Why is it harder to play chess on a real board as opposed to online?

I've found that it's really difficult to play chess on a real board as opposed to here on Chess.com. Any theories as to why? 

Because you can't cheat with a game engine in second tab

I find I play best when the pieces are life-sized.

It is probably harder to recognize the patterns you've learned to recognize on a 2d screen

There are several reasons why it can be harder to play chess on a physical board compared to online:

1. Visibility: On a physical board, it can be more challenging to see the entire board and all the pieces clearly, especially if the board is small or the pieces are not easy to distinguish from each other.

2. Space: Physical boards require adequate space to lay out the pieces and move them around, which may be limited depending on where you are playing. Online platforms have virtual boards that allow for unlimited space and easy movement of pieces.

3. Set-up and clean-up: Setting up and cleaning up a physical chess board can be time-consuming and may introduce errors if pieces are not placed correctly. Online platforms automatically set up the board and pieces for you, reducing the chance of mistakes.

4. Accessibility: Online platforms offer the convenience of being able to play chess anytime, anywhere, as long as you have internet access. Physical boards require carrying around the board and pieces, which may not always be practical or feasible.

5. Notation: Keeping track of moves and recording games on a physical scoresheet can be more challenging than using digital notation on online platforms, which automatically record all moves and allow for easy review of the game.

Overall, playing chess on a physical board can be more cumbersome and less efficient compared to online platforms, which offer numerous benefits in terms of convenience, accessibility, and ease of use.

Yeah real board is super hard when you have no idea how the horse moves

Premoves are impossible over the board

I prefer online because I can't play with Bean on a real board.

Different perspective + social aspect/pressure

On a more serious (and self written) note, playing chess on a physical board may be more difficult mainly because of two things: perspective/angle and allowed moves.

Similar to when playing a sport, seeing the game from a "bird's eye view" gives you a better idea of the entire picture. Seeing the pieces at an angle (like playing in first person view) makes it harder to see everything.

Seeing allowed moves is an obvious and needs no explanation.

Whoever downvoted my previous post please keep in mind that AI is always watching.

Yea I suck, even more, OTB. I think it's the 3D vx 2D thing. Easier to see the board in 2d I think. I've heard if you learned OTB first then the 2D screen is harder.

different POV and I think there's more distractions IRL when you're not zeroed it on your phone/screen

that's probably because you play more online

You have to hit your clock in over the board chess every time in online chess the computer does it for you.

Since I'm the hundredth best player on Chess.com, it doesn't really make a difference to me.

Proof:

Jokes aside, I can see how showing the possible moves can give you a time advantage, but that's probably only the case for beginners and maybe advanced players. The pros probably don't think about it at all. I've always played chess very casually and always without a time limit. Therefore, the time advantage of displaying the possible moves has never arisen for me.

I think the biggest difference for me is that I can actually remember most of the few situations where I played chess offline. I had a small, foldable magnetic chess set that could probably even be played on a roller coaster (not the one from Park Beyond). I'm sure I still have it somewhere. I remember playing chess with it during long drives in the car, handing it over to everyone, or playing on a sandy, windy beach. (I still have the mini Connect Four, too.) Often the chess wasn't the main focus, we ate (without crumbs ~slay), drank and talked about other things. I even remember when had a chess course at school.

Hence my closing words: If you have the choice between online and offline, do it offline and you will remember it. Even if you think it's harder or your chances to win are worse. You can play online every day and never remember it.

W 1 year comment