average only a move a day) time controls. Some easy ways to enjoy chess via email include It's Your Turn, Red Hot Chess and Atlantic Games.
Playing against accessible chess computers is fun too, such as the one at Yale.
Chess can also be played via game servers. Anytime of the day or night it's possible to find an opponent to play, often one hailing from a distant part of the world. Some servers allow you to participate in online tournaments, observe games being played by grandmasters, play fun chess variants, etc. This method is the fastest, most convenient way to tap into the worldwide chess community. Game servers utilize various platforms (Java, Windows, straight HTML, etc.), and interfaces differ in appearance. Consider server activity (how many/what level of opponents are available to play against you) when deciding which one to go with. Also consider the cost of membership. Most servers have a "free trial" option that allows you a week or more to try their service, after which you are required to pay a subscription fee to continue your membership.
The procedure for accessing and playing on most game servers is:
1. Download and install the client software.
2. Register at the site, creating a user name for yourself (this will identify you to other players) and a password.
3. Connect to the Internet; then open the client software from its saved location on your hard drive.
4. Seek an opponent, indicating what type of game you would like to play. Options generally include rated or unrated, standard or variant chess, a specific time control, and desired rating range of opponent. You might have to wait awhile for an appropriate match, particularly if you are requesting slow time controls (30 minutes or more). However, challenges come and go quickly, so be prepared to agree to (or decline) various types of players and their preferences.
Some caveats to consider: certain players have been known to cheat (e.g., obtaining help from a chess computer or a strong player without making this assistance known ahead of time), and instances of unsportsman-like conduct (such as purposefully disconnecting and later reconnecting in order to have extra time to consider a position), rude language, etc., are within the realm of possibility. Good servers have filters or toggle options and/or disciplinary measures in place designed to curtail potential problems. However, parents would do well to at least initially supervise their child's server settings and usage, and adults are advised to "play at your own risk."
Three major servers are listed below. We've left off Yahoo Games, MSN, U.S. Chess Live (a.k.a. Games Parlor) and some other popular game servers, because of poor quality experiences with them.
Chess Servers
1. Internet
Chess Club
ICC is the most active chess server (over 125,000 chess games
are played here each day). A regular membership is
currently $49/year; students are charged $24.50/year. If a member
played only one serious (slow time controls) game per week, it would still be
quite a bit cheaper (and certainly more convenient) than playing an equal number
of over-the-board tournament games. ICC could not be described as
having a state-of-the-art interface
(reminiscent of DOS, it requires typing commands). However, it is the most active
Internet chess server, and the benefits are many. Even if you
don't join ICC, keep in mind that you may log in as a guest (non-member) at any
time to view live events. A few tips for ICC first-timers:
clicking on the question mark in the Seek window brings up a list explaining
what the various colored dots mean in relation to selecting an opponent; "C" following a name
indicates a computer-assisted player or tournament director; typing "set quietplay 2" on the command
line turns off chat during a game (an important feature for parents to know
about). Below are links to further detailed information:
About the Internet Chess Club (history, member benefits, fees)
Introduction to ICC (orientation information)
BlitzIn download info (the ICC software for use with Windows)
Connecting to ICC
ICC Commands (list)
ICC FAQs/Help Files (e.g., type in "print games" for instructions on how to do so)
Child Safety Online--important general advice
2. World Chess Network
WCN is a high quality, rapidly-growing rival to ICC. Some WCN signature events
include: "Banter" chess (watch grandmasters explain each of
their moves in a live game), Predict-A-Move (members accumulate points based on
predicting master-level moves with speed and accuracy), and Community
Challenge (gold-level members vote on moves against top masters). The
activity and range of players on this server is good, and the interface is quite
nice. Gold membership is $49.95/year; silver membership (some limitations)
is $19.95/year. Optional free membership allows unrated play, but no
participation in events.
3. PlayChess.com
ChessBase's answer to ICC and still fairly new, this is Europe's biggest server,
with over 1,000 players online every night, including grandmasters.
Tournaments, simultaneous exhibitions, free training, etc. Utilizes the
Fritz interface. At $22/year, membership here is a good deal; their free
20-day trial includes full access.
More Servers You Might Want To Check Out
Caissa's web
ChessCanada.net
Chess.net
Free Internet Chess Server (FICS)
Online Leagues
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