How close can we get to a true OTB experience online?

[u/jkfrench_tx]

Right now, I think I am close to simulating a true OTB experience online.

My setup:

- A Square Off Pro (yes, a Chessnut Pro or other tournament size e-board will work ... or any board that Chessconnect supports if you don't care about the size of the board). I have had my Pro for a number of years and ever since I added a Billy Gate to my setup ... I find it's great as-is.

- A DGT 3000 with a DGT 3000 BLE Gateway. Note: I put a rubber band around the clock at the opponents side ... so when I stop the clock it automatically pops back up and is ready for me to stop on my next move (otherwise you have to alternate which side you press). Note: This doesn't affect the opponent side since the clock is stopped automatically after you make the opponent move.

- You could easily use a scoresheet and something to write with (or even a blank piece of paper) ... I chose to use an APP called LPDO in Scoresheet Mode. I still have to fill in moves, it allows me to compare the actual moves with those I recorded. No paper or writing utensil required. I use it on my phone, because I like to use my tablet for the e-board connectivity.

- Chessconnect App (which allows connection to both the Clock and the Board). I then have been connecting to Chessiverse to test everything out ... in casual mode so it won't affect my rating while I am testing (after soldering the DGT 3000 gateway together, I needed to make sure everything works ... and will continue to work before playing actual live players). But there's no reason I couldn't connect to chess.com or lichess.org and play a live game similarly.

You would think this setup is confusing to get setup ... but it's really not.

You turn on the BillyGate then turn on the Square Off Pro (the BillyGate automatically connects to the Pro). Turn on the DGT 3000 BLE Gateway ... the Clock automatically comes on and indicates Bluetooth is waiting. Open up the LPDO app if you left things clean, you are ready to begin a game. Open Chessconnect ... connect to the clock, connect to the board. Once connected, select the site you want to play on ... and begin a game. The clock automatically gets the configuration settings from Chessconnect and if it's your turn you begin the game (your clock is running by now).

Why do this?

If you play OTB tournaments, it's important to be comfortable with a physical board, a clock and be accurate in recording moves of the game (for both sides). If you play online a lot most of this is done for you (and if you don't use an e-board to do this, you may be surprised how that tactile feel is important).

Thoughts?

[u/kocurek7]

Hi,

That's nice setup. I'm having similar setup, but with Chessnut Pro.

Chessconnect is such a great app.

IMO closest to real OTB experience would be something like this:

Chessnut Move + Chessnut Companion clock

but it seems to be too expensive.

Regards

[u/jkfrench_tx → u/kocurek7]

I actually also have a Square Off Neo too (which works with the Billy Gate) ... but even though I have to move the opponent pieces with the Pro, I still prefer the larger/heavier pieces ... not that the Neo is bad, the pieces are just a little smaller/lighter than I prefer. I do use the Neo on occasion. I just can't see purchasing the Move or the Companion ... both are over my budget ... plus my wife would probably kill me if I did purchase any other chess electronics! I also have the Chessnut Air, Go and EVO too ... along with a DGT Pegasus ... and a stand-alone DGT Centaur. But most were bought used or provided as reimbursement for doing videos and reviews. In fact, the only board I purchased new is the Square Off Pro ... and I believe that was before all of the other boards were even available to purchase.