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scandium · 03-21-06, 11:28 PM

Bump it to add that I've been playing online (mainly on the Free Internet Chess Server using the same username I use here) since '95 due to a shortage of "over the board" opponents where I've lived. In that time I've played over 5,000 blitz games, many slower games, and dabbled in some of variants and found that online cheating, at least on the server I play on, is extremely rare.

I've also done some tournament directing and related work with one of the online chess leagues that runs regular tournaments on FICS and ICC where games are scrupulously examined for cheating.

All in all, in this whole online experience I know of only a few confirmed cases and a few more suspected cases, where computer assistance was used.

The reality on the better servers, and I'd imagine it'd be the same on a forum like this one, is that the vast majority of people don't use computer assistance. Really there is no benefit because there's no satisfaction that you gain winning on your own, or insighs gained from the playing experience combined with any post-game discussion and analysis that can show where your thinking was 'right' and where it went wrong.

I think there's room here for a chess forum as with so many members and such a good atmosphere this is an ideal host, plus many of the sims we play are not so different from chess and the two attract a lot of the same players.

Lastly: I generally agree with what skybird suggested and would summarize (adding my own thoughts) that a good format for such a forum should contain:

- Stickies outlining the general rules of play as adopted for a forum format like this along with some useful links to online resources where you can learn more about the game.

- I think stickying the games themselves, at least the ones in progress, is probably a good idea too as it would show at a glance what's on the go and make it easier to observe live games.

- Computer engine assistance (analysis, hints, etc) should be forbidden however the usage of books and/or databases should be upto the players themselves provided both parties agree on this in advance (these are commonly allowed in correspondence and email chess, as pointed out by skybird).

- Players should also stipulate any time restrictions they are under before the game commences, otherwise I think it should be assumed that the rate will generally be at 1 or more moves per day/every other day, where possible, but at times may only be a move every two or three days as other RL tasks intrude and/or a position becomes complex. If one player is prevented somehow from making a move for a period of more than 7 days then the opponent should be notified at the earliest opportunity with an idea of when play may begin again.

- Also second skybird's thoughts that outside commentary should be welcome provided that no comments are made on the position itself while the game is in progress, and no hints, suggestions, or advice given to either player.

- An accepted notation (algebraic being most common these days) should be used to record the moves with the optional use of diagrams illustrating the position encouraged but not mandatory.

That's a pretty basic framework but about all that I think is necessary for a successful chess forum, should we be granted one. I'd add to that that the possible success of such a forum shouldn't be judged solely on how active it is in a non chess labeled forum like General Topics. I'd wager the chess players on the forums number at least into the hundreds but that only a few of them visit General Topics with any regularity.

Long post but wanted to finally add my own thoughts in this thread.

03-21-06, 11:28 PM	#14
scandium Ace of the Deep Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,098 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Bump it to add that I've been playing online (mainly on the Free Internet Chess Server using the same username I use here) since '95 due to a shortage of "over the board" opponents where I've lived. In that time I've played over 5,000 blitz games, many slower games, and dabbled in some of variants and found that online cheating, at least on the server I play on, is extremely rare. I've also done some tournament directing and related work with one of the online chess leagues that runs regular tournaments on FICS and ICC where games are scrupulously examined for cheating. All in all, in this whole online experience I know of only a few confirmed cases and a few more suspected cases, where computer assistance was used. The reality on the better servers, and I'd imagine it'd be the same on a forum like this one, is that the vast majority of people don't use computer assistance. Really there is no benefit because there's no satisfaction that you gain winning on your own, or insighs gained from the playing experience combined with any post-game discussion and analysis that can show where your thinking was 'right' and where it went wrong. I think there's room here for a chess forum as with so many members and such a good atmosphere this is an ideal host, plus many of the sims we play are not so different from chess and the two attract a lot of the same players. Lastly: I generally agree with what skybird suggested and would summarize (adding my own thoughts) that a good format for such a forum should contain: - Stickies outlining the general rules of play as adopted for a forum format like this along with some useful links to online resources where you can learn more about the game. - I think stickying the games themselves, at least the ones in progress, is probably a good idea too as it would show at a glance what's on the go and make it easier to observe live games. - Computer engine assistance (analysis, hints, etc) should be forbidden however the usage of books and/or databases should be upto the players themselves provided both parties agree on this in advance (these are commonly allowed in correspondence and email chess, as pointed out by skybird). - Players should also stipulate any time restrictions they are under before the game commences, otherwise I think it should be assumed that the rate will generally be at 1 or more moves per day/every other day, where possible, but at times may only be a move every two or three days as other RL tasks intrude and/or a position becomes complex. If one player is prevented somehow from making a move for a period of more than 7 days then the opponent should be notified at the earliest opportunity with an idea of when play may begin again. - Also second skybird's thoughts that outside commentary should be welcome provided that no comments are made on the position itself while the game is in progress, and no hints, suggestions, or advice given to either player. - An accepted notation (algebraic being most common these days) should be used to record the moves with the optional use of diagrams illustrating the position encouraged but not mandatory. That's a pretty basic framework but about all that I think is necessary for a successful chess forum, should we be granted one. I'd add to that that the possible success of such a forum shouldn't be judged solely on how active it is in a non chess labeled forum like General Topics. I'd wager the chess players on the forums number at least into the hundreds but that only a few of them visit General Topics with any regularity. Long post but wanted to finally add my own thoughts in this thread.