Sometimes it would be more practical to choose an opponent in a country with a time-zone more compatible with yours so that you are both more likely to be at home around the same time. This choice might be evident but I am still getting used to this site. Ta.
No. (They have to choose it for themselves.)
Premium members get slightly more options.
Under Home -> Online Chess -> Start New Game. Select Random opponent -> Edit filters, the following choices are available:
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