Keenchess.com Reviews

Based on checking the website Keenchess.com, it presents itself as a platform offering a new dimension of chess learning and “safe earning” by rewarding average chess players.

While the idea of enhancing chess skills is commendable, the platform’s focus on “earning rewards” and “mining Keens” by playing for “prizes” and “winning real prizes” introduces elements that lean heavily into competitive earning, which shares similarities with gambling or chance-based reward systems.

Such activities, where financial gain is tied to unpredictable outcomes in games, are not permissible in Islam.

Instead of seeking rewards through competitive play, it’s always better to focus on skill development for its own sake, leveraging chess for intellectual growth and strategic thinking, which are truly beneficial outcomes.

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Keenchess.com Review & First Look

Based on looking at the Keenchess.com website, it aims to merge chess learning with a reward system, promising a “new dimension of chess learning and safe earning.” The platform appears to be in its pre-launch phase, inviting users to “be the first to know when we launch!” This early access model is common for new tech ventures. The site highlights several features: Trivia, Play Chess for Ranks and Prizes, a Tournament Calendar, and a Blog. The core concept revolves around “Keens,” a proposed currency that users can “mine” by playing.

The initial impression is that Keenchess.com is attempting to gamify chess training by adding a monetary incentive.

While chess itself is a highly intellectual and beneficial game for developing strategic thinking and patience, the emphasis on “rewards,” “prizes,” and “mining Keens” raises a red flag from an Islamic perspective.

The website uses phrases like “compete for REWARDS” and “win real prizes,” which can steer users toward a mindset of playing for financial gain rather than for the pure love of the game or intellectual development.

This structure, where one’s effort in a game leads to a chance of winning prizes, has strong resemblances to gambling or games of chance, which are strictly forbidden in Islam due to their potential for addiction, financial ruin, and fostering greed. Mrtesol.com Reviews

A true intellectual pursuit should be driven by the desire for knowledge and self-improvement, not by the allure of monetary rewards tied to game outcomes.

The “Safe Earning” Premise

The website claims “safe earning,” but in the context of competition and prizes, this can be misleading.

“Safe earning” in Islam refers to earning through honest work, trade, or investment where the outcome is not based on chance or speculation.

Playing a game, even a skill-based one like chess, for prizes introduces an element of uncertainty that can be problematic.

Pre-Launch Status and Future Implications

Given the pre-launch status, it’s challenging to provide a full review of its operational aspects. However, the stated mission and proposed features suggest a platform that will heavily rely on incentivizing play with rewards. Users interested in chess should seek platforms that focus purely on skill development, learning resources, and community engagement without the monetary incentive. Mr-tipper.com Reviews

Keenchess.com Cons

While the idea of making chess more engaging through technology is positive, the prominent feature of “earning rewards” and “winning prizes” on Keenchess.com introduces significant drawbacks, especially from an ethical and Islamic standpoint.

These elements fundamentally shift the focus from intellectual growth to financial gain, which can have negative consequences.

Encouragement of Gambling-like Behavior

The most significant con is the platform’s emphasis on “winning real prizes” and “mining Keens” through competitive play.

This creates a system where the primary motivation for playing chess might become financial reward rather than skill improvement or enjoyment of the game itself.

• Uncertainty Gharar: Winning prizes in a game, even a skill-based one, involves an element of uncertainty regarding the outcome and the reward. In Islamic finance, transactions involving excessive uncertainty gharar are prohibited.
• Gambling Similarity Maysir: When participants pay to play with the expectation of winning a prize from a pool, where others lose their stakes, it closely resembles gambling maysir, which is strictly prohibited in Islam. While the website doesn’t explicitly state a “stake,” the concept of “competing for rewards” implies that value is exchanged, and outcomes are uncertain.
• Focus Shift: Instead of fostering a love for chess and intellectual development, the reward system can encourage a transactional mindset, where the game becomes a means to an end winning money.

Potential for Financial Mismanagement

Platforms that intertwine gaming with monetary rewards can lead to poor financial habits, particularly for younger or impressionable users. Midlandsclothing.com Reviews

• Chasing Losses: Users might be tempted to play more to recover perceived losses or to win more prizes, potentially leading to excessive time and resource investment.
• Misconception of “Earning”: Presenting competitive gaming as “earning” can blur the lines between genuine productive work and entertainment, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations about wealth generation.
• Addiction Risk: The thrill of winning prizes, combined with the competitive nature of chess, could contribute to addictive behaviors, similar to gambling addiction, which can have devastating personal and financial consequences.

Detrimental to Pure Skill Development

The presence of monetary incentives can detract from the intrinsic value of learning and mastering chess.

• External Motivation Over Internal: The focus shifts from the inherent satisfaction of improving one’s game to external rewards. This can undermine genuine interest and perseverance when rewards are not immediately forthcoming.
• Reduced Focus on Learning: If the primary goal is to win prizes, players might prioritize strategies for quick wins over deep learning, theoretical understanding, or strategic development.
• Community Impact: A community driven by financial competition might foster a less collaborative or supportive environment compared to one focused purely on learning and intellectual exchange.

Lack of Transparency Regarding “Keens”

The website mentions “The Keen System” and “Play To Mine Keens” but provides limited details about how this “currency” works, its value, or how it can be redeemed.

• Undefined Value: Without clear information, users are investing time and effort into earning a currency whose real-world value or utility is unclear, creating another layer of uncertainty.
• Regulatory Concerns: Digital currencies or in-game tokens tied to real-world value often fall under regulatory scrutiny. The lack of transparency raises questions about compliance and legitimacy.

Given these significant cons, especially the promotion of activities resembling gambling and the shift from pure intellectual pursuit to financial gain, Keenchess.com’s model is problematic.

Users interested in chess should prioritize platforms that emphasize learning, community, and skill enhancement without the lure of monetary rewards.

Keenchess.com Alternatives

For those seeking to enhance their chess skills and engage with the game in a positive, permissible manner, there are numerous excellent alternatives to Keenchess.com that focus purely on learning, competition, and community building without the problematic element of monetary incentives or “earning” through play. Grandsheratonindia.com Reviews

These platforms promote intellectual growth, strategic thinking, and healthy competition.

1. Chess.com

Overview: Chess.com is arguably the largest and most comprehensive online chess platform globally, offering a vast array of features for players of all levels.

• Extensive Learning Resources:
  • Lessons: Structured courses covering openings, tactics, endgames, and strategy.
  • Puzzles: Thousands of tactical puzzles to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
  • Videos: A massive library of instructional videos from top players and coaches.
  • Articles: Daily articles on chess news, history, and theoretical concepts.
• Diverse Playing Options:
  • Live Chess: Play against opponents worldwide in various time controls.
  • Daily Chess: Play long-form games at your own pace.
  • Tournaments: Regular online tournaments for all skill levels.
• Community Features:
  • Forums: Active discussion boards for all chess-related topics.
  • Clubs: Join or create clubs with like-minded individuals.
  • Coaching: Connect with certified chess coaches for personalized instruction.
• No Monetary Incentives: Chess.com focuses on internal motivation rank, skill improvement, learning rather than external monetary rewards, aligning with ethical principles.

2. Lichess.org

Overview: Lichess is a free, open-source, and highly respected online chess server known for its minimalist design and robust features.

• Completely Free: All features are available without any cost, supported by donations. This ensures no financial barrier to learning and playing.
• Comprehensive Tools:
  • Live and Correspondence Games: Play against a large community.
  • Puzzles: Unlimited tactical puzzles.
  • Studies: Create and share interactive studies of games and positions.
  • Analysis Board: Powerful analysis tools for reviewing your games.
  • Learning Resources: Includes tutorials, opening explorer, and more.
• Ethical Focus: Lichess is a community-driven project with a strong emphasis on providing a high-quality, accessible platform for chess enthusiasts, free from commercial pressures or problematic reward systems.
• Transparency: Being open-source, its operations are transparent and verifiable.

3. FIDE Online Arena FOA

Overview: The official online chess platform of FIDE International Chess Federation, offering rated games and a more structured competitive environment.

• Official Ratings: Players can earn official FIDE Online Arena ratings, which are recognized globally.
• Fair Play: Strong emphasis on fair play and anti-cheating measures, maintaining the integrity of competition.
• Tournaments: Regular tournaments organized under FIDE regulations.
• Focus on Sport: The platform promotes chess as a sport, emphasizing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship over monetary gains.

4. Local Chess Clubs and Tournaments

Overview: Engaging with chess in person offers unique benefits, including direct interaction, mentorship, and a tangible competitive experience. Kegfactory.com Reviews

• Community Building: Join local clubs to meet fellow enthusiasts, participate in casual games, and learn from experienced players.
• Over-the-Board OTB Experience: Playing OTB develops different skills than online chess, such as time management with physical clocks and reading opponent’s body language.
• Structured Learning: Many clubs offer lessons, workshops, and coaching.
• Legitimate Competition: Participate in officially sanctioned tournaments e.g., those rated by FIDE or national federations where recognition, titles, and ratings are the primary rewards, not cash prizes based on chance. Winning prize money in these contexts is typically due to exceptional skill and adherence to strict rules, distinguishing it from casual “prize” winning games.

5. Chess Books and Educational Software

Overview: Traditional learning methods remain highly effective for in-depth study.

• Classical Literature: Study classic chess books on openings, middlegames, endgames, and strategy by masters like Capablanca, Nimzowitsch, and Fischer.
• Modern Texts: Contemporary authors offer updated insights and training methods.
• Educational Software: Chess engines like Stockfish, Komodo and training software e.g., ChessBase, Shredder provide powerful analytical tools for self-study.

These alternatives provide robust, ethical, and highly effective avenues for chess enthusiasts to learn, play, and grow, aligning with principles that prioritize intellectual development and honest engagement over speculative financial gain.

How to Avoid Unethical Online Platforms

Here’s a guide on how to identify and avoid such platforms, ensuring your online activities remain beneficial and principled.

1. Scrutinize “Earning” Claims and Reward Systems

Any platform promising “rewards,” “prizes,” or “earning” through activities that are primarily games, contests, or speculative investments should raise immediate red flags.

• Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If a platform suggests you can earn significant money with minimal effort, skill, or investment, it’s likely a scam or an unethical scheme. Real wealth is generated through productive work, legitimate business, or responsible investment.
• Understand the Source of Funds: Ask: Where do the prizes or “earnings” come from? If they are derived from other participants’ losses, or if the primary mechanism is based on chance, it closely resembles gambling Maysir, which is prohibited. Legitimate earnings come from value creation, not from a zero-sum game where some win and others lose.
• Distinguish Skill from Chance: Even in skill-based games, if the primary motivation is winning a prize pool generated by participants, it can still fall into a grey area. True skill development should be its own reward, or compensated through legitimate means like professional services e.g., coaching, playing as a professional where compensation is fixed, not prize-based.
• Check for Financial Transparency: Ethical platforms are transparent about their financial models. If there’s vagueness around how “currency” works, its real-world value, or how profits are generated, proceed with extreme caution.

2. Research Thoroughly Before Engaging

Never jump into a new platform or service without doing your homework. Allett-usa.com Reviews

• Look for Independent Reviews: Search for reviews from credible, independent sources. Be wary of reviews only found on the platform’s own website or from affiliated marketers. Look for critical analysis and feedback from actual users.
• Check Regulatory Compliance: For financial platforms or those dealing with real money, verify if they are regulated by relevant authorities e.g., financial regulatory bodies. Lack of regulation is a major red flag.
• Examine the Business Model: Understand how the platform makes money. Is it through subscriptions, advertising, legitimate product sales, or something else? If their revenue model seems unclear or relies heavily on user participation in speculative activities, it’s problematic.
• Read the Terms and Conditions T&Cs: It’s tedious, but essential. Look for clauses related to prize distribution, withdrawal policies, dispute resolution, and data usage. Vague or unfavorable T&Cs can expose you to significant risks.

3. Prioritize Intrinsic Value and Ethical Principles

Shift your focus from potential monetary gain to the intrinsic value and ethical implications of an activity.

• Focus on Learning and Skill Development: For educational or skill-based platforms like chess, prioritize those that emphasize genuine learning, mastery, and healthy competition without external financial lures. The reward should be knowledge and improvement.
• Seek Platforms Promoting Productive Endeavors: Look for opportunities that encourage genuine productivity, creativity, and beneficial exchange of goods or services.
• Align with Islamic Principles: Before engaging with any platform, consider if it aligns with Islamic principles of permissible earning Halal, avoidance of gambling Maysir, interest Riba, and excessive uncertainty Gharar. If there’s doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
• Value Your Time and Effort: Recognize that your time and effort are valuable assets. Invest them in activities that offer genuine, sustainable benefits, rather than those promising quick, speculative returns.

4. Trust Your Gut Feeling and Seek Advice

If something feels off or too risky, it probably is.

• Beware of Pressure Tactics: If a platform pressures you to sign up quickly, invest immediately, or recruit others, it’s a common tactic of scams or pyramid schemes.
• Consult Knowledgeable Individuals: If you’re unsure about the permissibility of a platform or activity, consult with individuals knowledgeable in Islamic finance, ethics, or relevant fields.
• Don’t Share Sensitive Information Lightly: Be extremely cautious about sharing personal financial details, account numbers, or private information, especially with unverified platforms.

By adopting a critical and principled approach, you can navigate the online world more safely, avoiding platforms that promote unethical or impermissible activities and instead opting for those that truly enrich your life in a permissible way.

How to Identify and Avoid Online Scams

Recognizing their common tactics and adopting a proactive approach is crucial for safeguarding your financial well-being and personal information.

1. Recognize Common Scam Red Flags

Scammers often employ similar psychological tricks and technical setups. Mdanderson.org Reviews

• Unsolicited Contact: Be extremely wary of unexpected emails, messages, or calls, especially those promising money, prizes, or urgent action. Legitimate organizations rarely contact you out of the blue asking for sensitive information or immediate payments.
• Promises of Easy Money/High Returns: Any scheme guaranteeing quick, high returns with little to no risk, or offering “free money” for simple tasks like clicking ads or playing games, is almost certainly a scam.
• Pressure to Act Immediately: Scammers create a sense of urgency “limited time offer,” “account will be suspended,” “act now to claim your prize” to prevent you from thinking critically or seeking advice.
• Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate entities will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or full credit card numbers via email or unsecured messaging. Be cautious of links leading to login pages. always type the URL directly.
• Vague or Poorly Written Communications: Emails or messages with grammatical errors, typos, awkward phrasing, or generic greetings “Dear Customer” are strong indicators of a scam.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers often request payment via wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other non-reversible methods, making it impossible to recover your money.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: This applies across the board—whether it’s an unbelievably cheap product, a lottery win you didn’t enter, or an inheritance from a distant relative you’ve never met.

2. Verify Everything Independently

Never trust information provided by the potential scammer.

• Independent Verification: If you receive a suspicious message purportedly from your bank, a government agency, or a company, do not use the contact information provided in the message. Instead, find their official contact details website, phone number through an independent search e.g., Google their official name.
• Check URLs and Sender Addresses: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Look for discrepancies in email addresses e.g., “[email protected]” instead of “[email protected]“. Be aware of subtle misspellings or extra characters.
• Search Online for Reviews/Warnings: Before engaging with an unknown platform or offer, type its name followed by “scam,” “review,” or “complaints” into a search engine. You’ll often find warnings from others who have encountered similar schemes.
• Use Official Channels: For any transaction or communication, always use official websites, apps, or verified phone numbers.

3. Protect Your Personal and Financial Information

Your data is valuable, and scammers want it.

• Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Consider using a password manager.
• Two-Factor Authentication 2FA: Enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts even if they have your password.
• Be Skeptical of Downloads: Never download attachments or click links from suspicious emails. These can contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
• Public Wi-Fi Caution: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions or logging into critical accounts on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.

4. What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

• Do NOT Engage: If you suspect a scam, do not respond. Do not click links, download attachments, or call numbers provided in the message.
• Report It:
  • Phishing Emails/Texts: Forward them to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected].
  • Internet Crime: Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3 at ic3.gov FBI.
  • Federal Trade Commission FTC: Report scams to ftc.gov/complaint.
  • Local Law Enforcement: For significant financial loss, contact your local police.
• Alert Your Bank/Financial Institutions: If you’ve shared financial information or lost money, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately.

By remaining vigilant and informed, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams and ensure your digital interactions are safe and secure.

The Problem with Entertainment that Promotes Gambling or Speculation

The increasing overlap between entertainment platforms and activities that promote gambling or speculation poses a significant ethical challenge, particularly from an Islamic perspective. Magazinautoaparare.ro Reviews

While entertainment is generally permissible, its nature changes dramatically when it introduces elements of chance-based monetary gain, ultimately transforming into something prohibited due to its potential for harm.

1. The Lure of Quick Riches and Addiction

Platforms that integrate gambling or speculative elements into entertainment often prey on the human desire for quick and easy wealth.

• False Hope: They create an illusion of effortless earning, distracting individuals from genuine, productive work. This can lead to a dependency on chance outcomes rather than effort and skill.
• Addiction Pathway: The thrill of winning, combined with the unpredictable nature of outcomes, can trigger addictive behaviors. Research consistently shows that gambling can lead to severe psychological, social, and financial problems, including debt, mental health issues, and breakdown of relationships. For example, studies by the National Council on Problem Gambling indicate that millions of adults in the US struggle with gambling addiction, costing billions annually in social costs.
• Chasing Losses: Once addicted, individuals often find themselves in a cycle of “chasing losses,” where they bet more to recover what they’ve lost, spiraling deeper into debt and desperation.

2. Economic Disparity and Unearned Wealth

Gambling and speculative activities inherently involve a transfer of wealth without genuine productivity or value creation.

• Zero-Sum Game: In most gambling scenarios, one person’s gain is another’s loss. This creates a zero-sum environment where wealth is merely shuffled, rather than created through effort, innovation, or trade. This contrasts sharply with Islamic economic principles that emphasize productive work, fair exchange, and shared prosperity.
• Exploitation of Vulnerability: These platforms often target vulnerable populations, including those in financial distress, who might be desperate for a quick solution, leading to further exploitation and deepening their struggles.
• Lack of Blessing Barakah: From an Islamic standpoint, wealth acquired through impermissible means like gambling, interest, or fraud lacks barakah blessing. Such wealth, even if seemingly large, often fails to bring true satisfaction, peace, or lasting benefit and may lead to negative consequences in this life and the hereafter.

3. Societal Harm and Moral Decay

The widespread acceptance and promotion of gambling and speculative entertainment can erode societal values.

• Weakening of Work Ethic: When quick, unearned money is glorified, it can undermine the importance of hard work, perseverance, and honest effort as foundations for success.
• Increased Crime and Social Problems: Gambling addiction is often linked to increased crime rates theft, fraud as individuals resort to desperate measures to fund their habits or pay off debts. It can also lead to family breakdown, neglect of responsibilities, and widespread social distress.
• Moral Hazard: Normalizing gambling, especially among youth, can instill a mindset of seeking shortcuts and taking excessive risks, which can negatively impact their development and future choices.
• Distraction from Purpose: Life’s purpose, from an Islamic perspective, involves fulfilling responsibilities, contributing positively to society, and striving for spiritual growth. Entertainment that promotes gambling or speculation distracts from these noble objectives, diverting time, energy, and resources into pursuits that offer no lasting benefit.

In conclusion, while entertaining, platforms that promote gambling or speculative “earning” are fundamentally problematic. Mwproperty.mu Reviews

They foster addictive behaviors, contribute to economic disparity, and undermine core societal and moral values.

It is always better to engage in activities that offer genuine intellectual growth, foster healthy competition, and contribute to one’s well-being in a permissible and productive manner.

Keenchess.com Pricing Based on Website

Based on the Keenchess.com homepage, there is no explicit pricing information available for subscriptions, premium features, or the “Keen” currency system.

The website is currently in a pre-launch phase, primarily serving as a landing page to generate interest and capture email sign-ups for its upcoming launch.

Here’s what can be inferred about potential pricing or monetization strategies based on the current website content: Transgenderflags.com Reviews

• “Play To Mine Keens”: The mention of “mining Keens” suggests an in-game currency or token system. This could imply:
  • Free-to-Play with In-App Purchases: Users might be able to play for free, but could purchase “Keens” or other in-game advantages/items.
  • Subscription Model with Earned Currency: A subscription might grant access to features, and “Keens” could be earned through gameplay within that subscription.
  • Play-to-Earn P2E Model: In some modern gaming models, players can earn cryptocurrency or NFTs that have real-world value. If “Keens” are intended to be a cryptocurrency, this would signify a highly speculative and problematic financial model from an Islamic perspective, resembling gambling.
• “Compete for REWARDS and Win Prizes”: This strongly suggests that there will be opportunities to win tangible or virtual prizes, which could be tied to performance, participation, or even chance-based mechanics. The way these prizes are funded e.g., through entry fees, advertising revenue, or in-app purchases would be crucial in determining the permissibility of the platform.
• No Current Membership Tiers: Unlike established chess platforms that often display clear premium membership tiers e.g., Gold, Platinum, Diamond with associated benefits and prices, Keenchess.com currently lacks any such breakdown.

Implications of Undisclosed Pricing/Monetization:

The absence of clear pricing information at this stage, while typical for a pre-launch site, means that the full financial model of Keenchess.com remains speculative.

The emphasis on “earning” and “mining” without transparency about the economic mechanics raises concerns, especially considering the ethical issues surrounding play-to-earn models that can blur the lines between gaming and speculative investment.

Users interested in the platform should exercise extreme caution once pricing and monetization details are revealed, scrutinizing whether the “earning” opportunities involve elements of gambling, interest, or excessive uncertainty, which are impermissible. It is crucial to look for clarity on:

• How “Keens” are acquired and their real-world value.
• Whether entry fees are required for tournaments or games with prize money.
• The overall business model that generates the “rewards.”

Without this transparency, it is impossible to assess the platform’s financial integrity or its adherence to ethical guidelines. Egold.farm Reviews

How to Cancel a Problematic Online Subscription or Account

1. Review the Platform’s Terms of Service and FAQ

Before attempting to cancel, always consult the platform’s official documentation.

• Cancellation Policy: Look for a dedicated “Cancellation Policy,” “Terms of Service,” or “Refund Policy” section. This will outline the specific steps required, notice periods, and any penalties or prorated refunds.
• Subscription Management: Most legitimate platforms have a “Subscription Management” or “Account Settings” area within your profile where you can directly manage your membership.
• “How to Cancel” FAQ: Many sites offer step-by-step guides in their Frequently Asked Questions FAQ section.

2. Follow the Official Cancellation Process

It’s crucial to follow the platform’s prescribed method to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly.

• Log In to Your Account: The first step is typically to log into your account on the platform’s website.
• Navigate to Account Settings: Look for sections like “Settings,” “My Account,” “Subscription,” or “Billing Information.”
• Locate Cancellation Option: Within these sections, find an option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Membership,” or “Close Account.”
• Confirm Cancellation: Often, you’ll be asked to confirm your decision, sometimes with a brief survey about why you’re leaving. Complete all necessary steps to finalize the cancellation.
• Save Confirmation: Always save any confirmation emails, screenshots of the cancellation success page, or chat transcripts as proof of cancellation. This is vital in case of future billing disputes.

3. Contact Customer Support if Needed

If you can’t find the cancellation option or encounter issues, customer support is your next recourse.

• Live Chat/Email: Many platforms offer live chat support or dedicated email addresses for customer inquiries. Be clear and concise in your request to cancel.
• Phone Support: Some services provide a customer service phone number. This can be effective for resolving complex issues quickly.
• Be Persistent: If you don’t receive a response or confirmation within a reasonable timeframe, follow up. Document all communications, including dates, times, and names of representatives.

4. Check Third-Party Payment Services

If you subscribed through a third-party service e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play, PayPal, you might need to manage the subscription there as well.

• App Store Subscriptions: For mobile apps, subscriptions are often managed directly within your device’s app store settings e.g., “Subscriptions” under your Apple ID or Google Play account.
• PayPal/Credit Card: You can sometimes stop recurring payments by revoking the authorization directly through your PayPal account or by contacting your credit card company. This should be a last resort if the platform is unresponsive, as it can sometimes lead to account issues with the service provider.

5. Consider Removing Payment Information

After cancellation, it’s a good practice to remove any stored payment information from the platform, if the option is available, to prevent accidental charges or data breaches. Lajmi.dk Reviews

6. Be Wary of “Free Trials” and Auto-Renewals

Many problematic platforms use “free trials” that automatically convert to paid subscriptions.

• Set Reminders: If you sign up for a free trial, set a reminder a few days before it ends to decide whether to continue or cancel.
• Read the Fine Print: Understand the auto-renewal terms before providing your payment details.

By diligently following these steps, you can effectively manage and terminate online subscriptions, ensuring your financial and ethical boundaries are maintained.

Keenchess.com vs. Ethical Chess Platforms

When evaluating Keenchess.com against established and ethically sound chess platforms, the fundamental difference lies in their core motivations and the values they promote.

While both aim to engage users with chess, Keenchess.com’s integration of “earning” and “prizes” creates a distinct divergence.

Keenchess.com Problematic Model

• Primary Motivation: Appears to be the lure of “earning rewards,” “mining Keens,” and “winning real prizes” through competitive play and trivia.
• Financial Model: Unclear, but hints at a “play-to-earn” or similar model where success in games could translate to a form of monetary gain. This model is problematic as it often resembles gambling Maysir due to elements of chance and transferring wealth without genuine productivity.
• Focus: Blurs the line between entertainment, skill development, and speculative financial activity. The emphasis shifts from intellectual growth to financial incentive.
• Ethical Concerns:
  • Gambling-like elements: Encourages playing for prizes derived from competition, potentially leading to addiction and financial mismanagement.
  • Uncertainty Gharar: The value and redeemability of “Keens” and prizes are unclear, introducing significant uncertainty.
  • Lack of Transparency: Details about the “Keen System” and monetization are vague, making it difficult for users to assess risks.
• Benefit to User Permissible: Primarily intellectual stimulation from chess, but tainted by the financial incentives.

Ethical Chess Platforms e.g., Chess.com, Lichess.org, FIDE Online Arena

• Primary Motivation: Pure intellectual development, skill improvement, healthy competition, and community engagement.
• Financial Model:
  • Subscription-based Chess.com: Users pay for premium features e.g., unlimited lessons, advanced analytics that enhance their learning and playing experience. The payment is for a service, not a chance to win money.
  • Donation-based Lichess.org: Entirely free, supported by voluntary donations, ensuring accessibility for all and no financial pressure on players.
  • Membership/Tournament Fees FIDE Online Arena: Fees typically cover administrative costs, official rating services, and organizational expenses for legitimate tournaments. Prizes, if any, are usually trophies, titles, or scholarships, emphasizing recognition of skill rather than monetary gain from speculative play.
• Focus: Solely on fostering chess mastery, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and building a supportive community.
• Ethical Compliance:
  • No Gambling: These platforms explicitly avoid any elements of gambling or financial speculation. Playing for ranks, titles, or skill improvement is the reward.
  • Clear Value Exchange: Payments are for clear services lessons, analytics, ad-free experience or to support the platform’s existence.
  • Transparency: Pricing, features, and community guidelines are clearly outlined.
• Benefit to User Permissible:
  • Intellectual Growth: Enhances cognitive abilities, patience, and decision-making.
  • Skill Development: Provides tools and resources for continuous improvement.
  • Healthy Competition: Offers a competitive environment where success is based purely on skill.
  • Community: Fosters a global community of chess enthusiasts.
  • No Financial Risk: Users do not risk money on game outcomes.

Conclusion: Internetvikings.com Reviews

While Keenchess.com attempts to gamify chess with rewards, its model of “safe earning” and “prizes” introduces elements that lean towards speculative financial gain, making it problematic from an ethical and Islamic perspective.

In contrast, platforms like Chess.com and Lichess.org provide a wholesome and permissible environment for chess enthusiasts, focusing purely on the intellectual benefits, skill development, and healthy competition, without the associated risks and ethical compromises of monetary incentives tied to game outcomes.

For anyone serious about chess, the ethical platforms offer a far superior and more beneficial experience.

The Importance of Intellectual and Skill-Based Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies that are primarily intellectual and skill-based offers profound benefits that extend far beyond mere entertainment.

These activities foster cognitive development, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment, aligning perfectly with a productive and purposeful life. Sunnyelectricals.com Reviews

They provide a stark contrast to activities that rely on chance or speculative monetary gain, which often lead to negative consequences.

1. Cognitive Enhancement and Mental Agility

Intellectual hobbies actively challenge and train the brain, leading to measurable improvements in various cognitive functions.

• Strategic Thinking: Games like chess, Go, or even complex strategy video games demand foresight, planning, and the ability to anticipate opponents’ moves. This translates to better problem-solving skills in real life.
• Problem-Solving: Puzzles, coding, or learning a new language require analytical thinking and the ability to break down complex issues into manageable parts.
• Memory and Focus: Memorizing chess openings, learning vocabulary in a new language, or recalling historical facts strengthens memory and improves concentration span.
• Critical Thinking: Engaging with debates, philosophy, or scientific inquiry hones the ability to evaluate information, form reasoned arguments, and identify logical fallacies.

2. Cultivation of Discipline and Patience

Mastering any skill-based hobby requires consistent effort, patience, and the discipline to persevere through challenges.

• Delayed Gratification: Unlike activities promising instant rewards, intellectual pursuits often require a significant investment of time before noticeable progress is made. This teaches the valuable lesson of delayed gratification.
• Resilience: Facing setbacks e.g., losing a chess game, failing to solve a coding bug, struggling with a new language concept teaches resilience and the importance of learning from mistakes.
• Structured Practice: The need for regular, structured practice in hobbies like learning an instrument, coding, or competitive chess instills a strong work ethic and self-discipline.

3. Personal Growth and Sense of Achievement

The journey of acquiring and refining a skill provides deep personal satisfaction and builds self-efficacy.

• Self-Improvement: These hobbies are intrinsically linked to continuous self-improvement. The progress made is a direct result of one’s own effort and dedication.
• Confidence Building: As skills develop and challenges are overcome, individuals gain confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact other areas of their lives.
• Meaningful Engagement: Unlike fleeting entertainment, skill-based hobbies offer a sense of purpose and meaningful engagement, fostering genuine interest and passion.
• Reduced Reliance on External Validation: The satisfaction comes from within, from the mastery of the skill itself, rather than from external monetary rewards or fleeting thrills.

4. Positive Social Interaction and Community Building

Many intellectual and skill-based hobbies naturally foster positive social connections. Globalinfluenceragency.com Reviews

• Collaborative Learning: Study groups for languages, coding bootcamps, or chess clubs provide opportunities for collaborative learning and mentorship.
• Healthy Competition: Engaging in competitions based purely on skill, where recognition and improvement are the primary rewards e.g., chess tournaments for rating points, academic competitions, promotes sportsmanship and mutual respect.
• Shared Interests: Connecting with others who share similar intellectual passions can lead to enriching friendships and intellectual discourse.

5. Ethical and Permissible Recreation

From an ethical and Islamic perspective, these hobbies are highly encouraged as they align with principles of seeking knowledge, developing one’s faculties, and engaging in beneficial activities.

• Avoidance of Harm: They steer individuals away from activities that involve gambling, excessive risk, or unearned wealth, which are detrimental to spiritual and material well-being.
• Productive Use of Time: They encourage the productive use of time, preventing idleness and fostering a mindset of continuous learning and growth.

In summary, choosing intellectual and skill-based hobbies is a strategic investment in oneself.

They sharpen the mind, build character, and offer deep, lasting satisfaction, standing as a superior alternative to activities that rely on speculative gain or fleeting excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keenchess.com?

Based on checking the website, Keenchess.com presents itself as an upcoming online platform aiming to combine chess learning with a reward system, allowing users to “compete for REWARDS” and “mine Keens” by playing chess and trivia games.

Is Keenchess.com a legitimate chess learning platform?

Keenchess.com is currently in a pre-launch phase, so its full functionality and legitimacy cannot be definitively assessed.

While it advertises chess learning tools, its emphasis on “earning rewards” introduces elements that require careful scrutiny regarding their permissibility.

How does Keenchess.com propose to reward players?

The website mentions “rewarding the average chess player” and states that users can “compete for REWARDS,” “win prizes from 1v1 games and tournaments,” and “Play To Mine Keens.” The exact mechanics of these rewards and the value of “Keens” are not fully disclosed on the pre-launch site.

Does Keenchess.com involve gambling?

The website’s focus on “winning real prizes” and “competing for rewards” through games raises concerns similar to gambling, especially if these prizes are tied to uncertain outcomes or if participation involves paying to play with the expectation of winning a prize pool.

What are “Keens” on Keenchess.com?

“Keens” are described as a “currency” that players can “mine” by playing on the platform.

The website states, “All you need to know about earning and using our Keen currency,” implying it will have a defined system, though details are currently absent.

Can I earn real money on Keenchess.com?

The website states users can “win real prizes,” suggesting a potential for monetary or real-world value.

However, the exact mechanisms for earning and redeeming these “prizes” or “Keens” are not clearly outlined on the pre-launch site.

Are there any ethical concerns with Keenchess.com’s model?

Yes, the emphasis on “earning rewards” and “prizes” through competitive gaming can be ethically problematic as it might promote speculative financial gain and behaviors akin to gambling, which are not permissible.

What are the main features advertised on Keenchess.com?

The advertised features include Chess Trivia, Play Chess for Ranks and Prizes, a Tournament Calendar, and a Blog for chess news and tips.

Is Keenchess.com free to use?

The current pre-launch website does not specify pricing.

While it might offer free access to some features, the “earning” and “prize” aspects might imply a premium model or in-app purchases upon launch.

What are good alternatives to Keenchess.com for learning chess?

Excellent ethical alternatives include Chess.com for comprehensive lessons and playing, Lichess.org a free and open-source platform, and FIDE Online Arena for official ratings and tournaments.

How can I ensure I choose an ethical online chess platform?

Choose platforms that prioritize skill development, learning resources, and community engagement over monetary incentives or “earning” through play.

Look for clear, transparent pricing and no hidden gambling-like features.

Does Keenchess.com offer chess lessons or training?

Yes, the website mentions a “Blog” for learning chess with tips and news, and describes itself as a system that “TRAINS you for success in chess,” indicating a focus on learning.

How can I sign up for Keenchess.com?

The website currently offers a sign-up form to “Be the first to know when we launch!” This suggests an email notification system for early access.

Is there a Keenchess.com app?

The website does not explicitly mention a mobile app, but many online platforms launch with both web and mobile versions.

What kind of tournaments does Keenchess.com plan to host?

The website mentions a “Calendar” for finding tournaments and the ability to “upload your tournaments for Keen Rewards,” indicating a system for both platform-organized and user-submitted events.

How does Keenchess.com aim to boost motivation?

Keenchess.com states it is “on a mission to boost your motivation by rewarding the average chess player,” implying that the reward system is central to its motivational strategy.

What types of chess content will be on the Keenchess.com blog?

The blog examples shown on the homepage include articles like “How To Use A Chess Engine,” “Top 10 Chess Sets Under $100,” and “How To Be A Chess Grandmaster,” suggesting a mix of instructional and news content.

Is Keenchess.com suitable for beginners?

The website mentions “rewarding the average chess player” and aims to “TRAIN you for success,” suggesting it might cater to a range of skill levels, including beginners.

However, the reward focus might overshadow pure learning.

How does Keenchess.com’s trivia feature work?

The website describes its trivia as challenging “general chess knowledge, decisiveness, and quick thinking” with “unique multiple-choice questions” and “assists to help you win real prizes.”

What should I do if a platform promotes questionable earning methods?

It is best to avoid platforms that promote earning through speculative games, lotteries, or unclear reward systems.

Instead, seek platforms that offer clear value for services, encourage genuine skill development, or facilitate ethical transactions.