Here are the absolute basics of what you need to know in order to play on the GrayMatter Ladder. I trust that you'll find this approach enjoyable - it is fun, flexible, and dynamic.
The goal of ladder competition is to move up the ladder. You start on the bottom rung and you move up (maybe even to the top!) by winning chess matches on CHESS.COM with players above you on the ladder.
All games are played on CHESS.COM - it is our 'home.' Additionally, we use a second site, GrayMatter's Ladder House, which - as the name implies - is where the ladder itself is kept. In the Ladder House you will always find who is on what rung (the 'standings'). It is also where the results of your ladder games are reported. There are tools in the Ladder House which automatically keep the ladder current and provide for great flexibility and dynamic ladder competition. To play on the ladder you must be part of the GrayMatter group on CHESS.COM and you must also sign up for the Ladder House (both are free).
A 'ladder challenge' is simply a request for a match which you make at CHESS.COM. You select someone listed on the ladder in the Ladder House as your opponent . You play the match on CHESS.COM and then when the game is over the loser goes to the Ladder House and reports the loss. You'll then find that the ladder standings have been immediately updated to reflect the outcome of your match.
It is up to you and your opponent to determine the details of your match: length of time allowed between moves (e.g. 2-day or 5-day, etc.), who plays which color, whether it is a rated or unrated match, starting position, etc. You can even choose to play it as a 'live chess' match. The only requirement is that when you set up the challenge you identify the match as a "GrayMatter Ladder" game (or something similar) so it is clear to everyone that it is part of a ladder match.
You may challenge anyone you choose on the ladder via a regular challenge on CHESS.COM (for a 'formal challenge' please check this out). You may challenge and play multiple players on the ladder at the same time. You may also accept challenges from multiple players at the same time. There is great flexibility to compete at your own pace.
With certain exceptions, the person you challenge can refuse or ignore your challenge for any reason whatsoever. Many players don't want to play too many games at once, so don't be surprised if a challenge is occasionally ignored. Just go ahead and challenge someone else. Occasionally you may find players on the ladder who are inactive or even some (especially those near the top) who may (unfairly) refuse challenges simply in an effort to keep their position on the ladder. In order to provide everyone a fair shot at moving on up the ladder there is a special way to challenge someone (called a "Formal Challenge") which forces them to either accept a match or suffer penalties. Details about this unusual type of challenge are found elsewhere. Normally you will not need to use the Formal Challenge. You should have little problem finding a good game on the GrayMatter Ladder.
After the game is over the loser goes to the Ladder House and reports the loss using the "Report Loss" tab on the "Standings" page.
There you have it the abolute basics. Please see GrayMatter Ladder - The Most You Need to Know for more details - especially if something doesn't go as you expect. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Good chess to one and all - in the 'Spirit' of GrayMatter Chess of course!
GrayMatter Ladder - The Least You Need To Know
Here are the absolute basics of what you need to know in order to play on the GrayMatter Ladder. I trust that you'll find this approach enjoyable - it is fun, flexible, and dynamic.
There you have it the abolute basics. Please see GrayMatter Ladder - The Most You Need to Know for more details - especially if something doesn't go as you expect. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Good chess to one and all - in the 'Spirit' of GrayMatter Chess of course!
-=Graybeard=-