Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about playing grandmasters on PLAYAGM.
Chess grandmasters are abbreviated as "GM", and challengers, who pay to play GMs, are loosely called "players" here.
What is PLAYAGM?
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How much does a game cost?
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When am I charged, and when do I get a refund?
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What's the 30-move rule?
If the GM you are playing loses for whatever reason (time runs out, gets checkmated) in fewer than 30 moves, the player is refunded automatically. This prevents the GM from taking the game too easy or playing too many players simultaneously. At the same time, in case a player cheats with computer help, the GM is likely to survive for 30 moves, making it fair from the GM's point of view too. Note that if you agree to a draw within 30 moves, the player will get charged.
The table below covers every way a game can end and whether you're charged. In short: you play for free only if you beat the GM inside the 30-move window — any other completed game is charged.
| How the game ends | Do you pay? |
|---|---|
| You beat the GM in fewer than 30 moves — by checkmate, the GM resigning, or the GM's clock running out | No — refunded |
| You beat the GM on move 30 or later | Yes |
| The GM beats you — by checkmate, you resigning, or your clock running out | Yes |
| The game is drawn — by agreement, stalemate, threefold repetition, the 50-move rule, or insufficient material | Yes |
How can I be sure that I play against a real GM?
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