A Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Lichess Account and Participating in the Arena Tournament

ChessX is excited to announce a highly anticipated periodic online chess tournaments, specially curated for our students and our academy partners' students. These tournaments will be hosted on Lichess, a leading online platform that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for chess players of all levels.

Whether you're a newcomer to the digital chess scene or a seasoned player looking to test your skills in a structured environment, this guide will walk you through every step of the process—from setting up your Lichess account to participating in the tournament itself.

Step 1: Creating Your Lichess Account

To participate in the ChessX tournament, the first step is to create your own Lichess account. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Accessing the Lichess Website

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to lichess.org. The homepage is straightforward, featuring a clean design that prioritizes ease of use.

Initiating the Sign-Up Process:

Look towards the upper right-hand corner of the homepage where you'll find a “Sign in” button. Click on it to trigger a pop-up window.

Since you are new to the platform, click on the “Register” link at the bottom of the pop-up. This will redirect you to the account creation page.

Providing Your Information

• Username: This is the name that will represent you on Lichess. It will be visible to other players, so choose a username that is both unique and reflective of your chess persona.
• Password: Security is paramount. Create a strong password that includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like "chess123" or "password."
• Email Address: Enter a valid email address. This is crucial for account recovery and for receiving notifications related to your games and tournaments.
• Captcha: To ensure that registrations are genuine, Lichess employs a simple captcha system. Complete this step to proceed.

Understanding and Agreeing to the Terms

• Before finalizing your registration, Lichess will ask you to read and agree to their Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These documents outline the rules of conduct on the platform, as well as how your data will be used.
• Once you've reviewed the terms, check the box to indicate your agreement and then click the “Register” button.

Email Verification:

• Lichess may send you a verification email to confirm your registration. This step is important to activate your account. Check your inbox (and your spam folder if necessary) and click the verification link in the email.

Exploring Your New Account

• With your Lichess account now active, take some time to explore the platform. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, where you can see your current games, upcoming tournaments, and other features like puzzles, studies, and training tools.
• Lichess offers various modes of play including casual and rated games, as well as the ability to challenge friends, join public games, or participate in community forums.

Step 2: Joining the ChessX Arena Tournament

Now that your Lichess account is set up, you're ready to join the ChessX arena tournament. Here’s how to do it:

Logging In to Your Lichess Account

• Go back to lichess.org and log in using the username and password you created. Once logged in, you’ll have full access to all the features and functionalities of the site.

Navigating to the Tournament Page

• ChessX will provide a direct link to the tournament through various communication channels such as email, the ChessX platform, and our academy partners’ portals. Click on this link to be taken directly to the tournament page.
• If you prefer to search manually, go to the “Play” section on the Lichess homepage and select “Arena tournaments” from the dropdown menu. You can then search for the tournament by its name or browse the list of upcoming events.

Understanding Tournament Details

• The tournament page contains all the crucial information you need, including the start time, the time control (such as 10 minutes per side), and any specific rules or conditions that apply.
• There will be a description section that provides additional guidance, often written by ChessX coaches or tournament organizers. Make sure to read this carefully, as it might include important instructions or strategic tips.

Registering for the Tournament

• To officially enter the tournament, click the green “Join” button on the tournament page. This registers you as a participant.
• If the tournament is private, you’ll be prompted to enter a password. This password will be shared with all ChessX students and partners ahead of time, so keep it handy.

Preparing for the Tournament

• Preparation is key to a successful tournament experience. Leading up to the event, use Lichess’s resources to practice. Engage in blitz or rapid games to sharpen your skills under time pressure, and utilize the puzzles and studies to improve your tactical and strategic thinking.
• ChessX might also host preparatory sessions or provide specific materials for tournament participants. These sessions are designed to help you get comfortable with the online format and the tournament’s specific settings.

Joining the Tournament on the Day

• It’s advisable to log in at least 15 minutes before the tournament begins. This will give you time to resolve any last-minute technical issues and to mentally prepare for the competition.
• Once the tournament starts, Lichess will automatically pair you with opponents. In the arena format, you can play as many games as possible within the allotted time. After each game, you’ll be paired with a new opponent as soon as one becomes available.

Competing in the Tournament

• The Arena format is dynamic and fast-paced. Points are awarded based on your performance in each game—wins, draws, and consecutive victories will boost your score.
• Keep an eye on the leaderboard, which updates in real-time. However, don’t let it distract you; focus on playing your best in each game. Remember that consistency is key in arena tournaments, as you can always bounce back from a loss with a few strong performances.

Post-Tournament Reflection

• Once the tournament concludes, the final standings will be displayed on the tournament page. If you’re among the top performers, you might receive special recognition from ChessX, and possibly prizes or certificates.
• Take advantage of Lichess’s game analysis tools to review your games. You can use the computer analysis feature to pinpoint mistakes and missed opportunities, which is invaluable for improving your future performance.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Tournament Experience

• Stable Internet Connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and reliable. A sudden disconnection could result in losing a game by default, which can be frustrating during an important tournament.
• Quiet Playing Environment: Find a quiet, distraction-free environment to play. This will help you maintain focus during your games, allowing you to think clearly and make better decisions under pressure.
• Positive Mindset: Approach the tournament with a positive attitude. Remember, the main goal is to enjoy the experience and learn from each game. Winning is great, but the learning process is what truly matters in the long run.
• Respect for Opponents: Chess is a game that embodies sportsmanship. Whether you win or lose, always show respect to your opponents. Good manners and humility go a long way in building a positive reputation in the chess community.

Final Thoughts

Participating in the ChessX arena tournaments on Lichess is more than just an opportunity to compete—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the world of online chess, to test the skills you’ve honed through practice, and to connect with fellow students from ChessX and our partner academies.

These events are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, offering a platform where you can challenge yourself, learn from others, and experience the thrill of competitive play.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on the chessboard. Good luck, play well, and most importantly—have fun! Let the games begin!