Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Chess Champions ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform. These terms apply to all users, including visitors, registered players, and contributors.

2. Nature of the Platform

Chess Champions is an online competitive chess platform designed for skill-based gameplay, community engagement, and ranked competition. The Platform provides:

• Online chess matches against other registered players
• A global ELO-based ranking ladder with regional breakdowns
• A virtual coin system used solely for in-game purposes
• Community features including profiles, challenges, and match reporting
• Chess Clubs for players to form communities and compete together
• A Cosmetics Shop where virtual coins can be exchanged for in-game visual customizations (board themes, badges, and piece styles) with no real monetary value
• AI-powered post-game analysis for educational improvement
• Profile sharing tools to invite friends and grow the community

3. Virtual Coins — No Monetary Value

• Have absolutely no real-world monetary value
• Cannot be exchanged for real money, goods, or services
• Cannot be purchased with real money
• Are solely an in-game mechanic to add competitive engagement
• Are awarded through daily logins, match participation, and referrals
• Represent a fun, skill-based reward system only

The wager system on Chess Champions is a simulated game mechanic, akin to points in a board game. It is not, and should not be interpreted as, gambling, betting, or any form of real-money wagering. Players agree that they understand this distinction fully.

4. Eligibility & Age Requirements

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account and use this Platform.
• Users Ages 13–17: If you are between 13 and 17 years old, you must have explicit consent from a parent or legal guardian before registering. By creating an account, you confirm that such consent has been obtained. The Platform may request verification of parental consent at any time.
• Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians who consent to their child's use of the Platform accept responsibility for supervising that child's activity and ensuring compliance with these Terms.
• Under 13: We do not knowingly permit registration by users under 13. If we discover a user is under 13, the account will be immediately suspended and all personal data deleted in accordance with COPPA.
• Accurate Information: You must provide accurate and truthful information during registration, including your date of birth.
• One Account Per Person: Only one account per individual is permitted.

5. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use chess engines, bots, or any automated assistance during matches
• Manipulate game results by colluding with opponents
• Create multiple accounts to abuse the ranking system
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other players
• Share false match reports
• Attempt to exploit bugs or vulnerabilities in the Platform
• Impersonate other players or entities
• Provide false information about your age or identity during registration

6. Account Suspension & Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or permanently ban accounts that violate these Terms without prior notice. Decisions regarding bans are at the sole discretion of Chess Champions administrators and are based on evidence of misconduct. Accounts found to be registered by users under 13 without parental consent will be terminated immediately.

7. Chess Clubs

Players may create or join Chess Clubs on the Platform. Club founders accept responsibility for managing their club in accordance with these Terms. By creating a club, you agree not to use it to organize or facilitate real-money gambling, promote harassment, or violate any applicable laws. Chess Champions reserves the right to remove any club that violates these Terms without prior notice.

8. Cosmetics Shop & Virtual Currency

The Cosmetics Shop allows players to exchange virtual coins for in-game visual items (boards, badges, piece styles). These items:

• Have no real-world monetary value and cannot be resold, transferred, or exchanged for real money
• Are permanently linked to your account and may be lost if your account is suspended or terminated
• Are provided "as is" without any guarantee of availability

9. AI Analysis

Post-game AI analysis is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Analysis results are generated by artificial intelligence and may not always be accurate. Chess Champions does not guarantee the correctness of AI commentary and is not liable for decisions made based on AI-generated content.

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including logos, designs, code, and text, is the property of Chess Champions. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express written permission.

8. Limitation of Liability

Chess Champions is provided "as is" without any warranties. We are not liable for:

• Loss of virtual coins or ranking due to technical issues
• Interruptions or downtime of the service
• Actions of other users on the Platform
• Any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

9. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. You will be notified and asked to re-accept upon your next login if significant changes are made. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with applicable international law. Disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation; if unresolved, through binding arbitration.

11. Contact

For any questions regarding these Terms, parental consent requests, or data deletion inquiries regarding minors, please contact us through the Platform's official support channel.