Design Online Chess
What is Online Chess?
Online Chess is a platform that allows players to play chess against each other over the internet in real-time. Players are matched based on skill level, make moves that are instantly transmitted to their opponent, and compete under various time controls with chess clocks ticking down.
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The core challenge is creating a seamless, real-time experience where both players see a consistent game state, moves are validated instantly, and time is tracked accurately despite network latency. Unlike turn-based games with relaxed timing, chess demands sub-second responsiveness and precise clock management.
Popular Examples: Chess.com, Lichess.org, Chess24
In this article, we will explore the high-level design of an online chess platform.
This system design problem combines real-time communication, game state management, matchmaking algorithms, and rating systems. It tests your ability to design low-latency systems while handling the complexities of distributed state synchronization.
Let's start by clarifying the requirements.