Is anyone else able to use the new mobile version? I'm getting a "Server sent invalid data" error.
When I went to www.chess.com/mobile to update it gave me version 1.2.0 to install over my existing version.... which was also 1.2.0. Has the new version actually been posted for download?
ack!
I have just noticed that in my themed games (start from a specific opening position), the moves have been renumbered so that the first move played in the games is numbered "1," not whatever it should be. This messes up my extensive notes on variations, etc., plus I'm worried it will show up like that in the pgn...?? Even worse, if the beginning position is black to move, black's moves show up on the left column and white's on the right!!
Care to explain?
the PGN format allows for an alternative starting position by inserting a FEN string in the PGN notation. PGN games from here have always included this, and while I don't have personal experience with them yet, I can't see why they would have been changed.
Okay, but assuming the whole PGN thing isn't a big issue, I still greatly prefered it the way it was before. Look at this game for instance, which I am currently playing:
http://www.chess.com/echess/game.html?id=18066795
If you look at the move list, it says "1. e5 fxe5." (!!)
(Starting position was after 1. f4.)
That can't be good.
I don't mean to just complain and not mention that I think you guys are doing a great job. The 3d pieces are very cool. I hope you can fix this problem with themed games, though.
Nice idea getting rid of the FEN and PGN ... that'll make it harder for cheaters.
It also makes it harder for honest database users.
I'm not sure I understand how pgn or fen helps cheaters...but I use the pgn frequently to figure out what an opening is called while I'm playing...
Also, I'm not using dsl (in a region where it's not available)...so as you can imagine my connection is...not good. If I'm patient will the videos eventually buffer or will it just keep doing those rotations for an hour? I haven't been able to view one yet.
Also, I'm not using dsl (in a region where it's not available)...so as you can imagine my connection is...not good. If I'm patient will the videos eventually buffer or will it just keep doing those rotations for an hour? I haven't been able to view one yet.
I'm guessing that they would eventually buffer, but, it would take a LONG time. It would basically need to download the entire file before it would play.
Oh wow, I LOVE the 3D chess pieces!! That is awesome. Very excited about the videos too! Thanks guys!
Baseballfan, any word on the mobile chess issues? It keeps telling me there's a new version and giving me the invalid data error, but the only version posted for download is the old one (1.2.0)
Nice idea getting rid of the FEN and PGN ... that'll make it harder for cheaters.
It also makes it harder for honest database users.
I'm not sure I understand how pgn or fen helps cheaters...but I use the pgn frequently to figure out what an opening is called while I'm playing...
First, I just want to say thanks for a generally great update, guys. A lot of good stuff here! :)
Second, I totally agree with Ziryab. You've removed a feature here that is going to make wholesome database use a heck of a lot more difficult. It would have been one thing if this change went hand-in-hand with an integration of e-chess with the Game Explorer, but that hasn't happened. The result is the loss of some helpful data that pretty much every other chess site I've played on has the courtesy to provide. :-\
Baseballfan, any word on the mobile chess issues? It keeps telling me there's a new version and giving me the invalid data error, but the only version posted for download is the old one (1.2.0)
mobile chess should be fixed some time today.
Thanks Jay.
Also, I'm not using dsl (in a region where it's not available)...so as you can imagine my connection is...not good. If I'm patient will the videos eventually buffer or will it just keep doing those rotations for an hour? I haven't been able to view one yet.
Try watching the videos in Firefox, and also try pausing the video once it starts and letting it buffer.
3d pieces are cute. I just tried them and played one move with them...then I had to go back to my old shoddy pieces.
Perhaps if the board were more at an angle similar to reality? I feel like I'm looking at it as someone would if they were standing and leaning over the pieces. I guess the human mind could eventually adjust to it. :)
Is there a way to control the animation speed of computer moves in Tactics trainer? Now it is way too fast for me.
Thank you all for the updates.
I will miss the FEN. I used to search the FEN position on game databases, as this is allowed.
Maybe it can be replaced by a link directly from the current position to chess.com game explorer?
Thank you all for the updates.
I will miss the FEN. I used to search the FEN position on game databases, as this is allowed.
Maybe it can be replaced by a link directly from the current position to chess.com game explorer?
Or maybe limit the FEN to appear on the game only when there is a corresponding position on the Game Explorer (... and ALSO provide the link! 
)
We are discussing adding a link to game explorer from your games...will let you know what is decided.
I, for one, find the new highlighting and board set up options to be very nice. I like the "3D" look a lot more than I thought I would, and I like the snappier response of the site. Now, if one could add better options for managing PGN downloads, team matches, and ladders/pyramids, then this site would be damn near perfect. Three cheers for Erik !
We are discussing adding a link to game explorer from your games...will let you know what is decided.
Thank you!!! :)
I stopped playing thematics at another site because it was too much work getting the games into my database after they were over. Up to this point, the PGNs from thematics here have been perfect. The starting moves are there, and a note inserted where the game actually began. Let's hope that is still true after the changes.