Compete and play
Discover how to compete and play on Checkmate. Learn about tournaments, gameplay options, and fair play measures in our online chess platform.
Checkmate is a free-to-play compete-to-win platform that reflects chess's status as a sport and esport. There are no “Play-to-win” or “Play-to-earn” mechanics. However, players who can earn loot, credits, and crypto by playing, collecting, trading, watching, and streaming.
There are three primary modes of Play:
Arcade Mode
Ad-supported free-to-play option
Battle-pass upgrades are optional
It is possible for players to win an Arcade Pass and level up a Pro pass within a season
Collectable cards and Avatar are purely cosmetic and provide no competitive advantage.
Mini-games are side games and for entertainment purposes only
Pro Mode
Players must win or rank according to the prize distribution table
Pro-mode prize winnings are paid out in USDC
KYC player verification is required
Players can mint, trade and stream
Rated Games
Subject to the tournament organisers' rules
Pro-mode prize winnings are paid out in USDC
KYC player verification is required
Fair play
How is fair play ensured on Checkmate.live?
TL;DR Checkmate.live uses advanced AI, player verification, and human oversight to ensure fair play.
Full Answer Fair play on Checkmate.live is ensured through a combination of advanced technologies and human oversight. The platform employs sophisticated AI monitoring systems that analyze gameplay for any signs of cheating. This AI is complemented by player verification processes, which help ensure that each participant is who they claim to be. Additionally, Checkmate.live has a dedicated team that oversees fair play and handles any reports of suspicious behavior. The platform also partners with chess federations and the Esports Integrity Commission to maintain the highest standards of integrity in all competitions.
What happens if I cheat or engage in match-fixing on Checkmate.live?
TL;DR Severe penalties, including bans, disqualification, and forfeiture of prizes, apply for cheating or match-fixing.
Full Answer If you are caught cheating or engaging in match-fixing on Checkmate Live, you will face severe penalties. These include permanent bans from the platform, disqualification from tournaments, and forfeiture of any prizes won. Additionally, such violations are reported to the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and relevant chess governing bodies, potentially leading to further disciplinary actions. Our platform also employs advanced monitoring and receives automated alerts for unusual betting activity to detect and address all forms of cheating or collusion swiftly.
Anti-Cheat Technology and Fair Play
What is the accuracy of your anti-cheat technology, and what makes it different from others?
TL;DR Our anti-cheat technology, Sixth-i, is highly accurate, using advanced computer vision and machine learning.
Full Answer Checkmate Live's anti-cheat technology, Sixth-i, developed in collaboration with the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, is highly accurate and utilizes advanced computer vision, behavioral analysis, and machine learning techniques. This system continuously adapts to new threats, setting it apart from other anti-cheat measures in the industry.
How did you test its accuracy, so that I can trust it?
TL;DR Sixth-i has been rigorously tested in both real-world and controlled environments and was developed in collaboration with The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII).
Full Answer The Sixth-i system has undergone rigorous testing in both real-world scenarios and controlled environments, ensuring its accuracy. We collaborated with independent experts and FIDE to validate its performance. Additionally, from August to November, we will implement a grace period to further calibrate the system, check for false positives, and ensure its accuracy. During this period, cheating cases will be reviewed by our fair play team, and any bans will be enforced after the period ends.
What if I disagree with a decision made by the anti-cheat system?
TL;DR You can appeal decisions made by the anti-cheat system, and the process will be reviewed by arbiters and experts.
Full Answer If you disagree with a decision made by our anti-cheat system, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process is transparent and involves a thorough review by arbiters and experts to ensure fairness. We take all appeals seriously and strive to maintain the integrity of the platform. Please see our Fair Play policy for more information.
Will Checkmate.live seek any certifications for the anti-cheat system?
TL;DR Yes, we plan to seek certification from independent experts and FIDE.
Full Answer Yes, Checkmate Live will seek certification from independent experts and FIDE to further validate the effectiveness of our anti-cheat system, ensuring that it is both reliable and trustworthy.
Tournaments & Gameplay
What kind of tournaments can I participate in on Checkmate.live?
TL;DR Checkmate.live hosts various tournaments, including official events for chess federations.
Full Answer On Checkmate.live, you can participate in a wide range of tournaments, catering to players of all skill levels. These include official events organized in partnership with chess federations such as the Asian Chess Federation and the Arab Esports Federation. Additionally, the platform offers daily and weekly tournaments, as well as special events like the Play for Peace online chess tournament. Each tournament has specific eligibility criteria, time controls, and prize pools, providing players with numerous opportunities to compete and win.
What are the technical requirements to participate in Checkmate.live tournaments?
TL;DR A stable internet connection, a PC or mobile device, and a webcam for certain events.
Full Answer To participate in Checkmate.live tournaments, you need a stable internet connection, a compatible PC or mobile device, and, for certain high-stakes or FIDE-rated events, a webcam. The platform does not require any external software downloads, as all gameplay occurs directly through the Checkmate.live interface. For professional or high-stakes tournaments, especially those with money prizes, you may also need to use a specific setup, such as a two-camera system, to ensure fair play and compliance with tournament regulations. Check the tournament details page for specific requirements.
What kind of tournaments can I participate in?
TL;DR Checkmate.live hosts a variety of tournaments, including official events for the Asian Chess Federation and Arab Esports Federation, among others.
Full Answer Checkmate.live offers a wide range of tournaments catering to different skill levels and interests. These include official events organized in partnership with the Asian Chess Federation and Arab Esports Federation, as well as many other exciting competitions. Whether you are a casual player or a seasoned pro, there’s a tournament for everyone on Checkmate.live.
How does Checkmate.live protect player privacy?
TL;DR Checkmate.live ensures privacy through hashed user information, optional avatars, and secure data handling by third-party KYC providers.
Full Answer Player privacy is a top priority for Checkmate.live. We protect your personal information by using advanced hashing techniques, allowing players to maintain anonymity through optional avatars. Additionally, all KYC (Know Your Customer) processes are managed by trusted third-party providers who specialize in secure data handling, ensuring that your private information is safeguarded at all times.
Can I stream my games?
TL;DR Yes, Checkmate.live integrates with platforms like Twitch and YouTube for live streaming.
Full Answer Absolutely! Checkmate.live is designed to be compatible with popular streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, allowing you to easily broadcast your games to your followers. Whether you’re a content creator or simply want to share your matches with friends, streaming is fully supported on Checkmate.live.
What is the viewership rewards module?
TL;DR Coming in Q3 2024, the viewership rewards module is linked to the Participation Token, rewarding players for watching streams and playing on Checkmate.
Full Answer The viewership rewards module, set to launch in Q3 2024, is an innovative feature that allows players to earn rewards simply by watching streams and participating in activities on Checkmate. This module is closely tied to the Participation Token system, providing incentives for active engagement and contributing to the overall community experience.
How can I contribute to the community?
TL;DR Join councils, participate in events, engage in forums/leaderboards, and use social features on Checkmate.live.
Full Answer There are many ways to contribute to the Checkmate.live community! You can join the Players Council or Queens Council, participate in community events, engage in discussions on forums and leaderboards, and make use of the platform’s social features. Your active involvement helps shape the community and makes the Checkmate.live experience better for everyone.
Is Checkmate.live mobile-friendly?
TL;DR Yes, Checkmate.live is a progressive web app accessible on web and mobile, with dedicated apps planned for the future.
Full Answer Checkmate.live is designed to be mobile-friendly and easily accessible from any device. The platform operates as a progressive web app, meaning you can enjoy a seamless experience whether you’re on your desktop or mobile. Additionally, dedicated mobile apps are in development and will be released in the future, further enhancing your ability to play anytime, anywhere.
Technical Requirements & Setup
What are the camera requirements for Checkmate.live tournaments?
TL;DR A 720p resolution webcam with a stable frame rate, additional cameras may be required for certain events.
Full Answer Checkmate.live requires a minimum of a 720p resolution webcam with a stable frame rate of at least 30 fps for most tournaments that mandate video monitoring. For FIDE-rated tournaments and other high-stakes events, you may need a two-camera setup: one focused on your face and upper body, and another capturing your playing area from behind. The exact setup requirements will vary depending on the specific tournament, so it is important to review the guidelines provided on the tournament page. Adequate lighting and a stable camera position are also crucial to ensure clear visibility.
What if I experience technical issues during a tournament?
TL;DR Ensure a stable connection and device compatibility; no refunds for issues after a match starts.
Full Answer Technical issues can happen, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Before entering a tournament, ensure your device meets the necessary requirements and that your internet connection is stable. If you experience technical difficulties during a match, Checkmate.live will attempt to reconnect you automatically. However, if the issue persists, it could result in a loss or other penalties, depending on the tournament's specific rules. Unfortunately, there are no refunds or adjustments once a match has started, so it is crucial to be prepared in advance.
What is the accuracy of your anti-cheat technology, and what makes it different from others?
TL;DR Our anti-cheat technology, Sixth-i, is highly accurate, using advanced computer vision and machine learning.
Full Answer Checkmate Live's anti-cheat technology, Sixth-i, developed in collaboration with the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, is highly accurate and utilizes advanced computer vision, behavioral analysis, and machine learning techniques. This system continuously adapts to new threats, setting it apart from other anti-cheat measures in the industry.
How did you test its accuracy, so that I can trust it?
TL;DR Sixth-i has been rigorously tested in both real-world and controlled environments, with a grace period from August to November for further calibration.
Full Answer The Sixth-i system has undergone rigorous testing in both real-world scenarios and controlled environments, ensuring its accuracy. We collaborated with independent experts and FIDE to validate its performance. Additionally, from August to November, we will implement a grace period to further calibrate the system, check for false positives, and ensure its accuracy. During this period, cheating cases will be reviewed by our fair play team, and any bans will be enforced after the period ends.
What if I disagree with a decision made by the anti-cheat system?
TL;DR You can appeal decisions made by the anti-cheat system, and the process will be reviewed by arbiters and experts.
Full Answer If you disagree with a decision made by our anti-cheat system, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process is transparent and involves a thorough review by arbiters and experts to ensure fairness. We take all appeals seriously and strive to maintain the integrity of the platform.
Will Checkmate.live seek any certifications for the anti-cheat system?
TL;DR Yes, we plan to seek certification from independent experts and FIDE.
Full Answer Yes, Checkmate Live will seek certification from independent experts and FIDE to further validate the effectiveness of our anti-cheat system, ensuring that it is both reliable and trustworthy.
Camera and Microphone Requirements for Tournaments
Will I need to have the camera switched on during the whole tournament, or can I disable it if I need to go to the toilet or handle a personal situation?
TL;DR Yes, your camera must remain on throughout the tournament unless the arbiter allows temporary disabling.
Full Answer During tournaments, your camera must remain on for the entire duration of the event to ensure fair play. If you need to step away temporarily, you must inform the arbiter, who may allow you to disable the camera briefly. As long as you follow the proper procedure, you won’t need to redo the onboarding process.
What if my camera works but my microphone doesn’t? Will I still be able to participate in the tournament?
TL;DR Yes, you can participate if the arbiter gives permission, but audio is required for Tier 1 or Tier 2 events.
Full Answer If your camera works but your microphone doesn’t, you may still participate in the tournament, provided the arbiter grants you permission. However, for Tier 1 or Tier 2 broadcast events, functional audio is mandatory to ensure full participation and compliance with the event’s requirements.
Prize money payments
How long does it take to receive my prize after winning a tournament?
TL;DR Prize payouts are typically processed the following Thursday after the Fair Play window closes to your registered wallet.
Full Answer After winning a tournament on Checkmate.live, the prize payout process begins once the Fair Play window closes. This window allows the platform to review all games and ensure that fair play was maintained throughout the event. Once this process is complete, payouts are typically processed within 1-3 business days and are sent directly to your registered wallet. For larger payouts, additional processing time may be required. If the prize is provided by a third-party partner, such as a chess federation, the payout timing may vary according to their specific terms and conditions.
Can I withdraw any amount of money from my Checkmate.live account?
There may be minimum withdrawal amounts, and some funds might be subject to specific rules outlined in the tournament requirements or tradie lock rules.
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