An introduction to Playchess version 5 – Part one

What’s a Premium account and what is so special about it? Over the years, Playchess has incorporated new technologies to provide users with a cutting-edge, online experience. We are talking about simuls, audio and video lectures, audio and video commentary of live games and others, and TV Chessbase to name but a few. All these are available at no extra cost to Premium subscribers.

The new software also brings a much needed update of the previous free version of Playchess, and even if you aren’t interested in the multimedia content, you will certainly enjoy the facelift inside, the high-quality 3D sets (if your hardware can handle it), the ability to view multiple boards at the same time when following live tournament broadcasts, the Best Game button, to instantly start watching the highest rated game being played at that moment on the server, and many other features.

Still, enough talking about what is inside the candy store, let me show you how to get in.

1. Getting the new Playchess

The first thing to do is to go to the Playchess.com page and download the latest software by clicking on the link.

Once downloaded, just install it, and if it asks to reboot your computer, do so.

2. Creating an account

Now let's set up an account if you don't have one. You'll see this is very simple, and you'll be able to customize it to make it as personal as you want.

First double-click on the desktop icon to start the program, and then click on Login. A window will open asking you for your account name.

Since we don't have one, let us create one together. The first thing is to choose a name for yourself. Here I'll call myself SneaksyTricksy. Type in the name you chose in the top space, then click on the Create New Player Name as shown in the diagram below.

3. Setting up the account

As soon as you do this, Playchess will launch, and it will show a small window inside asking you for the rest of your information. The strict minimum to get started is to provide your name and your e-mail,

but I'll also show you how to add where you are from, and a picture.

• Adding a picture – When you add a picture to your profile, people will see it when they play against you, or when they look up your profile. To add a picture, click on Change Picture below the large white square.

  

• Choosing your location – One of the wonders of playing online is that you can and will play against people from all over the world. By choosing a location, the Playchess client will not only add your country's flag, but even show how far away other players are from you. This process is very simple and will only take a few clicks of your time. First click on Find Coordinates

  

Players who are online appear as a red dot on the global map of Playchess

4. Choosing password

Now that you've chosen a nickname, and given your info, you are good to go, and can click Ok. The final step will be to choose a password for your account. Choose a password, type it again, and if there is a hint or clue to remind you what it is, type it in.

If you forget your password you can ask the Playchess server for a password hint. This will be sent to the email address you have given in your "User data" form above. Naturally your email address will never be displayed anywhere and or passed on to anyone or any third party (we hate spammers as much as you). It is only used so the server can send you your password or any other vital information relating to your activities on Playchess.

5. Have fun!

Albert Silver