March Server Update
Wednesday, March 11, 2015: The server will be updated on Monday 16th March and 09:00 UK time
Dear Chess friends,
The server will be updated on Monday 16th March and 09:00 UK time; unfortunately, as this is a major update, it may be unavailable for up to six hours. As ICCF Services Director, I apologise in advance for the inconvenience.
The update will include a number of bug fixes and general improvements to usability; major improvements include:
My Games
The most frequently requested feature in response to last year's player survey was the return of customisable columns on the "My Games" list. I'm very pleased to say that this will be implemented in the March update; this page will now have the option to include past games, or be filtered to show only games which require your attention. Additional information, such as calender days since last move (useful for claiming Rule 3b) will also be shown.
A lot of work has gone into the new My Games page, as we understand that this is an important feature for players, and we hope that it will be well received.
In Game Messaging
Another popular request from the player survey was the ability of the server to store previous messages between players; all previous messages will now be shown on the "Details view" of the game page (replaces the "Timestamp view").
Team registration
Registration of teams by Direct Entry will be available (unfortunately too late for the current Champions League season).
Photo upload
Players will be able to upload their own photographs (subject to confirmation)
Other updates
Other updates include placing in tournaments shown on a player's events list, and the winners of tournaments announced on the rolling news display on the front page.
The display of exhibition games on the front page has been improved to show more than two games, and also to show the photographs of each player.
Games can be replayed using keyboard "Arrow" buttons.
We also continue to enhance automation for TDs, including automatic resolution of tablebase claims, and games reaching dead positions (e.g. KvK) are now ended automatically.
Thanks are due to our professional team of Martin Bennedik (development) and Neil Limbert (testing), and to members of the ICCF Services Committee for their ongoing contributions and support.
Austin Lockwood
ICCF Services Director