All,

Just finishing up my first year of chess.com and USCF membership. I joined for the magazine and ability to play rated games online (USCF) but the magazine is way overkill for me, and email chess games are no fun as server chess is only way to go. Anyway, as I would like to spend 70 dollars wisely, what am I missing if I drop my USCF membership? Besides the ability to have a USCF rating?

Lastly, I dont play OTB tournaments, but would like to in the future. Is this a reason to keep Chess.com AND USCF?

Thx. Mez

Only to play OTB tournaments (As far as I know)

But i would highly recomend trying it, it is an incredible experience, and nothing (Except maybe a professional coach) will help you learn faster than competition, where its concentrate, learn, and adapt, or lose.

I see you live in Houston, so there should be one starting soon, most big cities have at least a couple a year.

you miss out on the opportunity to support this organization -> http://uschess.blogspot.com/

take a read and see what you think of how the USCF manages your money :)

To play in USCF sanctioned OTB you will need a USCF membership and probably a state membership too. I think you might be able to get a USCF membership that lets you play OTB but no mag. Should be less expensive.

Eric,

I wouldnt really skip the Chess.com cause I think a community is the real value of this place, and I will likely upgrade soon. I guess I will read that forum topic as well.