Multiple accounts • page 1/1 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

So I know that when you create a account, Lichess makes you agree to not create multiple accounts. Now I know many people (I will not name them) but they have multiple accounts. Also, I am not talking about people like Magnus Carlsen. I'm talking about the average user that has multiple accounts. So my question here is, are you allowed to create multiple accounts? Or is it just discouraged but you are allowed to do so? I would like a mod to comment on this but all feedback is appreciated.

william_chen

you are not allowed to increase/decrease rating which is usually done by making 2+ accounts.
If you make like blindfold account of something like that i think its allowed. I THINK

you are not allowed to increase/decrease rating which is usually done by making 2+ accounts. If you make like blindfold account of something like that i think its allowed. I THINK

EmaciatedSpaniard

Here are the relevant sections of the TOS as of Jan. 1 2022:

"Creating an account"

[...]

"In select and special circumstances, a user may have multiple accounts (see our Fairplay & Community Guidelines for more information). "

[...]

"Fair Play and Community Guidelines"

[...]

"Multiple accounts - Having more than one account is not allowed, barring specific circumstances. For example, titled players are automatically entitled to one “public” account, for play in certain prize events hosted either by Lichess or another tournament organiser, and one “private” account, for casual play online whilst still displaying their titled status. Untitled players can create a second account for similar reasons, with some examples including having a private account to hide opening preparation, playing “blindfold” games, or playing games with any other self-imposed impairment. Creating an excessive number of accounts (typically any more than three) will generally not be allowed, regardless of reasons. Creating and closing multiple accounts will also be treated as contributing to this maximum number. As with all other rules, the specific circumstances where multiple accounts are allowed remain at Lichess’ discretion."

back to my own comments:

Note the statement in closing regarding Lichess discretion. This means its up to them on how to interpret the fair use and the special circumstances allowing multiple accounts. A super GM whose playing strength quickly makes it hard for them to maintain anonymity on an account may then be permitted to create a new private account.

Normalos generally have one account or in special cases might have a 2nd account with a limited use case (e.g. playing blind, or their public account etc). If you have such an account use it for fair purposes, not to boost your rating or sandbag to reduce your rating by playing against yourself.

Anyway, check the TOS if you want to be certain, as this may get updated after my post. And it gives more info on what constitutes fair use.

Here are the relevant sections of the TOS as of Jan. 1 2022: "Creating an account" [...] "In select and special circumstances, a user may have multiple accounts (see our Fairplay & Community Guidelines for more information). " [...] "Fair Play and Community Guidelines" [...] "Multiple accounts - Having more than one account is not allowed, barring specific circumstances. For example, titled players are automatically entitled to one “public” account, for play in certain prize events hosted either by Lichess or another tournament organiser, and one “private” account, for casual play online whilst still displaying their titled status. Untitled players can create a second account for similar reasons, with some examples including having a private account to hide opening preparation, playing “blindfold” games, or playing games with any other self-imposed impairment. Creating an excessive number of accounts (typically any more than three) will generally not be allowed, regardless of reasons. Creating and closing multiple accounts will also be treated as contributing to this maximum number. As with all other rules, the specific circumstances where multiple accounts are allowed remain at Lichess’ discretion." back to my own comments: Note the statement in closing regarding Lichess discretion. This means its up to them on how to interpret the fair use and the special circumstances allowing multiple accounts. A super GM whose playing strength quickly makes it hard for them to maintain anonymity on an account may then be permitted to create a new private account. Normalos generally have one account or in special cases might have a 2nd account with a limited use case (e.g. playing blind, or their public account etc). If you have such an account use it for fair purposes, not to boost your rating or sandbag to reduce your rating by playing against yourself. Anyway, check the TOS if you want to be certain, as this may get updated after my post. And it gives more info on what constitutes fair use.