Ultrabullet Keyboard Extension Usage- Why Is It Considered Fair- Genuine Question For Keyboard Users • page 1/1 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Hi there sorry for the long post in advance, just wanted to set the scene as best I can. I developed an unhealthy addiction to ultrabullet about a year ago and worked my way up from about 1400 to 1900 in about 8 months of time. However for the next 3 months I was completely unable to to improve any further due to the speed at which other players were able to play seemingly random moves instantly and win despite being constantly outplayed. I knew what the keyboard extension was but didn't see the appeal of it and thought it would not make a huge difference, but I gradually realised that the only way I could keep up with the players was to learn how to use it about 2 weeks ago. In that time from total beginner to reasonably good keyboard user I have gained the final 100 points and now am 2000 rated and never playing ultra again, maybe I will play on a different account but this account lies dormant. The thing is I don't feel like I'm any better or quicker, I just have a massive advantage against fellow 1900's who are not using the extension.

All of this being said here is my true and genuine question for players who use and approve of the keyboard extension. Why is it fair and a benefit to the lichess ultrabullet scene and lichess in general, and why should it not be banned for giving an unfair advantage? I ask this genuinely and go into it with an open mind and am willing to listen to others views, but I am confident I am not alone in my opinions and would like to have an honest conversation with those who believe that the keyboard extension is a fair and positive to this great site that we all love and enjoy.

Hi there sorry for the long post in advance, just wanted to set the scene as best I can. I developed an unhealthy addiction to ultrabullet about a year ago and worked my way up from about 1400 to 1900 in about 8 months of time. However for the next 3 months I was completely unable to to improve any further due to the speed at which other players were able to play seemingly random moves instantly and win despite being constantly outplayed. I knew what the keyboard extension was but didn't see the appeal of it and thought it would not make a huge difference, but I gradually realised that the only way I could keep up with the players was to learn how to use it about 2 weeks ago. In that time from total beginner to reasonably good keyboard user I have gained the final 100 points and now am 2000 rated and never playing ultra again, maybe I will play on a different account but this account lies dormant. The thing is I don't feel like I'm any better or quicker, I just have a massive advantage against fellow 1900's who are not using the extension. All of this being said here is my true and genuine question for players who use and approve of the keyboard extension. Why is it fair and a benefit to the lichess ultrabullet scene and lichess in general, and why should it not be banned for giving an unfair advantage? I ask this genuinely and go into it with an open mind and am willing to listen to others views, but I am confident I am not alone in my opinions and would like to have an honest conversation with those who believe that the keyboard extension is a fair and positive to this great site that we all love and enjoy.

#2

kaissa44

#3

@declan44441 I don't play ultrabullet, so I have no need for the keyboard extension, but here is my point of view on why somebody would want to use it:
Chess, by nature is a slow game. That is how it is meant to be played. Those who play ultrabullet are in reality, not playing chess: they are using their mouse as fast as they can. They are playing a hand game, not a mind game. Lichess defines cheating as anything that helps you with calculation or suggests moves, which there is no need to do in ultrabullet- you can hang your queen multiple times and still destroy your opponent. Because they are not using anything to assist them with moves, they are not cheating. That's why Lichess hasn't banned it- a speed advantage is not the advantage you want.

@declan44441 I don't play ultrabullet, so I have no need for the keyboard extension, but here is my point of view on why somebody would want to use it: Chess, by nature is a slow game. That is how it is meant to be played. Those who play ultrabullet are in reality, not playing chess: they are using their mouse as fast as they can. They are playing a hand game, not a mind game. Lichess defines cheating as anything that helps you with calculation or suggests moves, which there is no need to do in ultrabullet- you can hang your queen multiple times and still destroy your opponent. Because they are not using anything to assist them with moves, they are not cheating. That's why Lichess hasn't banned it- a speed advantage is not the advantage you want.

Darksouls

#4

i dont play ultrabullet or bullet that often but i don't view the keyboard extension as cheating, it will come to a point where the only way to play it and be competitive is with the extension... so the solution would be to just not play that time control if you feel your opponent has an unfair advantage