Chess vs. Cyber Chess

W505 Games as Learning Tools
Stage 2 - 3: Analysis of Card and Board Games
Title: Chess vs. Cyber Chess

General information:
Chess is a two player game utilizing a board with 64 color alternated squares and 8 squares lining each side. Each player has 6 different types of chess pieces: there are 8 pawns, 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 bishops, 1 queen, and 1 king. Each piece moves in a different way. Kings can move 1 space in any direction. Bishops can move in diagonals and rooks movie in straight lines. Knights can jump over other pieces. They may move 2 squares in any direction and then 1 to the left or right of that in the same move. Pawns usually only move forward 1 square at a time but their first move can be two. They may attack and capture other pieces diagonally. The queen is the strongest piece and it can move diagonally, or in straight lines for the length of the board as long as its path is unobstructed. The object of the game is checkmating the opponent’s king. In other words, you must attack or check the king without it being able to escape in any direction.

Comparison of two formats: digital vs. non-digital

1. Comparison 1: Game components
A game is an activity which is governed by rules, has a goal, allows for competition between opponents, is meant to be fun, contains an element of surprise or chance and allows players to be able to make decisions and have some control over their actions, successes, and failures.

According to this definition, the two formats are nearly identical and do not present any major changes to the game components. Both game formats allow for player control over their actions which can lead to successes or failures. While there is some element of chance in chess, this chance usually comes as a surprise about positions or piece placements that could have been anticipated given deeper analysis and thinking by the player. This chance can be observed in both chess formats.

Real chess must be played with another person or else the game loses much of its fun. Cyber Chess has more options for a wider variety of game opponents. Computers can make for very challenging opponents for example and there are also many programs that allow people from all around the world to play and challenge each other. Online formats such as yahoo chess and programs like babaschess enable players to challenge each other online and even define the game parameters including time constraints. In this respect I believe that cyber chess is stronger than regular chess in that it allows for more competition opportunities between different players.

2. Comparison 2: Interaction

- Communication between/among players during the game play
Moving from regular chess to cyber chess does usually alter the kinds of communication between players during play. While playing regular chess, two players can still talk to each other using their voices, and they can choose to talk as little or as much as they desire. In casual games without time limits, regular chess can be a good way for friends to catch up or to get to know another player. If you are asked a question, you are expected to answer.
In cyber chess, even if you type messages to the other player throughout the game, there is no demand for them to reply to you if they don’t feel like talking. Since you don’t know what the other player looks like or usually even where they come from or what language they speak, there is less demand to make the situation comfortable through conversation.

In both formats, games can be reviewed and discussed after they are played. In regular chess, a player’s memory is usually needed to set up past situations on the board and this can lead to inaccuracies or arguments between players. In cyber chess, the game moves are stored and players can easily trace the game back to previous configurations. In this respect, cyber chess opens the possibility to talk about and review a game more easily. That is, if both players are inclined to do so and that is not often the case.

- Cooperation between/among players
Neither formats of chess require a lot of cooperation between players as long as you both understand and follow the rules. Yet, some additional rules may be required when you play regular chess. For example, some players will create take back rules when someone makes a blunder. Players also need to negotiate when it actually means that you’ve placed a certain piece. Is it placed if you are still touching it, or does it only count after you have let go of the piece? In cyber chess there is usually a take back request function but the cyber opponent may be inclined to simply ignore your request. That is something that you can’t really do if you’re sitting playing the game face to face.

- Engagement to the games
In a sense, regular chess requires you to engage more with the game by actually having to physically set up the board and move pieces around with your hands. It’s slightly different than being able to just move and click with a mouse and have the programs automatically set up the board for you. I believe this makes regular chess more engaging because you’re being more active throughout the game. You are also able to have a tangible reward and feeling whenever you capture an opponent’s piece. This can be exciting and leads to more engagement to the game.

- Motivation to play the games
In both chess formats, the motivation to win the game is the same. Yet, in cyber chess players usually have chess ratings designating their skill level. It is very motivating to achieve new personal best ratings and that is a big part of the motivation for playing cyber chess. In regular chess, player ratings can also be kept track of but it’s a more difficult process and is not done automatically for you by the computer. Playing regular chess is often more of a social event where you can meet new people, make new friends, or spend some quality time with your own good friends. That social aspect is not as strong in cyber chess.

So which chess format do I prefer more? I actually like being able to play chess online because I can play whenever I feel like it. I don’t have to go anywhere or make a plan with a friend or try to coordinate schedules. There is usually always an open game that I can play online whenever I want and that is one of the biggest attractions to online chess. Yet, I don’t think I’ll ever want to give up playing face to face with a real live person entirely. I love the social aspect of regular chess and it is simply such a magical feeling to be able to look your opponent in the eyes and say CHECK MATE.