Mike Richardt
Why Lichess.org Is a Game-Changer in Online Chess (vs Chess.com and ICC)
Lichess.org has become a powerhouse in the world of online chess, quietly redefining how millions engage with the game. In a competitive landscape dominated by Chess.com and the Internet Chess Club (ICC), Lichess offers something rare: a fully free, ad-free, and open-source platform with no paywalls. But how does it compare to its rivals, and how does it sustain itself financially? Let’s take a closer look.
The topic discussed in this post originates from my personal website, https://pseudocystblog.com, which I use as a blog to explore a variety of subjects including my work, hobbies, and—of course—chess. The findings and perspectives expressed here are based entirely on my own experiences and reflect my personal views.
** What Makes Lichess.org Stand Out?**
** Free, Ad-Free, and Open Source**
Lichess is entirely free to use with zero advertisements. Unlike commercial platforms, its code is open source, allowing anyone to contribute, verify, or enhance the platform. This transparency builds trust and fosters constant innovation.
** Full Feature Set Without Paywalls**
Lichess offers everything upfront:
- Bullet, blitz, classical, and correspondence games
- Chess variants like Crazyhouse, Atomic, and Chess960
- Puzzle training, full Stockfish-powered analysis, opening explorer, and learning studies
- Accessibility tools supporting visually impaired players
Every tool is available to every user—no subscriptions, no hidden tiers.
** My Personal Experience on Lichess**
As someone who plays under the username RYGB, I’ve found moderate success on Lichess and thoroughly enjoy the experience. The interface feels modern and intuitive—not at all outdated like ICC’s. I particularly appreciate the absence of a tier system; everything I need to improve and enjoy the game is already available without extra payment.
Another standout aspect is how actively the Lichess developers keep the community informed, posting regular updates about feature enhancements, tournaments, and future plans. It reinforces a sense of belonging to a living, evolving project—not just a static service.
** How Lichess Stays Free**
Lichess operates as a non-profit organization, sustained primarily by:
- Donations: About 95% of the revenue comes from users contributing voluntarily.
- Merchandise and streaming: A minor portion comes from branded products and Twitch subscriptions.
The organization runs leanly, with just one paid employee and a passionate team of volunteers maintaining and evolving the site.
** Lichess vs Chess.com vs ICC**
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Lichess | Free, open-source, no ads, full feature access | Smaller player pool than Chess.com, volunteer-based support |
| Chess.com | Massive user base, extensive lessons and puzzles, regular big events | Ads and feature limits unless subscribed |
| ICC | Long-standing reputation, home to titled players | Dated interface, subscription-based, declining user base |
** Rating Systems**
- Lichess uses Glicko-2, providing a highly responsive and accurate rating experience.
- Chess.com employs Glicko-1, an earlier version.
- ICC uses its own Elo-based system.
It’s important to note: ratings are not directly comparable across platforms because each system and player pool differs.
** Growing Popularity and Community Loyalty**
Although Lichess may not match Chess.com’s sheer numbers, it has built a fiercely loyal community. Its dedication to ethical, open, and inclusive access to chess makes it a magnet for players who value more than just entertainment.
** Final Thoughts**
Lichess.org isn't just another chess server—it's a movement. It shows that a community-driven, donation-supported platform can rival the giants without compromising its principles. For players like myself who seek quality chess without commercial noise, Lichess stands above the rest.