♟️ GridGambit

GridGambit is a full-stack real-time multiplayer chess platform built with React, Node.js, TypeScript, WebSockets, Redis, and PostgreSQL. It enables users to sign up, play live matches, and maintain chess ratings using an ELO system — all in a clean, responsive interface.

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🚀 Features

• ♟️ Create or join live matches instantly
• 🔄 Real-time gameplay using WebSocket communication
• 🧠 Chess rules enforced (move validation, turn-based play)
• 🏁 PostgreSQL backend for persistent user and game data

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🛠 Tech Stack

Layer	Technology
Frontend	React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
Backend	Node.js, Express, TypeScript
Real-Time	WebSocket Server (Socket.io)
Database	PostgreSQL

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🧩 Monorepo Structure

chess-platform/
├── apps/
│   ├── frontend      # React frontend
│   ├── backend       # Express + PostgreSQL backend
│   └── ws            # WebSocket server for real-time gameplay
└── README.md

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📦 Local Setup

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/your-username/checkmatelive.git
cd checkmatelive

2. Set up Environment Variables

Copy the .env.example files in each app folder:

cp apps/frontend/.env.example apps/frontend/.env
cp apps/backend/.env.example apps/backend/.env
cp apps/ws/.env.example apps/ws/.env

Update the variables with:

• PostgreSQL credentials
• Google/GitHub OAuth credentials
• Redis connection string

3. Install Dependencies

npm install

4. Start All Servers

# Start WebSocket server
cd apps/ws
npm run dev

# Start Backend server
cd ../backend
npm run dev

# Start Frontend
cd ../frontend
npm run dev

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🧠 Future Enhancements

• Spectator mode
• Match history (FEN/PGN)
• Leaderboard and profile pages
• AI opponent using Stockfish
• Draw detection and timer support

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🧑‍💻 Contributing

Pull requests are welcome! For major changes, open an issue first to discuss what you would like to change.

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📝 License

MIT License. See LICENSE file for details.

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🙌 Acknowledgements

Inspired by chess.com and built for learning, fun, and open collaboration.