Open-source chess server for PC
Lichess is a free game utility for PC created by indie developer Thibault Duplessis, also known as ornicar. It's an open-source software providing access to a chess server that lets players play with either a computer AI or with other people in real-time.
Lichess is basically a chess game like Free Chess or 3D Chess Game. What makes it different is that it focuses more on online gameplay. It lets players choose if they want to practice with an AI or play with a real opponent from all parts of the world.
How does it work?
Lichess is actually based on the online chess game website called lichess.org and pretty much uses the same code base. The site has quite a good following with chess players who simply want to play online with others. It's that multiplayer aspect that this program is trying to replicate, by giving you access to an open-source server where you can create a game for anyone to join.
There are two ways that you can utilize Lichess' features and functionalities. The first would be to take its source code and use it as a basis for creating your own development environment where you can set your own rules and parameters. The second would be to take advantage of the exiting Lichess API for your application or website, bypassing some of the code work and using it as is.
Regardless of which route you go with, you will get access and take advantage of its servers for free, and as a bonus, without any ads, as well. Just note that this whole process is not for beginners as it requires extensive knowledge of coding and programming, in general, to be able to pull off properly. Aside from that, this is a nice component to add to your work.
Multiplayer chess for all
Overall, if you like playing chess or you're developing a game about it, Lichess will be worth taking a look at. With it, you can add multiplayer gameplay functionality to your work and provide players access to its free game servers. It's completely open-source and it provides you with everything you need to get started.
