Let me briefly explain what happened:
Approximately a year ago I was greatly interested in chess, and I heard Lichess.org and Chess.com were the best sites for such interests. I went on with the latter and was not fully satisfied, for there were a lot of pictures, words, everything scrambled everywhere on the site. The chessboard was too big for my screen, and overall I just couldn't have it. (note I did not know you could personalize the website)
I went on to Lichess and found myself in love. So simple, so welcoming to a new, youthful youngster wishing to join the chess community. And I went at it: made this account, played many games, got furious a few times, took many breaks because I wasn't improving/school, etc. I had a ton of fun on this website.
Now I have decided to make the leap to Chess.com because I think chess players should be able to play on a variety of platforms, right? And once again, I decided to do a couple games, only to play horrendously. I don't know how I did so poorly. I did some research and found that players who play online chess more often than in real life do more worse on the board. Does this go for different online chess websites too because of the theme/style of the website? I wish to know. Keep in mind that I have only done a couple games, maybe about 10 on Chess.com. Also, is the rating system similar on Chess.com to Lichess.org? e.g I have a 900 rating on Lichess, so on Chess.com I'll get the same rating(or around)
To answer your last question, chess.com and lichess.org use different rating systems. Lichess ratings are higher than chess.com ratings.
"Does this go for different online chess websites too because of the theme/style of the website?"
Yes, the looks of a chess website have a great impact on skill.
Why do you think many more titled players, especially GM's, play on chesscom?
It's because the website layout actually increases their playing skill.
All the ads, buttons, menus, etc. stimulate the chess-playing part of the brain and increase performance.
Some studies suggest that the layout of the website can increase/decrease your chess performance by as many as 300 ELO.
@richardparkokay, I understand your concerns but
I don't think where you play matters that much, if you want to see improvements in your chess you'll have to train and get rid of your flaws, get new knowledge and recognize patterns more efficiently.
" chess players should be able to play on a variety of platforms", not really, It is just a board and a clock no matter where, just play in the place you feel better.
Chess.com might seem that the players are better but it is because they use a different rating system. I played on there before I discovered this site. I don't agree you need to play on different platforms. I'd rather play on an ad free website and support it than play on a site designed to milk money from every person that visits it.
"Yes, the looks of a chess website have a great impact on skill.
Why do you think many more titled players, especially GM's, play on chesscom?"
That's easy.
1) It existed first
2) They pay GMs to play there
3) Because of 1 and 2, when GMs want to play other GM-level opponents, they'll find more opportunities on chess.com.
:)
imakitty 1 hour ago #2
To answer your last question, chess.com and lichess.org use different rating systems. Lichess ratings are higher than chess.com ratings.
Simply put ... this is nonsense by the uneducated. Ratings are based on the system.
Members are leaving chess.com en mass. v2 was announced to finally be eliminated Today!
Only to hear, once again, after 3 years of developement, v3 is still not ready. Too slow, too many bugs and by Eriks own admission after 3 years it still needs alot of work. !!!
Yep. chess.com spends all it's $ paying the likes of Naka to sponsor their site. Rely's on amateur, volunteer programmers who never can get anything correct, much less jibe with the other 50+ developers who are not in communication with each other.
A simple fact. Chess.com's list of high rated players sports many more names than here. (Higher ratings.. which in part disproves that players are higher rated here).
2nd. Lichess does a far better job of detecting cheaters. It's policy regarding the issue is far more effective.
Chess.com is infected with middle range players who use assisted play. Hence, it's difficult to move beyond Class A.
I was just there today. No longer a member, but check out the news. I looked in on a player that was "banned" for cheating 2 weeks ago. Guess what? He was reinstated. Created 2 dozen threads in a single day, mocking everybody in sight. Moderators there are spineless puppets, their only purpose is promoting advertising dollars. Chess.coms future is bleak.
While I was only playing on chess.com I was a lowly nooby FM. Now that I play on lichess I am an almighty IM. Coincidence? I think not.
This topic has been archived and can no longer be replied to.