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Subject: Re: Can Anybody Give Me Info About Playchess.Com?(NT)

Author: Richard J Allbert

Date: 00:16:02 09/28/04

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On September 28, 2004 at 00:33:24, Bernie Shapiro wrote:

>.

Playchess.com ...

I've used it for two years, but recently changed to the ICC. The playchess
interface is excellent - the same as the Fritz GUI. It is far better than the
ICC alternative, Blitzin. Another advantage of Playchess is the menu system -
more user friendly than the Blitzin console driven interface, which takes a
while to get used to. Every day, tournaments are held with prizes, along with
many private tournaments. There is also an engine room for playing engine vs
engine matches (if you have a copy of Fritz). The server also offers lectures
and simultaneous displays.

However, the ICC is a better server - the live broadcasts are handled in a more
professional manner (designated commentator, accurate timings) - as opposed to
Playchess, which relies on someone logging in and copying moves from the host
site.

The help facility on the ICC is better than Playchess - once you are used to the
console interface, you can ask any question and a designated team of helpers
answer your query. I can't stress enough how good the help team, and associated
files are. The material dwarfs the Playchess support. (it needs to be though,
considering the interface).

Another advantage is that there are more players on ICC throughout a 24 hr
period, and many more GM's, than Playchess and players seem to be more sporting
on the ICC - after nearly every game on ICC, your receive amessage from the
opponent thanking you for the game - a rare occurrence on Playchess.

So,

Playchess (vs ICC) - nice looks, great interface, fewer GM'S, poor help
facility, fewer players, poor broadcasting.

I hope this helps,

Richard



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