As of February 2011, Playchess had more than 31,000 players online, including many internationally titled players who remain pseudo-anonymous and other masters whose identities are known, such as Hikaru Nakamura, Nigel Short and Michael Adams.

Alternately, users may download the client software, a pared down version of the Fritz GUI.

New users may try the server for a short period of time before access requires a serial number.

The software has functions to try to detect players using the assistance of chess programs (mainly by task switching).

Playchess uses an internal currency called Ducats which can be used to purchase services (chess courses, lectures and interviews).