Frequently Asked Questions

DoBrainGames (DBG) is a free, independent online platform for chess, Go and Mastermind. It focuses on thinking games with no luck involved, and puts the human connection first — with live video calling, a coach marketplace and human-like bots.

Yes, entirely free. No subscriptions, no ads, no hidden charges. If you enjoy the platform and want to support its development, you can buy the creator a coffee. Paid plans may be introduced in the future, but core features will always remain accessible.

Not for most features. You can explore the site, watch TV mode and play some games without registering. Creating an account (via Google Sign-In) saves your rating, game history, enables the coach marketplace and allows email notifications for internal messages.

No. DoBrainGames is a fully independent project built and run by Confianta EOOD. The bridges to Lichess and Online-Go.com are built with admiration for those platforms — not as partnerships or endorsements of any kind.

DBG was built by Michiel Smissaert (chess and Go player, known online as Miguelholandes), as a project of Confianta EOOD, based in Bulgaria. Read more on the About page.

Chess, Go and Mastermind (as a quick warm-up). Chess and Go can be played against other users, against bots, or via the bridges to Lichess and Online-Go.com.

DBG has built software bridges to Lichess.org (chess) and Online-Go.com (Go) so you can always find an opponent, even while DBG is still growing its player base. These bridges depend on the availability of those external platforms. DBG is not responsible for any downtime or changes on those services.

Maia bots are AI players trained on millions of human games to play like a real person at a specific skill level. Unlike Stockfish (which plays as strong as possible), Maia makes natural human-like moves and mistakes. Playing against Maia is a very different — and often more enjoyable — experience.

Yes. Games played on DBG can be downloaded as PGN files, the standard chess format readable by any analysis tool.

TV mode shows top games and featured community games in a clean, distraction-free view — great for watching high-quality play without any clutter.

When you play a DBG-vs-DBG game, you can activate a live video call directly inside the game window — no external app needed. Your browser will ask for camera and microphone permission. The call only works between two registered users playing each other directly on DBG (not via the Lichess or OGS bridges).

No. Video calls are peer-to-peer and are not recorded or stored by DBG.

Check that your browser has permission to access your camera and microphone (usually a small icon in the address bar). Make sure your opponent has done the same. If problems persist, try Chrome or Firefox, or contact us at support@confianta.com.

Any registered user can list themselves as a coach or teacher and set their own price. No title requirements, and DBG takes zero commission. Coaches and students arrange their own sessions and payments directly. DBG is not a party in those agreements.

Yes. The marketplace is fully open. Whether you are a grandmaster or a passionate club player who wants to help beginners — you are welcome to offer your services.

Yes. DBG lets you choose or upload a custom background image. You can generate a stunning background using WowSplash.com — a liquid art and fractal generator — and apply it directly to your DBG experience.

DBG uses Google Sign-In. Click "Sign in with Google" on the homepage and follow the prompt. No separate DBG password is needed.

Only if you receive an internal DBG message from another user — a short transactional notification, nothing else. No marketing, no newsletters, no spam. You can opt out at any time in your profile settings.

Email support@confianta.com with the subject "Delete my DBG account" and we will remove your data promptly.

Please report it via the Contact page or email support@confianta.com. DBG is actively developed and bug reports are genuinely appreciated.

Play on it, tell a friend, and if you like what you see — buy the creator a coffee ☕. Every bit helps keep the lights on.