ChessWorld.net was established in 2000 by members of the London-based Barnet Chess Club, since which it has become a commercial internet chess site with over 300,000 members from more than 200 different countries, over 1,000 of which are usually logged on at any one time. It is primarily an internet site to play chess games on, however, the site also offers many other distinctive features to its members, which include: The Masters Collection, a database of high-level chess games dating from 1749 to the present day; discussion forums, which pride themselves on being extensive, friendly, and lively; Chess puzzle and Endgame study collections; and regular Rest of World (ROW) matches, often against titled International players. It's testimony to the strength of the players on the site that the ROW team often win or draw these tough games, as is the fact that a ChessWorld team beat the British Correspondence Chess Association team in their 2005 match. The site also prides itself on being "the web's friendliest place to play chess", with features such as Welcoming Tournaments for new guest members and a Request Annotation facility, whereby players can seek analysis and commentary from higher-rated players once any of their games have finished. New players and novices can also seek advice from more experienced players via the forums, and by requesting friendly training games with them.

Playing Chess on ChessWorld.net

Chess games on ChessWorld.net are played at time rates ranging from 1 move per day to 1 move per 15 days, and can be chosen according to many criteria. They are played on the web and do not require any specialist software. The site features knock-out tournaments, all-play-all tournaments, thematic tournaments (often based on particular Chess openings), and team matches. Team-based chess is also intended to foster a friendly and social environment on the site, as teams can be created by members along almost any lines, from nation to favourite philosopher, from sports team to a Ladies Over 50 team. Members can play as many games concurrently as they wish. This is not to say the nature of the games aren't competitive, however; many higher-rated players on the site research their opponents and search for opening novelties before their games, and tournaments can of course be selected for along grading lines. Members are free to create whatever tournaments they wish. Games can be 'friendly' (ie unrated) or rated, and, as mentioned before, weaker players can request training games with the stronger players. Players are free to research their moves using databases and books; however, the use of chess engines or programs, (such as HIARCS, for example), to generate moves is strictly forbidden.

External links

ChessWorld.net