Is paid membership @ chess.com worth Itthe money?

I am considering taking up a paid membership at chess.com.

I wanted feedback from existing members as to the value of the features offered for platinum moreso comparing free chess videos on youtube vs. chess.com videos...."...plus how members have benefitted from the other benefits.

I believe I made a good decision when I purchased a paid membership. Although I am just a Gold member it fits my modest budget and it even helps a patzer like myself to improve his game.

I think so.

~ [+1100] rating in tactics in 2 years (185hrs)

And of course, you get to watch as many videos as you want, which is what is most important of the premium feature.

       Plus you get to laugh and cry, join groups,etc. I know you can do that with a free membership but it just seems you get to rub elbows with a better class of members.

Chess Mentor really is unique, but I find I need to periodically review courses to keep the knowledge fresh so I need the unlimited access Diamond.  A lot depends on how you learn best, but with the unlimited tactics trainer and videos and play the computer and computer analysis; it's hard to imagine anyone even half way serious not getting their money's worth (IMHO).  Of course I've reached that embarassing stage in life where it's no longer about getting better so much as slowing down getting worse.   Chess and bridge are both suspected of being good for that too.  They did a study.  You could look it up...

ya got a have money ta spindit

I think the Game Explorer for your own games is extremely helpful. Helps you figure out what openings are right for you. 

I like the videos too. They can be really helpful. 

In my opinion, it is worth the money if you use the Study Plan on a regular basis (including Tactics Trainer and Chess Mentor). You can pay month-to-month and cancel at any time. You probably want to supplement with some books as well.

How do you use Game Explorer for own games.how does that benefit you

Game Explorer is a database that has all of your Chess.com games. It allows you to see what your winning percentage is for each move. That helps you know which openings are better for you, and which openings you need to study. 

For example, I am an e4 player. I have a 52% win rate against e5. However, my win rate against the French is only 47%. This shows that I probably need to study a little more on the French from the White side. (Ironic, because I am a French player on black)

Hi Rosebud, I just signed up  for the membership last week. I recommend trying the Diamond membership, there is a free trial for 30 days. No risk involved. 

I have noticed doing that tactics has improved my game a lot, and my understanding of board position vs just trying to gain a lot of material.

You seem to have a higher rating than me though, I;m sure you could still find it useful. I say give it a try =) 

thx eveyone for all your helpful comments.

Who are the most popular/ watched lecturers on the chess.com videos.

In what way are those lectures superior to what can be gleaned from youtube?

For example youtube has Kingcrusher,Seirawen etc

1. Danny Rensch pawn structure videos.

2. Opening SERIES, not only single videos.

3. A lot of strategy and positional plans videos.

Many features, that you could not find on youtube.

Youtube videos tend to be someone playing bullet/blitz/standard, but Chess.com videos provide instructive content. 

Chess Mentor has been great so far. Tactics Trainer is great so far. The vids I've watched so far seem to be great. Granted, I haven't been here very long, but I feel like I am seeing the board and noticing tactics more quickly already.

@kansasmitch

Try out Akobian's lectures on youtube. He's excellent at teaching chess.

I am a paid member of several other sites as well as Chess.com. Yes - For improving club players Chess Mentor alone is worth the diamond membership here and you won't find videos online that are more tailored to your skill level than you will here. Their library is massive.

So again, yes - The Diamond is well worth it.

Premium is worth every penny!

Well not only that, but you get extra support as well.