Interesting idea... (Untitled Fridays!)

I've made this account so i can post this idea.

Would people be interested in seeing their friends or fellow members compete in something similar to a Titled tuesday?

Here's how I think it could work.

We could have some qualifying tournaments for each rating group (U2200, U1800, U1600, U1200) to get the privilege of playing in these special events. The time control would be something like 3/2 or 5/2  to minimise cheating. The links to the games could be provided on forums so that everyone can watch.

Fellow chess.com members can commentate on their games through livestreams, and at the same time could promote their channels. Alternatively, chess.com staff (Rensch etc) could commentate, teaching the community. The games would also be more interesting to watch (more mistakes etc). There doesn't need to be prize money, but why not? I'm sure the millions of members wouldn't mind crowdfunding each other! No one will complain about winning a few $ either!

Potential problems:

1. Cheating: The blitz format makes it much harder to cheat, but again: there is no need for prize money. The experience would be cool enough. The games could also be reviewed live and afterwards. If a player is suspected of cheating, their prize can be suspended and their games investigated.

2. Sandbagging: This could be stopped by a deadline to enter. For example, the deadline could be ten days before the tournament (qualifiers) starts, so staff have time to review the games of the entrants.

3. No-shows: I don't think anyone will miss the chance to get their games analysed by grandmasters!

Thank you for your patience in reading this long post and let me know what you think!

PS: (Staff, also interested to know what you think!)

*bump*

Wow! A good idea on the forums..

I for one would be willing to support this, good entertainment.

The community would also benefit.

Thanks for your support inflammableking!

How do we show support for this idea? (Crowdfunding, support ticket?)

Any opinions or advice from others?

I like the time controls... but I don't think they help make cheating (even the most basic kind) harder lol

I'd be in in the 5|2 category. I don't normally do Blitz. I prefer Standard, Tournoment or Correspondence Time Controls.

I think cheating would take up significant amounts of your time in a 3/2 game, and if the person was cheating on every move it would be obvious?

How do we let chess.com know about this? Is it ok to send a message directly to a staff member?

Maybe, you could make a group?

Doesn't seem like a bad idea.

yes, oc, if you want to see it through- you ought to submit it to management as a Ticket. but as intrigued as I am with it (and I , truly would like to see something like it)...

ideas from the chess.com community  are almost never considered.  I think Eric considers it a privilege of the staff to be able to suggest interesting activities and new directions for this website.

Alternately, besides using the Help& support email.  you could pm Eric.

Thanks, I've done that (pmed eric). I really want this idea to work.

I am so happy. Erik, the founder of chess.com, responded to my suggestion guys! Thanks for the support!

"t's a good idea! Like an amateur open? I like it. Qualifiers could be held for a week and then an invite event. I'll take a look! - Erik

We did it chess.com

Well... it's better not to get into the details about cheating. Most people are honest, so I don't think it's a worry in any case

I will post any updates or developments that happen.

You can help by suggesting how this would be implemented or by suggestions problems/solutions.

Thanks!