Multiple accounts now allowed

Just noticed Chess.com has updated their TOS to allow all members a second account, with approval from support via filling out a form. (Previously only allowed for titled players or streamers)

Not sure how long it has been this way for, but this is my first time noticing it, and I'm definitely not a fan.

Thoughts?

Where can I see this? 

Where can I see the forum 

https://support.chess.com/article/596-can-i-have-multiple-accounts

Ok.

I was using bullet and blitz to fool around with openings and middle game planning, silly me. I’ll just open up a second account and play a refined game in addition to my Lichess account.

Or not.

I’ve made so many friends with Chuck639 that I cannot start over lol.

Where do I apply for another account?

Cool 

Just applyd 🤣

Yay.. that gives everyone else who does it twice as much work

I changed my name to

Didn't like my old one

I'm not sure what to think of it. Probably good marketing for the site, though. They'll be able to quote higher membership numbers.

Maybe they decided to allow two accounts for people who can't decide what gender they are... or what species they are... or what planet they're from...

Myself, I'll just keep this one account, thank you. I can't imagine what I'd do with another one.

I would assume (?) that the site has set up a system to prevent multi-account abuse in game playing. I just wonder if this also opens up potential forum abuse in some way not anticipated by the site...

I think this is a swell idea. It allows practice for otb tournaments without revealing your prep on your main acc. With permission, ofc.

Finally I can have an agreeable discussion with myself legally.  And take on others...

The site immediately doubles its subscriber numbers.

Win win.

Never even crossed my twisted mind

If you have two accounts, you may NOT:

Play the accounts against each other, even in unrated games

Play in the same vote chess game with both accounts

Play in the same 4 player chess, or other variant game with both accounts

Play in the same tournament with both accounts

Comment with both accounts in the same forum thread or discussion

Use the account as a 'speed run' account

Other things to be aware of: 

Memberships and Verified status do not transfer to the second account. If you want to access your membership on both accounts, you must pay for it on both. 

If you break the rules on one account, both accounts will be affected- If you are abusive on one account, and get muted, both accounts will be muted. If one account is closed for cheating, the other will also be closed.

Any attempt to coordinate both accounts in order to abuse, harass, or upset another member will lead to both accounts being closed. 

Perhaps they think it's like the end of prohibition where illegal usage ends

1. Sort of unfair for people who got banned previously for having more than one account. 

2. Back to square one. Won’t they use it for rating manipulation?  In addition to that, it will be easier for trolls to commit their shenanigans. They will persist longer than usual. 

I understand the benefits of it and as long as chess.com can go through the trouble of keeping them in check, it’s alright, but there is no guarantee that the site will be able to keep the similar amount of moderation in future. The forums part of the site is already quite out of touch from the mods. Forums will get even worse since the moderation quality on forums is lower than usual. 

Danke

I've been using 2 accounts for a little while now, since they consider me a 'near-titled' player, and my second account was always muted. AFAIK that is what was always done with all alternate accounts of titled players etc.

Allowing both accounts to have posting privileges is just stupid and will lead to lots of abuse, as has already been said.

There's 0 chance chess.com will police this sort of thing, either. They've proven themselves utterly incompetent at stopping multi-accounting even when it wasn't allowed.

Ohh that's cool