Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ChessCrumbs and improving your chess openings
How do I improve my chess openings?
Improving your chess openings requires a systematic approach combining three key elements:
- Identify your actual mistakes: Upload your games to ChessCrumbs, and we'll analyze them to find where you consistently go wrong in the opening phase.
- Practice with spaced repetition: Instead of memorizing random opening lines, drill the specific positions where you made mistakes until the correct moves become automatic.
- Learn opening theory: Browse our 1000+ opening library to understand the ideas behind the moves, not just memorize sequences.
The key is focusing on YOUR weaknesses from YOUR games, not generic opening knowledge.
What is spaced repetition in chess?
Spaced repetition is a scientifically-proven learning technique that helps you memorize information more effectively by reviewing it at optimal intervals.
In chess, this means:
- When you first make a mistake in an opening position, you'll practice it immediately
- If you get it right, the position will be scheduled for review in a few days
- Each time you succeed, the interval grows (1 day → 3 days → 7 days → 14 days, etc.)
- If you make a mistake again, the interval resets and you practice it more frequently
This ensures you spend more time on positions you struggle with and less time on those you've already mastered. ChessCrumbs uses the SM-2 algorithm (the same one used by Anki flashcards) to calculate optimal review schedules.
How does ChessCrumbs analyze my games?
ChessCrumbs uses a powerful chess engine to analyze your games and find where you made mistakes in the opening.
The process is simple:
- Upload your games from Chess.com, Lichess, or via PGN
- We evaluate each position to find mistakes
- Opening theory is checked to identify deviations
- Mistakes are categorized by severity
- You get personalized drill positions to practice
The analysis runs in your browser, keeping your games private and making it fast.
How do I upload my games?
ChessCrumbs supports three ways to upload games:
1. Chess.com Integration
Go to Settings → enter your Chess.com username → then use the Upload page to import games by date range.
2. Lichess Integration
Go to Settings → enter your Lichess username → then use the Upload page to import games by date range.
3. PGN Upload
Paste PGN text directly or upload a .pgn file. You can upload multiple games at once (separated in the PGN file).
After uploading, analysis begins automatically in your browser. You'll see a progress bar showing which game is being analyzed.
Is ChessCrumbs free?
Yes! ChessCrumbs offers a free tier that includes:
- 10 games per month
- Opening classification
- Basic drill sessions
- Access to 1000+ opening theory library
For serious players who want unlimited games and advanced features, we offer a Premium plan at $4.99/month that includes:
- Unlimited game uploads
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Priority engine analysis
- Export capabilities
- AI-powered recommendations