New iPad app design

I understand the need to update programs, but what reason is there to not allow the option to keep the standard UI? I don't like the feel of navigating this new app, and I don't like that no matter what theme and piece and board etc combinations I choose I can't replicate the way I have always had the board. Every option is distracting and making it difficult for me to read the board the way I normally did. I hate to say it but this feels unplayable to me now after all this time. :(

Anyone figure out yet how to play human vs human chess or do setup/learning positions?

You can find that by going Settings -> Account -> Terms and conditions, then logging in as normal to get onto the site. However this is more hassle than it used to be, it should be made clearer as an option to go onto the normal site and sign up to tournaments, check messages etc

moma wrote:

it's me, or it's no more possibile to go to forums and tournaments list

Thanks, guys!

- Learning Positions / Workout needs to be re-implemented, so right now that's in the "future" bucket

- We are building native functionality for tournaments soon (not another embedded browser thing)

- Not sure what you mean by "human vs human"... If you mean Pass & Play, go to the Computer feature and it's on the action menu. If you mean Daily or Live Chess, just open the app and on the Play screen hit New Game at the bottom...

- If you prefer a clean look, reminiscent of the old app, go to Settings > Themes and then (if you don't see a combo you like) go to "Custom." Select the Dark background, then your favorite chess pieces (all the old sets are in the list!), and one of the solid colored boards.

I'm going to add about the colors/themes

If you go into settings, themes, you can create a customized one. I was able to create one that is very easy to see.

Just change to a simple board such as: "green" or "brown"

and change pieces to high contrast such as: "Classic" or "Book" 

and change background to something simple, such as Game Room or Dark.

Good to go!

Now it would be nice to be able to save themes.

ha ha DeepGreene. I just figured out the themes!

By human vs human I mean in the old app when u went to comp mode u could play vs comp or another live person sitting next to you. Or like I used to use it, u could simulate grandmaster games manually

I hate this update so much I can hardly stand it. Long time diamond member is about to call it quits. I've never seen anything go from great to crap in one day!

I took a third look, and now I hate it even more. Progress? I'm sorry, but this is pure crap on my iPad. The old interface worked like a charm and I spent at least an hour a day here. Really deeply disappointed.

Sorry to hear that, mbates! I know that any time a website or app updates it can be pretty frustrating. I find myself feeling frustrated with other services too! But generally I just give it a few days and then see how I feel. I'd love to hear actual specifics about what you don't like as much. Thanks!

Hello Erik,

Don't get me wrong. I love chess.com. I got it on my computer, but then discovered the android app. The old app was good, but ever since the major update when they completely changed the interface, everything mucked up and now it is very slow. I am still playing on my computer and loving it, but I don't think the app is the best.

Using iphone here. Can't see comments in profiles, new app design seems promising, but usability is taking a step back. Some suggestions:

1. Allow people to browse profiles like you did in the older app. I can't even give kudos to another player on his "wall".

2. Default the chess board to the old app one please. I had to play around in settings just to get the default one back.

3. I can't even browse my own profile in the app.

4. We understand the urge to redesign the interface and a lot of things were done right, but the main thing is to provide as much freedom to browse, comment and navigate as the of app does. Restricting access to previous available things affects the User experience negatively. In all respects, im sure there is a design team there working to solve these issues,

But rule #1 - never launch on a friday :)

As a side note: Even though there are a bunch of things the users would like fixed. I think I speak for many that chess.com is hands down the best chess game finder out there. And extremely enjoyable service. I just hope we get more from the app update than less than we already had. Thanks for all your hard work chess.com staff!

The new app is beautiful! I do agree that some themes are a bit distracting. I lost like 100 points in Tactics Trainer tonight because of it.

The app has a very modern feel. I think it's a big improvement. Pre-moves in live chess! Long overdue IMO.

Is there anything that can be done to co have access to the Old app??? Does it cause a problem to have users choose between which interface they prefer? Providing the users the option is the best way to split test and improve. When people voluntarily move over and stay with the new app you know for sure the new app is catering to the user experice. But forcing it, just breeds dissapoinenr.

Sorry but it's true. Google does this with their services, they will often allow the old version enough leeway until the new version improves enough until they can safely force a switch. They do this with their free services as well as paid services.

The preview board for current online games is good.  I also like the way other parts of the website (daily puzzle, videos, articles, etc.) are built into the new interface.  It also looks like they have moved to a new cross-platform development tool (something like Apache Cordova), so both Android and iOS version will go along.  Chess.com may save cost of development, and we may have more updates, which is good.

JAbbuk hit the nail on the head with all of The improvement thoughts. Especially regarding the ability to view your own profile and be able to view others, so that we can leave notes or give trophys.

I really want to give kudos on the ability to FINALLY be able to premove on iPhone/iPad!

Personally love it

Everything I complained about on the iPhone is better

And the bubble gum theme is dope as hell son.

How do you premove on an iPhone?

Is it possible to change filter settings and rated/unrated setting through the app, or do I have to do that through the webpage?

(Deleted my second question because I must have forgotten to log out. Accidentally started a game but that wasn't the app's fault)