I play on FICS, and I generally don't have too much problems playing games with slow time control (30 30, 60 0...). Today I've tried ICC (free for 7 days), as I'm writting this message, my 60 0 seek is still unanswered after one hour. Also, I missed BabasChess a lot (dascher doesn't seem to be a very flexible interface).
I'm not trying to attack ICC, I've heard many people say it's way better than FICS, but why ?
Originally posted by FreidenkerWell, the reason your seek is unanswered is probably because you're a non sub there, and thus can only play unrated games - and pretty much nobody on ICC plays those anymore.
I play on FICS, and I generally don't have too much problems playing games with slow time control (30 30, 60 0...). Today I've tried ICC (free for 7 days), as I'm writting this message, my 60 0 seek is still unanswered after one hour. Also, I missed BabasChess a lot (dascher doesn't seem to be a very flexible interface).
I'm not trying to attack ICC, I've heard many people say it's way better than FICS, but why ?
I've asked subscribers to ICC if it's worth it (I asked for the student price, IDK if you're a student though) and got a resounding yes.
My thought is - if you can afford it, why not?
Of course, you'll want to make sure you like it enough to make use of it.
And if you like live events, etc. you'll like it MUCH more than FICS because of the relays. You'll also find many more Masters+ on ICC/Playchess than on FICS.
Originally posted by FreidenkerNo clue, sorry.
It was rated 60 0. And I finally got a player 🙂
Anyway, I'll think about it, but it's really a shame BabasChess can't be used on ICC.
BTW, I'm rated between 1650-1700 on FICS, do you have any idea what my rating might be on ICC ?
See if ICC has a monthly payment option - that way you can check it out.
I agree. If you can afford it then yes. The student price is very nice. The regular price isn't bad either.There is a lot there other than playing chess also. I don't know why you couldn't use Babas for ICC. Just change the server and port.
A lot of people won't play unrated which is why you're not getting accepted.
Originally posted by giantrobotYeah I'm 99% sure that's why he didn't get a match - I'm surprised he got one at all actually!
I agree. If you can afford it then yes. The student price is very nice. The regular price isn't bad either.There is a lot there other than playing chess also. I don't know why you couldn't use Babas for ICC. Just change the server and port.
A lot of people won't play unrated which is why you're not getting accepted.
I think you can use Babas Chess with robots method too...
Dasher's supposed to be nice, with any interface it takes time to adjust.
I would say that if you are interested to play standard time control games, ICC is better option than FICS. Your problem is common among people who are on their freeweek period. Most players have formulas that prevent them to see seeks from players who haven't played 20+ games (=have provisional ratings) or are on their freeweek.
There are few online chessclubs and leagues that are very active on ICC.
- LeChessClub http://www.lechess.com/
- STC http://www.stcbunch.net/
- 4545 League http://team4545league.org/
If you want more functional interface than dasher, you should use Blitzin (http://www.chessclub.com/helpcenter/interface/blitzin_download.php).
HTH
It has definitely been worth it for me. I highly recommend it if you're running Windows. If you decide to upgrade to a Mac, (like I just did) my recommendation is mixed. ICC offers no officially supported client for OS X. Although there is JIN, Chessic and others, it would be nice to have the real thing. That's why I run Blitzin through Crossover 6.0 on my Mac.
I just signed up for my 7 day trial, I wanted to see what the hype was all about and I wanted to maybe check out a private lesson. IMO the interface is pretty good. I like the seek graph and I've had no trouble really getting games and all the OTHER benefits that they offer can be taken advantage of in the meantime (watching grand masters, the videos, instruction, practice bots, etc.)
I also took 2...2 Hour lessons from a FM for pretty cheap and believe it or not, my game has improved quite a bit! (not to say much as I'm still horrible)
I am definitely going to sign up.
At shorter time controls it has indeed become harder to get a game through usual seeks on ICC compared to a few years ago. The reason is the 'new' 1-minute and 5-minute features.
Sign in, enter '1' or '5' and within seconds you will have a game going against a random player more or less matched with your rating.
Since this is so practical many people seem to have abandoned the 'usual' way of finding games, I know I have.
At longer time controls there can be problems to find an opponent, but usually you will get a game quite fast. Having an non-provisional rating helps. To get a real rating fast with standard time controls you can play a few 20 minute games which are easier to find opponents with.
I can for sure say ICC is worth it if you compare with FICS.