The Real 3D effect on Chess.com is not stereoscopic (it is not the 'Real 3D' effect that is at the movies). The board and pieces have a vanishing-point perspective, which make them appear smaller towards the opponents' end of the board.
I know it is not for everyone, but I prefer the Real 3D effect to the flat 2D boards. The board can be zoomed, but it unfortunately regularly reverts to the default size when starting a new game or tactic, which is a bit too small for me. I look forward to when the Real 3D board is out of beta, and hopefully more Real 3D boards will become available.
How do I get the "Real 3D" option to work because I'm playing on a 3D TV (the type of 3D where you wear the "sunglasses"(not sure on the names of types of 3D)) via my PS3 and I was going to have a look what it's like but it doesn't appear to do anything and I know my PS3 is capable of 3D because I've played some of my PS3 games in 3D?