Online Chess 3D (PHP + JavaScript)

A modern, 3D chess game with AI, animations, sound, and internet multiplayer using a simple PHP JSON-file backend (no Node/npm required).

Features

• 3D board and pieces (Three.js) with smooth move animations (GSAP)
• Legal moves and rules (Chess.js)
• Sound effects (Howler)
• Themes (Classic/Wood/Neon), coordinates, check/last-move highlights
• Timers, captured pieces list, hints, save/load (local)
• Multiplayer over the internet via PHP file-based rooms
  • Create/Join/Leave room, chat, gifts (animated emoji)
  • Player names and side assignment (auto-flip board for Black)
  • Draw/Resign/Rematch offers and game result tracking
  • Auto-delete room JSON when creator leaves or when room is empty

Requirements

• PHP 7.4+ (or higher) running under your web server (e.g., Laragon, XAMPP, Apache+PHP)
• Write permissions for the folder: game/storage/rooms
• Modern browser with WebGL and ES modules enabled
• Internet access for CDN libraries (Three.js, GSAP, Howler, Google Fonts)

Project Structure

• index.php – Main UI (3D board, controls, multiplayer panel)
• assets/js/
  • main.js – App wiring (UI, engine, multiplayer, timers, gifts)
  • board3d.js – Three.js board/pieces, highlights, animations
  • chessEngine.js – Chess.js wrapper
  • ai.js – Simple minimax AI (single player only)
  • realtime-file.js – PHP polling client for JSON rooms
• assets/css/styles.css – Custom styles (coordinates overlay, layout tweaks)
• assets/img/chess.svg – App icon
• api/room.php – PHP API (create/join/state/list/move/chat/name/gift/offer/accept_offer/leave)
• storage/rooms/ – Room JSON files (auto-created; must be writable)
• includes/constants.php, includes/footer.php – Shared contact/footer
• server/realtime-server.js – Optional Node WebSocket server (not required)

Quick Start (Laragon/Windows)

1. Place the project under: [Demo](https://rskworld.in/games/html5-games/chess/index.php)
2. Ensure the folder exists and is writable: game/storage/rooms
   • If not present, it will be auto-created; otherwise create it manually
3. Visit in your browser:
   • [Demo](https://rskworld.in/games/html5-games/chess/index.php)
4. Single player: choose difficulty, click squares to move
5. Multiplayer:
   • In Browser A, enter a Room ID, click “Create”, then “Set Name”
   • In Browser B, enter the same Room ID, click “Join”, then “Set Name”
   • The second user is assigned Black and the board flips automatically
   • Moves, chat, and gifts sync in real time

Multiplayer API (PHP JSON rooms)

• Rooms are stored as JSON under storage/rooms/{room}.json
• Key endpoints (all return JSON):
  • GET/POST api/room.php?action=list
  • POST api/room.php with action=create|join|leave|move|chat|name|gift|offer|accept_offer|state
• Minimal manual tests (open in browser):
  • List rooms: /api/room.php?action=list
  • Room state: /api/room.php?action=state&room=TEST

Production Notes

• Tailwind via CDN is fine for development. For production, build Tailwind CSS locally (PostCSS/CLI) to avoid CDN warnings.
• ESM modules are loaded via an import map in index.php. Ensure your site is served over HTTP(S), not file://.

Troubleshooting

• Board not rendering / blank canvas:
  • Ensure browser supports WebGL and ES modules; check console for import errors
  • Confirm internet access for CDNs
• Pieces appear sunk below board:
  • Fixed in board3d.js (piece Y offsets); hard-refresh (Ctrl+F5)
• Multiplayer not syncing:
  • Verify the API returns JSON: /api/room.php?action=list and /api/room.php?action=state&room=YOUR_ROOM
  • Ensure storage/rooms is writable by the web server user
  • Use the app via http:// or https://, not file://
• Room not deleted on close:
  • Creator’s leave triggers deletion; we also send a leave beacon on tab close/hidden. Confirm folder permissions

Optional: Node WebSocket Server (not required)

If you prefer websockets instead of PHP polling, there’s a simple server in server/realtime-server.js (for development tests):

npm i ws
node server/realtime-server.js

Update the client to use the WS client instead of the PHP polling client. This is optional and not needed for the PHP-only setup.

Support & Contact

For support, licensing, or custom development inquiries: help@rskworld.in • Phone/WhatsApp: +91 9330539277

Website: RSK World • Business Inquiries: help@rskworld.in

🤝 Contributing: Suggestions and improvements are welcome!

License

© RSK World. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.