Privacy Policy

 

Our website address: https://masterinchess.com/

 

Privacy Policy – Personal Data We Collect and Why

This Privacy Policy explains how MasterInChess.com collects, uses and protects your personal information. By using MasterInChess.com, you consent to the practices described here.

MasterInChess.com recognizes the importance of protecting your privacy. We are committed to handling your information responsibly and in accordance with GDPR and applicable privacy laws.

Information We Collect

We collect personal data only when you voluntarily provide it, such as when you:

  • register as a member

  • create a profile

  • contact us

  • use online tools that require input

  • subscribe to updates

The personal information you may provide can include:

  • name

  • email address

  • postal address (optional)

  • phone number (optional)

We collect this information so we can provide, maintain and improve our services.

How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information you provide for the following purposes:

  • to process and fulfill services offered on MasterInChess.com

  • to contact you regarding updates, new features, or important site information

  • to improve user experience and site functionality

We do not share, sell, or grant access to your personal information to any third party unless required by law.

Information Storage & Retention

If you register on MasterInChess.com, your personal information is stored in your user profile.

  • You can view, edit, or delete your information at any time.

  • You may also request that we delete your account and all associated personal data.

  • Website administrators can access and manage user information for security and maintenance purposes.

We retain your data only as long as necessary for administrative, legal and security purposes.

Your Rights Under GDPR

If you have an account on MasterInChess.com, you may request:

  • an exported file containing the personal data we hold about you

  • deletion of your personal data, except data we must keep for legal or security reasons

You may contact us at any time to exercise these rights.

Comments (If Enabled)

If comments are available on MasterInChess.com, visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.

Log Data for Statistics

Like many websites, MasterInChess.com automatically collects certain technical information when you visit. This may include:

  • IP address

  • browser type and version

  • device type

  • pages visited

  • date and time of access

  • time spent on each page

  • general usage statistics

This information is used solely for:

  • analytics

  • security

  • improving site performance

All statistical data is processed in accordance with GDPR and is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing.

Prevention of Spam and Unauthorized Access

We take security, spam prevention and protection against hacking very seriously.

To keep MasterInChess.com safe:

  • the site uses advanced security software

  • suspicious activity (spam attempts, automated attacks, hacking behaviour) may result in automatic blocking

  • IP addresses associated with repeated malicious activity may be permanently denied access

Serious security threats may be reported to relevant cybersecurity or anti-spam authorities when necessary.

These measures exist to protect all users and ensure a clean, safe experience on MasterInChess.com.

Embedded Content from Other Websites

Some pages on MasterInChess.com may include embedded content, such as:

  • YouTube videos

  • images

  • chessboards

  • PGN viewers

  • analysis modules

  • articles

Embedded content behaves exactly as if you visited the external website directly.

Please note:

  • External websites may collect data, use cookies, or track your interaction.

  • MasterInChess.com is not responsible for errors, omissions, or privacy practices on third-party sites.

  • No external material may be downloaded from these sites unless explicitly allowed by the rights holders.

Only chess games and downloadable databases provided directly by MasterInChess.com are permitted for download.

Cookies

MasterInChess.com uses cookies to provide a smooth, secure and functional user experience.

Cookies are used for:

  • allowing access to password-protected areas without repeated login

  • enabling site functions that require technical stability

  • security and fraud prevention

  • performance and analytics

Cookies stored by MasterInChess.com are only returned to MasterInChess.com upon your next visit.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not function correctly without them.

MICOS Software Copyright

The following proprietary software applications and tools are part of MICOS – Master In Chess Openings System or have been originally developed by Claus Gamborg for MasterInChess.com.

MICOS Applications

  • MICOS CAP – Chess Openings Trainer
  • MICOS GAP – Games Analysis Program
  • MICOS DB – Chess Database
  • MICOS TAC – Tactics Trainer
  • MICOS END – Endgame Trainer
  • MICOS SETUP – Chessboard Editor
  • MICOS PGN – Interactive PGN Viewer

Additional Proprietary Software

ELO Rating Calculator
While similar tools exist, the specific implementation on MasterInChess is uniquely designed and protected.

PGN → FEN Converter
Based on an original concept; the MasterInChess implementation, interface and logic are protected by copyright.

FEN → PGN Converter
A unique program exclusively developed by MasterInChess and protected as original software.

Chess Notation Translator
A proprietary program developed solely by MasterInChess and Claus Gamborg. All methods, logic and output handling are copyright-protected.

Copyright Protection

All source code, user interfaces, software architecture, functionality, design, algorithms, implementation, and related documentation are protected by copyright law.

Copyright © 2026 Claus Gamborg / MasterInChess.com. All rights reserved.

Unauthorized copying, redistribution, modification, reverse engineering, commercial use, or incorporation of any part of the software into other products, websites, applications, databases, or services is prohibited without prior written permission from MasterInChess.com.

Copyright and Usage Notice for the Chess Notation Translator

The Chess Notation Translator may be used only for personal, educational and non-commercial purposes.

You may not, without explicit written permission from MasterInChess:

  • redistribute the program or its output for commercial use

  • integrate the program or its methods into apps, software, services, or websites

  • develop competing tools using its structure, logic, or technology

  • reproduce, modify, or publish any part of the program’s backend or output format

Unauthorized use may result in legal action, including claims for damages and injunctions.

Proprietary Technology and Licensing Restrictions

The Chess Notation Translator — including all:

  • algorithms

  • internal logic

  • conversion methods

  • interface design

  • data-processing structure

  • downloadable PGN generation

—is a proprietary technology belonging exclusively to MasterInChess and Claus Gamborg.

Patent Pending

The core methods and algorithms are subject to ongoing patent protection efforts due to their novel structure and functionality.

No Replication or Reverse Engineering

You may not:

  • replicate

  • reverse engineer

  • decompile

  • copy

  • create derivative tools

  • imitate functionality

of any technology associated with the Chess Notation Translator.

Unauthorized Use

Any use of this technology — especially by competitors (including but not limited to chess.com, lichess.org and other chess platforms) — without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited and will result in legal action.

Copyright © 2026 MasterInChess, Claus Gamborg. All Rights Reserved.

MICOS™ is a proprietary chess openings system developed by MasterInChess.

The MasterInChess Openings System (MICOS) is a proprietary classification system developed by Claus Gamborg and protected by international copyright law. Copyright © 2026 MasterInChess, Claus Gamborg. All Rights Reserved. All textual content, classification structure, MICOS Opening Codes and the complete system layout are protected.

🔒 MICOS Copyright Protection

The MasterInChess Openings System (MICOS) is officially registered and protected by copyright.

Every MICOS Code, Opening Group and Sub Group is part of a structured and verified system — recognized as a modern classification alternative to the traditional ECO system.

Unauthorized reproduction, modification, or commercial use of MICOS — including the MICOS Codes, structure, grouping logic, or documentation — is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from MasterInChess.

MasterInChess Openings System – MICOS

📘 MICOS Opening Groups (2026 Edition)

This publication contains the complete MICOS Opening Group classification, including:

  • All 57 Opening Groups
  • All MICOS-coded openings
  • Complete hierarchical structure and opening descriptions
  • Logical move-order organization throughout the entire system

👉 MasterInChess Openings System – MICOS Opening Groups (2026 Edition)

📘 MICOS Sub Groups (2026 Edition)

This publication contains the complete MICOS Sub Group classification, including:

  • All 166 Sub Groups
  • Each Sub Group name and description
  • The exact MICOS code ranges defining every Sub Group
  • Clear hierarchy:
    Main Opening Group → Opening Group → Sub Group → MICOS-coded openings

👉 MasterInChess Openings System – MICOS Sub Groups (2026 Edition)

⚖️ Use of MICOS-Coded Openings

Use of MICOS-coded openings — including, but not limited to, the following elements:

  • MICOS Opening Codes (e.g., A00.001, A00.001.IO, A00.002, A00.002.IO, …)

  • MICOS Opening Group labels (e.g., A00.IO, A01.NL, A03.BI)

  • MICOS Sub Group names defined by MICOS code ranges (e.g., King’s English A02.047.EN – A02.103.EN)

  • Named opening categories derived from the MICOS classification system

— requires proper attribution when used in PGN headers, chess software, databases, articles, or printed material.

✔️ Example of correct attribution in PGN

  • The first references to the specific MICOS coded opening.
  • [MICOS "A02.047.EN"]

  • The second references the MICOS Sub Group code range, not a Sub Group code.

  • [MICOS-Range "A02.047.EN – A02.103.EN"]

🚫 Prohibited use and misrepresentation

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

  • MICOS Codes must not be placed in fields labeled ECO.

  • MICOS Codes must not be represented, implied, or substituted as ECO codes.

  • MICOS Sub Groups must never be expressed as single codes; Sub Groups are always defined as code ranges.

  • MICOS Codes must not be misused, relabeled, or presented in a manner that may cause confusion with ECO or any other opening classification system.

Unauthorized use, mislabeling, or misrepresentation of MICOS in software, websites, databases, or printed publications may result in legal action.

🔗 Permissions and Fair Use

You may reference MICOS in non-commercial educational content, such as:

  • YouTube videos

  • Chess articles

  • Blog posts

  • Teaching material

But when doing so, you must:

  1. Include the correct MICOS Code

  2. Credit MasterInChess.com as the source

Commercial Use Requires Permission

Any use of MICOS in:

  • chess programs

  • mobile apps

  • commercial websites

  • databases

  • printed books

— requires explicit written permission from MasterInChess.

🖼️ Content Watermarking

All logos, graphics, diagrams and images produced by MasterInChess are protected by copyright.

Copyright © 2026 MasterInChess. All Rights Reserved.

Some books may include a watermark (for example: chesstouring.com, owned by MasterInChess) to help identify unauthorized duplication or use.

📚 Chess Books Disclaimer

The chess books shown on MasterInChess.com are provided through a licensed partnership with Scribd and are intended solely for personal educational use.

These books:

  • are not downloadable,

  • must not be redistributed and

  • remain the copyright property of their respective publishers.

Although certain browsers or devices may technically allow downloads, this is not permitted and may infringe copyright law.

By accessing these books, you agree to:

  • use them only for personal study,

  • not reproduce or distribute them,

  • respect all publisher copyright restrictions.

MasterInChess is not responsible for any unauthorized distribution or misuse performed by visitors.

🛡️ Disclaimer

The information and services provided on MasterInChess.com may contain typographical errors or technical inaccuracies. Information may be updated or changed at any time without notice. MasterInChess.com may also improve or modify its content, tools, or services without prior announcement.

MasterInChess.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies found on this website or on any external website referenced or linked from MasterInChess.com.

All information on MasterInChess.com is provided “as is”, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied — including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. MasterInChess.com makes no representation or warranty that the website will be available without interruption or free from errors, defects, or security breaches.

MasterInChess.com assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever, including — without limitation — indirect, special, consequential, punitive, or incidental damages, lost profits, loss of programs or data, or other losses arising out of or connected with:

  • the use or inability to use MasterInChess.com

  • reliance on any information or material contained on or accessed from MasterInChess.com

even if MasterInChess.com has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

🔐 Security

We use security measures to protect the information you provide against loss, misuse and unauthorized alteration.

When you submit personal information (such as name, email address, or physical address), you are communicating through our secure server, which encrypts your data before transmission.

Changes To This Privacy Policy

MasterInChess may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
If changes occur, the updated version will be posted on MasterInChess.com.
We encourage you to review this page occasionally to stay informed.

MasterInChess, 1. July 2026

If you have questions about our Privacy Policy or any related matters, you are welcome to  contact us.

 

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