Terms and Conditions
Last updated: November 5, 2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using ChessOut ("the App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the App.
2. Description of Service
ChessOut is a platform that helps chess players find offline matches with other players nearby. The service includes:
- Creating and joining offline chess matches
- Location-based match discovery
- ELO-based filtering and matching
- Lichess account integration for rating verification
- In-app messaging between match participants
- Push notifications for match updates
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use ChessOut. By using the App, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.
4. User Accounts
4.1 Account Creation
- You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account
- You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account
- You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
4.2 Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activities.
5. User Conduct
You agree NOT to:
- Provide false or misleading information (including fake ELO ratings)
- Impersonate another person or entity
- Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
- Create matches with no intention of attending
- Spam or send unsolicited messages
- Use the App for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
- Violate any applicable laws or regulations
- Interfere with or disrupt the App's functionality
6. Match Responsibilities
6.1 Match Creation
- When creating a match, you agree to provide accurate venue and time information
- You are responsible for attending matches you create or notifying participants if you must cancel
- Repeatedly creating and cancelling matches may result in account suspension
6.2 Match Participation
- When joining a match, you commit to attending at the specified time and location
- If you must leave a match, use the "Leave Match" feature to notify the creator
- We are not responsible for no-shows or cancellations by other users
6.3 Safety
- Always meet in public places
- Inform someone you trust about your match plans
- We are not responsible for in-person interactions between users
- Report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately
7. Lichess Integration
- Linking your Lichess account is optional but provides verified ratings
- We use OAuth to securely connect to Lichess without storing your password
- You can unlink your Lichess account at any time
- Lichess's terms and privacy policy apply to their service
8. Content and Messages
8.1 User Content
- You retain ownership of content you create (match descriptions, messages)
- You grant us a license to use, store, and display your content to provide the service
- You are responsible for your content and its legality
8.2 Prohibited Content
You may not post content that is:
- Offensive, threatening, or harassing
- Fraudulent or misleading
- Violates intellectual property rights
- Contains malware or harmful code
- Violates any laws or regulations
9. Location Services
- Location access is required to find nearby matches
- You can disable location services, but nearby match features will not work
- Your precise location is not shared with other users
- Only match venue locations are visible to participants
10. Push Notifications
- We send notifications about match updates, joins, cancellations, and messages
- You can disable notifications through device settings
- Disabling notifications may affect your app experience
11. Analytics and Tracking
- We use Firebase Analytics to understand how users interact with the App
- We track events like screen views, button presses, and match actions
- Analytics data is used to improve the App and user experience
- You can opt-out of analytics through device settings
12. Intellectual Property
- ChessOut and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by us
- Our trademarks, logos, and service marks may not be used without permission
- You may not copy, modify, or distribute our App or content
13. Disclaimers
THE APP IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE:
- Accuracy of user-provided information (including ELO ratings)
- Availability or reliability of the service
- That the App will be error-free or uninterrupted
- The behavior or safety of users you meet through the App
14. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:
- We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- We are not responsible for interactions between users
- We are not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from in-person meetings
- Our total liability shall not exceed $100 USD
15. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless ChessOut from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the App or violation of these Terms.
16. Game Statistics
- We track statistics including games created, joined, played, cancelled, left, and kick actions
- Statistics are used for personal tracking and potential future features (leaderboards, achievements)
- Statistics may be reset or adjusted to correct errors or abuse
17. Match Actions
17.1 Cancellation
- Creators can cancel matches at any time
- Cancelled matches remain in the database with "cancelled" status
- Participants receive notifications when matches are cancelled
17.2 Leaving Matches
- Participants can leave matches before they occur
- Creators are notified when participants leave
- Matches return to "open" status after a participant leaves
17.3 Kicking Players
- Creators can remove participants from their matches
- Kicked players receive notifications
- Abuse of the kick feature may result in account suspension
18. Modifications to Service
We reserve the right to:
- Modify or discontinue any part of the App
- Change these Terms at any time (we will notify you of material changes)
- Update features, pricing, or functionality
19. Termination
You may stop using the App at any time. We may terminate or suspend your access for violations of these Terms, illegal activity, or at our discretion.
20. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where we operate, without regard to conflict of law provisions.
21. Dispute Resolution
- Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration
- You waive the right to participate in class actions
- Arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English
22. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.
23. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and ChessOut.
24. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, contact us at: