Online Chess Welcomers – FAQ Guide

The ChessWorld Welcomer system helps newcomers feel at home. Welcomers are experienced players who greet new members, offer first games, answer questions, and introduce site features. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about Welcomers.

Q. I've just joined ChessWorld. What is a Welcomer?

A Welcomer is usually the first player you meet on ChessWorld. They offer you your first game(s), answer questions, and guide you around the site. If unclear, check the FAQ pages or contact the HelpDesk.

Q. How can I become a Site Welcomer?

Full Members can opt in under My Stuff → My Details. You’ll be limited to a maximum of 10 Welcomer games in 24 hours. Guests who choose you as Welcomer also record you as their Referrer, meaning you may later receive subscription rewards.

Q. What should I do to become a better Welcomer?

Be proactive: start conversations with Guests, explain internet chess basics.
Play first moves reasonably quickly to encourage return visits.
Remind them ChessWorld is correspondence style, not live blitz.
Encourage them to check their email for move notifications.
Be mindful of language differences – keep communication simple and friendly.
Introduce them to features like unrated games or the Guest Pyramid.
Know your way around the User Guide, Welcome Pack, and FAQ pages.

Q. Are my Welcomer games rated?

Yes. All official Welcomer games are rated, giving Guest Members a genuine rated-game experience (normally unavailable outside Welcomer games and Guest Tournaments).

Q. I thought I had earned free months, but none were added. Why?

You earn two free months for each Guest you Welcomed who later pays a full annual subscription. Conditions:

You must be recorded as their Referrer.
The Guest must pay their own full annual subscription (extra multi-year discounts don’t apply).
Free months are credited automatically to extend or re-activate your membership.
Short-term complimentary membership does not qualify for free months.
Paying another person’s subscription via “Sponsor this Player” does not qualify.