Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:19 am by talapia
I just want to say that I like chesscube. From what I've seen it seems better than the other sites in terms of look and feel, navigation and overall playing experience. I've been on several other chess sites and feel the cube is the best. I'm glad that chesscube caters to the free crowd. Eventually freeloaders may convert to paying, sometimes sooner, sometimes slower. I hope chesscube is profitable enough to satisfy the shareholders, whoever they may be.
What I like about chesscube has everything to do with the programming and design. I amassed enough cubits through successful wagers that I bought the Condal chess set, which I really like, and the Funk sound effects, and the dark crimson background. I like being able to customize my view that way. I think the Condal set is the best one by far. I definitely feel that 2-D is the way to go with online chess. I have some difficulty manipulating 3-D sets and feel that 2-D is more appealing visually.
I also like the fact that the admins are moderate and not quick to ban people for odd reasons. I do support the no-cheating rule. It is sad that people feel the need to use a chess program in order to win dirty, just to flatter their ego or whatever. I don't know how to solve that problem, but it is a pernicious one that threatens the game that I love to play.
Unfortunately, I think due to the risk of cheaters, many higher-rated players avoid long games nowadays and play blitz chess, which does nothing for instruction. I like to watch other people's games, but at ten minutes, even the better players do not often play in a manner that will teach or inspire. There are probably some exceptions to that generalization.
I like long games, which may be out of step with current trends, which again are motivated mainly by the cheat-risk. Despite the risk of cheating, I still like long games. If I lose to cheaters, well then, that's just too bad, but on the other hand, I am exercising my brain, and they are achieving nothing. It seems to me, I come out ahead, even if I lose, whereas all they get in return are rating points and bragging rights. Let them brag. In the long run they are just wasting their own time and not gaining anything, unless that is, there are stakes (wagers) involved, which does change the scenario.
Here's what I'd like to see on ChessCube very much: more options for medium-long games. There is quite a jump between 15 minutes and 25 + 10. How about 15 + 15, 20 + 10, 30 + 10, and 40 + 10? Note that these options are still less than the longest game (60 min). The option to add 10 to 15 seconds for each move is great, because it avoids sudden death, which frequently robs a hard-working chessplayer of a well-deserved victory. Of the above suggestions, if I could just pick one time parameter to be added, it would be 15 + 15, which is short, but provides some protection from sudden death.
Another thing I would like to see in Chesscube is more sound effects options. The only ones that seem at all pleasant are Funk and the default. The others are not really appealing in my opinion. Sound effects are pretty important, but sounds that resemble a video game or action movie probably are not the best choice for someone who is deep in concentration trying to find the best moves.
Third on my wish list would be an ability to view all active games. Currently, by looking at Live Games in the Cube Cafe, this is just about possible, but some people exit Cube Cafe or don't want to log into it. Users should be allowed not to log into a chatroom if they don't want to. I know Cube Cafe seems to be mandatory. But I like watching higher-ranked players play long games, because it is sometimes instructive, especially in regards openings.
Hope this helps!
