Last updated: 16 July 2026
Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using BookAChess. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and BookAChess ("we", "us", "our"). By creating an account, booking a session, or otherwise using our website and services (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms.
If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.
BookAChess is an online marketplace that connects customers ("Customers") with independent chess players, coaches, and streamers ("Talent") for paid, live chess games, coaching sessions, and streaming content, booked and paid for through our platform.
BookAChess is operated as a sole trader business based in England. You can contact us at support@bookachess.com.
To create an account or use the Service, you must be an adult of legal age in your jurisdiction. By creating an account or using the Service, you affirm that you meet this requirement.
If you are a minor in your jurisdiction, your parent or legal guardian must consent to these Terms on your behalf, create and control the account used to access the Service, and supervise your use of it at all times. BookAChess relies on this affirmation and does not independently verify age. If we become aware that an account is being used by a minor without appropriate parental or guardian consent and supervision, we may suspend or terminate that account.
You must provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating an account, and keep that information up to date.
BookAChess is a marketplace, not an employer of Talent. Talent who list themselves on BookAChess are independent, self-employed individuals or businesses, not our employees, agents, or partners. BookAChess is not a party to the actual chess coaching or gameplay session that takes place between a Customer and Talent — our role is to facilitate discovery, scheduling, secure payment, and communication between the two parties.
We do not guarantee the skill level, conduct, availability, or suitability of any Talent, and we do not guarantee any particular outcome from a session (e.g. improvement in chess ability). Any titles, ratings, or credentials displayed on a Talent's profile (including any linked Chess.com data) are provided by the Talent or pulled from third-party sources, and while we take reasonable steps to review applications, we do not independently verify every credential claimed.
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorised use of your account.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate any account that violates these Terms, engages in fraudulent activity, or poses a risk to other users or to the platform.
Individuals wishing to offer sessions as Talent must submit an application, which we review before approving. We may reject, suspend, or remove any Talent listing at our discretion, including after approval, if we believe it is necessary to protect the integrity, safety, or reputation of the platform.
Approval as Talent does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or verification of that individual's identity, background, qualifications, or suitability to interact with any particular Customer, including minors. Talent are solely responsible for the conduct, safety, and legality of the sessions they provide.
6.1 Booking. Customers may book sessions with Talent via scheduled bookings, instant ("Play Now") matches, or gifted sessions, as offered on the platform. A booking is only confirmed once accepted by the relevant Talent (where applicable) and payment has been successfully processed or authorised.
6.2 Payment processing. All payments are processed securely through Stripe. By using the Service, you also agree to Stripe's terms of service. We do not store your full payment card details.
6.3 Pricing and currency. All prices are set by Talent and displayed, charged, and paid out in Pounds Sterling (GBP), regardless of the location of the Customer or Talent. Any figures shown on the platform in a currency other than GBP are estimates for informational convenience only, calculated using indicative exchange rates, and are not the amount actually charged or paid out.
6.4 Revenue share. Talent receive 80% of the price paid for a completed session; BookAChess retains a 20% platform commission. This split may be varied from time to time, with notice provided via these Terms or the platform.
6.5 Authorisation and capture. For certain booking types, your payment method may be authorised (a hold placed) at the time of booking and only captured (charged) once the relevant condition is met (e.g. the Talent confirms the booking). If a hold is not confirmed within the applicable window, it will be released and you will not be charged.
6.6 Cancellations and refunds. Cancellation and refund entitlements depend on how far in advance a booking is cancelled and by which party, in accordance with the cancellation policy displayed at the time of booking. We reserve the right to issue discretionary refunds outside this policy in cases of platform error, fraud, or exceptional circumstances.
BookAChess allows Customers to purchase sessions as gifts for others via a claim link. Gift purchases are non-refundable once the claim link has been generated, except where required by law or at our discretion. Unclaimed gifts may be subject to an expiry period as displayed at the time of purchase.
Talent may offer live-streamed sessions in which Customers can queue to play against them and other users may spectate. During live sessions:
BookAChess provides a messaging system to allow Customers and Talent to communicate about bookings. Messages sent through the platform may be monitored, logged, and reviewed by BookAChess staff for safety, moderation, quality assurance, dispute resolution, and legal compliance purposes.
You agree not to use messaging to solicit contact information for the purpose of moving communication or payment off-platform, to circumvent BookAChess fees, or to send content that violates Section 10 (Acceptable Use).
You agree not to:
Violation of this section may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account, forfeiture of any pending payout (for Talent), and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement or relevant authorities.
If you believe a child is at risk, or you become aware of any concerning conduct toward a minor on the platform, contact us immediately at support@bookachess.com. We take such reports seriously and will investigate and act promptly, including suspending accounts and cooperating with authorities where appropriate.
Customers may leave reviews and ratings for Talent following a completed session. Reviews must be honest, based on genuine experience, and must not contain content that violates Section 10. We reserve the right to remove, hide, or moderate any review, and to resolve disputes about reviews at our discretion.
The BookAChess name, logo, website design, and platform software are our property or that of our licensors and may not be used without our permission. You retain ownership of content you submit (e.g. profile information, messages, reviews), but grant us a licence to use, display, and store that content as necessary to operate the Service.
The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, to the fullest extent permitted by law. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure, or that any Talent will meet your expectations.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, BookAChess shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service, or for the conduct of any Talent or Customer, whether online or in the course of a booked session. Our total liability to you for any claim arising from these Terms or the Service shall not exceed the total amount you paid to us in the twelve months preceding the claim.
Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for fraud.
You agree to indemnify and hold BookAChess harmless from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your use of the Service, or your conduct toward another user.
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms or is harmful to other users, third parties, or our business interests. You may close your account at any time via your account settings or by contacting us.
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified via the platform or by email. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Questions about these Terms can be sent to support@bookachess.com.
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