Online Chess Forums & Features FAQ

The ChessWorld.net Forums and features such as puzzles, game annotations, BookFinder, Masters Collection, and spreadsheets give you multiple ways to learn, share, and improve. This page collects frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of the community.

Q. How can I represent a chess position in the forums?

Use position[FEN]. Example: Starting position = position[rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR].

Q. How can I post replayable games?

Enclose the move list in [[ ]]. Example: [[1.e4 c5 2.Nf3]]. Headers go outside the brackets.

Q. How do I use forum hints or quotes?

Hints: [hint]Your hint[/hint]. Quotes: click Quote under a post, or use [quote="user"] text [/quote].

Q. What forum shortcuts are available?

Use gm=100000 for game 100000. Other codes: tm (team), pl (player), ko (knockout), pu (puzzle), and more.

Q. Why can’t I post or why was my post rejected?

Full access is for Full Members. Posts may be rejected if they contain offensive terms, spam, or blocked substrings (e.g. “script” inside a word).

Q. How can I search or subscribe to forums?

Use keyword search on Forums ... Latest Posts, or the Google™ powered box. Subscribe/unsubscribe with the button at the top of a forum.

Q. How do I report offensive content?

Click the “report to Helpdesk” link at the top of a thread. Provide clear details so Admins can act quickly.

Q. How do I request or create game annotations?

On My Completed Games click Request. You can annotate games yourself, add comments, variations, and visual markers (arrows, circles, squares).

Q. Can I use engines for annotations?

Yes, after the game. Engines are prohibited during live play but allowed for post-game analysis if explained clearly.

Q. How do ChessWorld puzzles work?

Puzzle types: Rated Interactive, Unrated Interactive, Normal (non-interactive), and Play vs Computer. Solve, retry, and track weaknesses.

Q. Can I create puzzles?

Yes, if your rating ≥1600. Use Improve ... Puzzles → Rated Puzzle system → Create new puzzle.

Q. What is the Masters Collection?

A database of 2+ million master games. Features include Learn from the Masters, Play like the Masters, ECO navigator, endgame search, brilliancies, and more.

Q. How can I search the Masters Collection?

Quick search by player, ECO, tournament, year, PGN, or move pattern. Advanced search allows detailed filters.

Q. How do I export or import PGN files?

Use Export Game PGN on completed games. Save as text and import into apps like ChessBase, Fritz, or other PGN readers.

Q. What is the BookFinder?

Search for chess books, see collections owned by Members, add books to your homepage, and request/write reviews.

Q. Can I use ChessWorld spreadsheets?

Yes. Export pipe-delimited text or use Google Sheets templates to track your games and data.

Q. What are ChessWorld tags?

Tags label games (e.g., “Sacrifice,” “Endgame”). Add them to games in the Masters Collection for easy retrieval.

Q. What is the Suggestions Lightbulb Icon?

A recognition for Members who propose useful site improvements. Sometimes awarded via the Goodies feature.

👉 For more on how to play, connect, and improve, return to our Online Chess hub page.