Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using ChessHere ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform. These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use the Platform.

2. Account Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must register for an account. When you register, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process.
• Maintain and promptly update your account information to keep it accurate and current.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your password and accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.
• Immediately notify ChessHere of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.
• Not create more than one account per person. Multiple accounts may be suspended or terminated.

You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account. By registering, you represent that you are at least 13 years old.

3. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. Specifically, you agree not to:

• Use chess engines or computer assistance during rated games. This includes but is not limited to Stockfish, Leela Chess Zero, or any other chess analysis software used to determine moves during an active game.
• Use any automated tools, bots, or scripts to interact with the Platform or play games on your behalf.
• Intentionally lose games (sandbagging) to manipulate your rating or another player's rating.
• Collude with other players to manipulate game outcomes or ratings.
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users through chat, usernames, or any other means.
• Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely claim an affiliation with any person or entity.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform, other accounts, or any computer systems or networks connected to the Platform.
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform or servers or networks connected to the Platform.

4. Game Rules and Conduct

All games played on ChessHere follow the standard rules of chess as defined by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), with the following platform-specific provisions:

• Time controls are enforced automatically. If your clock reaches zero, the game may be declared a loss (or a draw if your opponent has insufficient mating material).
• Players are expected to complete their games. Repeatedly abandoning games may result in temporary restrictions.
• Draw offers, resignations, and takebacks are handled through the Platform's interface.
• Ratings are calculated using the Glicko-2 system and are updated after each completed game.

5. Account Suspension and Termination

ChessHere reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account, at our sole discretion, without prior notice, for conduct that we determine:

• Violates these Terms or any applicable law.
• Is harmful to other users, third parties, or the business interests of ChessHere.
• Involves the use of chess engines or other forms of cheating.

You may also delete your own account at any time by contacting us through our support page.

6. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, features, and content (excluding user-generated content), is owned by ChessHere and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Game moves and game records created by users on the Platform belong to the players who played them. ChessHere retains the right to store, display, and analyze game data for the purposes of operating the Platform, generating statistics, and improving our services.

7. Limitation of Liability

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. ChessHere does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, ChessHere shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of data, ratings, or game history, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform.

8. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will make reasonable efforts to provide notice prior to the new terms taking effect, such as by posting a notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

9. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation, and if necessary, through binding arbitration or in the courts of competent jurisdiction.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through our support page.