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ChessWorld - Preferences FAQ's

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Preferences

My Stuff ... My Login

Q. What does the Auto-login feature do?

If no one else uses your computer to visit ChessWorld you may wish to check this option, which will log you in every time without the need to enter your Nickname or password. However, if you share your access to ChessWorld with other members of your family, or friends, you should always leave this option unchecked.

If you ever play, or intend to use, an alternative computer (e.g. public access terminals in cafes or workplaces), you should never use this option. You risk that anyone may access your account and make moves on your behalf!

If you want to opt out of the Auto-login feature at any time either:
- uncheck the Auto-login box on the My Stuff ... My Login page before you log out,
or,
- click on the link in the line You have auto-login enabled currently. Click here if you want to remove auto-login which appears at the bottom of the ChessWorld Logout Page.

Q. What does the Keep feature do?

If no one else uses your computer to visit ChessWorld you may wish to check this option, which will make it easier for you to login every time you visit ChessWorld. This option stores your full login details in a cookie held on your current computer so that you can login with one click. However, if you share your access to ChessWorld with others, you should leave this option unchecked.

If you log in using a different computer, you will have to re-enter your full login details. Cookies are not transferred across machines.

Q. Which Start page should I select?

This is your choice. However, many Members prefer the Game Board option, as it shows the game waiting longest for a response. From there, you can make your move or switch to other games.

If you are not a Team Member, the second option isn’t relevant. But if you participate in Pyramid Tournaments, the list of current players can help you find good opponents.

It’s not possible to select other start pages at login, but you can use your browser's Bookmark feature. Note: bookmarking an old game page may not be ideal after that game finishes. See Q. Why does an old game keep appearing as soon as I log in? for details.

You can change your selected start page anytime, which will take effect on your next login.

The available options may change at our discretion.

My Stuff ... My Moves

Q. How can I configure My Moves?

The following options allow you considerable flexibility in how you manage your game load.

Move action

- Show adjusted board position (default)
- Move automatically to the next waiting game
- Go to current game list
- Go to current game list - summary

We suggest the default action suits most Members, but for fastest movement select the Move automatically... option.

Current Games List - order by...

- Time left
- Your turn and least time left
- Opponent’s turn and least time left
- Time left – your turn first then Opponent
- Player strength
- Move length descending
- Move length descending – your turn
- Move length ascending
- Move length ascending – your turn
- Latest moves played
- Game number

Your personal preferences may be selected from this list. A useful way to check games nearing the time limit is to order by Opponent’s turn....

Move highlighting

- Don't highlight your last move, but highlight last move of the game
- Highlight your last move and the last game move (default)

Move score

- Don’t show the move score for the game
- Show the movelog in ASCENDING move order (see a)
- Show the movelog in DESCENDING move order (see b)
- Show in ‘very’ shorthand PGN (see c)
- Shorthand PGN descending (see d)
- PGN standard
- Figurine notation (see e)

(a)
1.
2.
3.
e4
d4
Bc4
e5
d6
Nf6

The appearance of the movelog on the left-hand side of the Game Board may be a useful reminder of the game’s progress.

Certain options also show a small search box under the buttons.

Move confirmation

- Do not ask for any move information
- Instant move preview confirmation

The Instant move preview option helps avoid mistakes—moves are shown before confirming.

If you chose Instant move preview confirmation above, then select...

- 'Msg' button will only message the opponent
- 'Msg' button will also confirm move when using 'Instant move preview'

Be careful: Clicking

 Msg  may also confirm the move!

Conditional (If ... then) Moves

- No conditional moves
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5

- I do NOT want to receive or send conditional (if-then) moves
- Yes
- No

Q. Why does the movelog display appear to show an error or is ambiguous?

If you choose the Show a *very* shorthand PGN option, there may occasionally be a minor ambiguity. To resolve this, click the

 Export game PGN  button shown beside the game.

My Stuff ... My Details

Q. How can I change my Country or Flag?

You can change your choice of country which will then automatically change the Flag as currently displayed. If you select certain countries (currently Australia, Canada or the United States), then you can also choose an appropriate State or Province Flag.

Q. Can I change my password?

Yes. Simply go to Enter new password and enter your chosen new password, using any combination of alphanumeric characters, then re-enter it once more for confirmation. Finally, press

 Submit .

Choose a password that’s easy for you, but not others, to remember. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, and numbers. Avoid confusing characters like ‘1’ vs ‘l’ or ‘0’ vs ‘O’.

Never publish your password on forums or game boards. If needed for support, contact the HelpDesk confidentially.

If you use a shared computer, make sure to uncheck the Keep and Auto-login boxes when logging in.

The security of your account is your sole responsibility!
Q. What happens if I click on the Email My Password link?

If you've forgotten your password, this link sends you two emails — one plain text, one HTML. Each contains a secure link to reset your password.

Plain Text Version: May contain two links. If they don’t work when clicked, copy-paste them into your browser. They are interchangeable.

HTML Version: Usually includes a clickable reset link.

Use the Enter your Password box on the reset page to set your new password and click

 Reset Password .

Note: The link is valid for 24 hours. After that, request a new email via the same link.

Q. Can I change my nickname?

Yes — but only during a limited new-member period. If the *Please choose nicknames ... box is available, use it to change your nickname.

After this period, you must wait 60 days before another change, and you must request it via HelpDesk. All decisions are final.

Use only alphanumeric characters. You may use an underscore ( _ ) to represent spaces. Avoid diacritical marks or symbols that may lock you out of your account.

Make sure to remember your new nickname precisely — especially spacing, underscores, and numbers like '1' vs 'l', or '0' vs 'O'.

Offensive nicknames violate our Terms and Conditions and may be forcibly changed or removed.

Q. Can I change my nickname if I joined via Google+ or Facebook?

Yes. If you joined via SSO (Single Sign-On), your real name may be used as a nickname. You may change this for anonymity, like regular members.

If the option is no longer available, contact the HelpDesk with your reason. After change, your new nickname appears automatically during SSO login and replaces your public name.

Q. How can I remove or replace comments on my homepage?

To remove or update your comments, replace them with a space or a single period ( . ), then press

 Submit .

If you delete the text without replacing it and press submit, the changes will not be saved.

My Stuff ... My Homepage

Q. How can I add images or links to my homepage Comments?

You may post images or links to your homepage, subject to copyright restrictions. A limited subset of HTML tags is allowed.

Please note: Any embedded code or material that, in our judgment, adversely affects ChessWorld functionality or violates our Terms and Conditions will be removed without prior notice.

You are solely responsible for any embedded code and its impact.

Q. What should I do before I upload a picture to my Homepage?

Visit the My Stuff ... My Details page and click the Upload your photo link just below your Country flag.

Requirements:

  • Format: .jpg or .gif only
  • File size: max 50k (use picresize.com if needed)
  • Width ≤ 300px; Height ≤ 300px (unless pre-approved)

Your image must be on your computer — external links are not allowed.

Restrictions:

  • No offensive, racist, or inappropriate content
  • You must own the copyright or have permission
  • ChessWorld is not liable for copyright issues

If uploading takes longer than 2–3 minutes, abort and recheck your image and connection.

Approved images are usually live within 24 hours.

My Stuff ... My Email

Q. How can I configure My Email?

This page allows you to select how ChessWorld handles your account email settings.

Email address to notify you when opponents move:

We use the address you provide to send notifications and important messages. Use an asterisk (*) if you no longer want notifications and submit the form.

Turn Chess Move Email on:

Enable this to receive alerts for opponent moves. Ensure your email client allows messages from chessworld@gmail.com.

Need help? Visit the Email FAQ section.

Member information notification preferences:

  • ☑ Receive game invitations
  • ☑ Receive team invitations
  • ☑ Receive tournament invitations
  • ☒ Opt out of periodical newsletters
  • ☒ Opt out of flash bulletins

These options help control your inbox volume. Select only what’s useful to you.

My Stuff ... My Interface

Q. Can I change the way the ChessWorld pages appear on my computer?

Yes. You can customize many aspects of the site interface, including menu layout and the analysis board style. Just make your changes, scroll to the bottom, and click

 Submit .

We recommend making a note of your current setup before experimenting with alternatives — that way you can easily restore your preferred look.

Note: Some configuration options are available to Full Members only.

Q. Can I change the appearance or size of the board on the Play page?

Yes! There are multiple ways to control the board appearance:

  • Browser Zoom: Press CTRL + + to enlarge, CTRL + 0 to reset.
  • Fixed Board Size: Choose between 320px or 400px square. Limited color options available.
  • Resizable Boards: 26 color themes available. Coordinate overlays optional with 5 matching styles.

To resize: On the Play page, use the + Board Size - controls under the board, then click Store to save your size preference.

Piece Styles: Choose from 19 different styles, including a blindfold mode. These styles apply to the main play board only, not the Analyse or Play Through boards (which have limited style options).

Q. Can I change or remove the Pie Chart display?

Yes, you can update this from the My Stuff … My Interface page.

To disable the Pie Charts, set all three color values to 0.

To customize the colors, enter a 6-digit hexadecimal value (e.g., FF0000 for red). Optionally, add two extra hex digits for transparency:

  • FF = fully opaque (e.g., 00FF00FF is solid green)
  • 00 = fully transparent (e.g., 00FF0000)

Changes will be visible on your Homepage and Rating Information page.

Q. Can I remove the underline from the hyperlinks on ChessWorld?

By default, hyperlinks on ChessWorld are underlined on hover. You can remove this underline effect using your browser settings.

Go to Hyperlink Settings on the My Stuff ... My Interface page and select Use Browser settings to let your browser control link styles. For browser-specific instructions, consult your browser documentation.

Q. How can I change the default colors?

Use the Color Chart or the Color Selector icon next to each setting to change interface colors.

The Color Selector allows you to choose visually or enter hexadecimal color codes. After choosing your colors, click

OK and then
Submit at the bottom of the page.

If you're looking to change table highlight colors, see the question below on table highlights.

Be cautious when changing background or font colors to ensure text and buttons remain readable.

My Stuff ... My Current Games

Q. How can I use the My Current Games page?

You can view your current games in three different display modes:

  • Detailed: Multi-line display with optional thumbnail.
  • Summary: Compact, single-line display.
  • Position: Thumbnail preview always shown.

Use the toggle at the top left of the page to switch between views. To keep your selection across all sessions, use the For all logins keep this view setting at the bottom of the page.

You can also sort your game list by:

  • Time Left
  • Your Turn with Least Time Left
  • Opponent’s Turn with Least Time Left
  • Move Length (Ascending/Descending)
  • Player Strength
  • Latest Moves Played
  • Game Number
  • Opening (ECO) Code
  • Endgame Priority

Some sorting options (marked ** in the original FAQ) can only be used for the current session and must be re-selected on each login.

Note: Time stamps are approximate. For accurate details on time limits, especially for variable-time games, see: Q. What is the '10 in 50' Variable Time Limit and how does it work?

Q. Why is the Cache option provided?

When enabled, your Current Games list is cached locally on your computer. This means it will load instantly (in the selected sort order) without needing to fetch updated data from the server.

This can be useful if you have many games or prefer faster page loads. Selected games will be visually distinguished using a different color for reference.

To configure this, visit: My Stuff ... My Moves

Q. What does the Send Reminders message do?

Clicking this link will send an automatic email to any opponent who hasn’t moved in the last 10 days. You’ll see a list confirming recipients such as:

Reminder sent to: Opponent #1  
Reminder sent to: Opponent #2  
...  
Reminders have been sent
  

The email looks like:

Hello there,
[Your username] would be very pleased if you could resume your game of chess at www.letsplaychess.com

Please return to ChessWorld.net and resume playing your game(s) with them.

This function is not selective—you cannot choose individual players. If you prefer sending reminders manually, use the Leave [Opponent] a message feature on their homepage.

Q. How can I change table highlight colors?

Click the Customise Colors link (within the search options box) to view pre-defined table color themes. Choose by clicking the swatch link beside each sample.

To revert, simply choose Default Highlights.

Make sure your color choices maintain legibility—some background/text combinations can make content unreadable.