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Python Chess

A terminal-based chess game written in Python 3, supporting local play against a simple AI or another player via network. This project is a Python port of the author's C++ chess program.

Screenshot

Features

  • Playable against a computer AI or another human
  • Text-based terminal interface
  • Supports standalone, server, and client modes for network play
  • Basic move and board validation
  • Simple AI: makes moves via decision trees and piece evaluation
  • Unicode chess pieces shown in the terminal for a visually clear board

Getting Started

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.10 or above
  • Works in any terminal (Linux, macOS, or Windows with Unicode support)

Installation

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/matthewJamesAbbott/Python-Chess.git
cd Python-Chess

Running

Standalone (vs computer or two on the same device):

python3 main.py

Server mode (wait for remote player):

python3 main.py -s

Client mode (connect to a server):

python3 main.py -c [SERVER_IP_ADDRESS]

Help:

python3 main.py --help

Controls

  • Follow terminal prompts:
    Enter the row and column for the piece to move (row: 1–8, column: a–h) and the move destination.
  • Use 9 at any prompt to exit immediately.
  • The board and pieces print in Unicode for clarity in compatible terminals.

Project Structure

  • main.py - Program entrypoint & command-line parser; sets up mode (standalone, client, server).
  • Game.py - Main game logic, move validation, board printing, AI moves, and user move handling.
  • Engine.py - Contains AI class: builds a move tree, selects moves for computer player.
  • MoveCalculator.py - Calculates all legal moves for a piece and provides move lists and validation.
  • Board.py - Simple 8x8 chessboard implementation, with setters/getters for positions.

AI & Implementation Notes

  • The AI uses a decision tree of possible moves, with a basic material-evaluation strategy (captures prioritized, fallback if move puts AI in check).
  • Designed to mimic the logic from the original C++ version.

Limitations

  • Terminal only (no GUI).
  • Protocol/network play is basic and uses port 9008, both endpoints must be able to connect.
  • No save/load or persistence of games.
  • Not a competitive chess AI (suitable for casual play/learning).

License & Authorship

This code is not licensed for redistribution or commercial use;
it is published here for learning and personal exploration.

Created by Matthew James Abbott.
Do not reuse or redistribute without explicit permission.
Contact via GitHub for any permission requests.

Enjoy Python Chess!