Dear co-admins,

here is a suggestion for VC-guidelines for the Londoneers (following our practice and what I can see as consensus).

Best regards.

Dietmar

Dear members,

Vote Chess (VC) is a great possibility to learn from each others by discussing a move before you make it - something that is not allowed in Daily Chess and all the other formats here!!

However, to make his as success (also for the learning effect), you should regard the following rules. And no one has to read the whole discussion here - all important changes or additions will be implemented in this original post.

(For a quick glance, you find a "tl;dr" at the end.)

GUIDELINES FOR VOTE CHESS

A. General procedure

The moves in VC games have 3 phases:

(1) Propose moves. (2) Discuss them in the team. (3) Make "your" move - which is your "vote".

B. How the system works

There are different ways to access your Vote Chess games, if you want an overview, the best is via "More" (left column) and "Vote Chess". There is a "Team (private)" section for move discussion, which cannot be seen by the other team during the game (but this will become public after the game, and not only to the other team, but to anybody else on chess.com!!) Only the comments made in that section after the end of the game stay private!!

To get notified about the discussion, you have to check the "follow" button, or make a comment (then it's done automatically). You move just like in a normal game, and after you have confirmed it, it is counted as vote by the system automatically. The move which has received most votes - or in a tie, the latest vote - is effecutated eventually (and automatically). You can access previous moves (and their discussions) via "Archive" - and go also back to the "current move" there. (A more detailled and basic explanation can be found here.)

C. Specific guidelines

Everyone has a voice, the right to express an opinion on the game and to discuss moves. They do not have a right to abuse other players or to express bigoted notions.
If possible, show lines in a diagram.
The discussion will be led by the admins of the club or another (officially announced) team captain; in absence, experienced players may lead the discussion.
Engine (computer analysis) use is forbidden! Like in Daily, only use of chess.com explorer or other databases of archived games (without active engine evaluation) is allowed. Also suggestions from other persons are forbidden, as long as they are not member of the VC team in that game.
Moves should be suggested (and discussed) before being voted for. If you prefer a non-discussed move, please suggest it yourself, so others can consider it as well.
Please wait with your move until the 24 hours mark or a Vote Call.
In the Vote Call, the team's favorite candidate move(s) may be selected by an admin or another team captain to vote. If you do not agree, please object publicly.
A Vote Call will be made in red, big letters, as soon as the discussion allows.
The Vote Call is not strictly binding, but no one should vote for another move if he has not suggested or supported that move publicly before.
If necessary, members will be reminded of these guidelines. Persistent early voting and voting for moves not opened for debate may get a member removed from the VC team (after a final warning).

tl;dr: Do not vote early (wait for a "Vote Call" or the 24-hours-mark). If you have something else in mind than is discussed, tell it in the comments, but do not just vote! Do not use an engine!

Kind regards

the admin-team

Londoneers HQ

Super Admins