Do you play better when you are part of a team? I'm not certain about myself, but I know that joining a team has usually raised my rating. It happened at one of those other sites that served as a prototype for Chess.com, and joining Chess Association (now closing in on 1000 members) boosted my rating here.

It definitely do.  I tend to get bored with turn based and make silly mistakes in the end game or once I'm up a peice or two, but when it's a team match I stay focused (usually). 

I think the team concept is the best feature here.

I think you can learn a great deal when you are part of a team Ziryab... you meet more people and can gain from their knowledge. I know when I started the Group Chess Nuts, it was great to watch the big guns in action in the Vote Chess Games... Especially the Speed Vote Chess Tournament Games. So far we haven't lost and I am trying to learn from these champs! Inbetween all the admin work that is..

Speaking of Speed Vote Chess Games, there is one on right now.. which I better rush back to!! We MUST beat Power of Chess!

I think I have improved by being in my group KCM due to experts in my team. They tutor me and I also learn from them through vote chess.

Chess Association is closing in on 1000 members. Who will be the 1000th?

Don't know Ziryab... but I bet Chess Association couldn't beat us, Chess Nuts, in a vote chess game ... we remain undefeated, and against some top teams... including Power of Chess, with over 1000 members....

Just proves size isn't everything