Stigma wrote on 06/12/18 at 15:39:30:
ChessIsWar wrote on 06/12/18 at 13:38:03:
- ICC has fallen off the map. No shock here at this point.
Sad to hear that. I've played most of my online chess on the ICC, but now I haven't played online blitz at all for a year (and only rarely the last couple of years before that). I can't say I noticed any lack of available opponents the last time I was active there, so it must have happened fast.
ChessIsWar wrote on 06/12/18 at 13:38:03:
- PlayChess is the most difficult server at any time control.
You mean "difficult" as in easy to find strong opponents? Sounds like that's my new go-to place in that case. I only tried it briefly years ago.
You didn't mention Chess24. I'm already paying for an account there (to watch the videos), so I might as well try playing there too. But I have no idea if it's easy to get games against expert and master level opponents there. (I'm looking mostly for blitz, and preferably with a small increment, but enjoy some bullet now and then too).
Thanks for the heads up about Chess24. This is the only site we're talking about here that I'm completely unfamiliar with so I'll make sure I give it a look here today.
Most of you on here are way, way beyond me. I'm at like 1400 rapid on Chess.com and 1600 classical on Lichess but those numbers will be rising fast and already are as I have been playing on and off for almost 4 years now and have just never devoted myself fully to the game as I was also playing poker full time during a large portion of this period. At this point, I've picked back up a Diamond to Chess.com, a Gold to ChessTempo, and will be renewing my PlayChess/Chessbase monthly premium. I live north of NYC currently and there are probably more opportunities for me to play within a 2 hour radius than if I lived anywhere else in the country so I've started looking at the kind of OTB tournaments I'm going to begin attending. I'm 36 now and have only played 2 rated USCF games and they were 3+ years ago when I first started and were against 1500+ players. I'm excited to start getting some legitimately competitive experience.
As for most difficult site: Yes, that's what I meant when I was talking about PlayChess. Both the blitz and long games there are by far the most challenging you'll find now. I'm by no means an expert at the game yet but I do know a lot about the software and sites available to us. I don't think you'll be anything less than quite pleased with PlayChess.
As said, I'm definitely looking into those Lichess leagues, too and appreciate the heads up on those, as well. Lastly, I'm looking into this online school to serve as the backbone of my studies (Chessmasterschooldotcom). If anyone has any experience or knowledge of this program please let me know as I haven't purchased the monthly yet but would like to within the next few days.