Checkmates

Checkmates

Checkmates is a Farcaster-integrated chess Mini-App, enabling users to challenge each other to live chess games with optional stake bets in crypto.

The app combines traditional online chess gameplay with blockchain-based betting and social interactivity.

Users can challenge Farcaster friends, spectate matches in real-time, send tips, and climb the leaderboard. The focus is on fast matchmaking, seamless wallet UX, and rich social dynamics.

Core Features

• Live Chess Games: Users can challenge each other to live chess games with optional stake bets in crypto.
• Social Interaction: Users can challenge any user on Farcaster, spectate matches in real-time, send tips and comments, and climb the leaderboard.
• Seamless Wallet UX: The app provides a seamless wallet integration for users to manage the stakes through fast crypto transactions, powered by Daimo on Base.

Gameplay Overview

• Quick Matchmaking: Start a game instantly by challenging a friend or accepting an open challenge.
• Time Controls: Choose from blitz, rapid, or custom time controls.
• Spectator Mode: Friends and followers can watch games live with move-by-move updates.
• Tipping: Viewers can send tips during or after the match to support their favorite player.
• Settle: Winner is determined automatically on checkmate, resignation, or timeout; stakes and tips are distributed to the corresponding players.

Leaderboards & Ranking

• Elo-Style Rating: Players gain or lose rating after ranked matches.
• Seasonal Ladders: Climb weekly/monthly leaderboards and earn badges.
• Player Profiles: Match history, best wins, tips received, and recent activity.

Fair Play & Anti‑Cheat

• Move Validation: Every move is validated with official chess rules; illegal moves are rejected client-side and server-side.
• Detection Signals: Suspicious play patterns may be reviewed; repeated violations lead to restrictions.
• Transparent Rules: Clear policies for timeouts, disconnects, and draw claims.

Tech Specs

• Blockchain & Payments: Stakes and tips handled via Daimo on Base for fast, low-cost transactions.
• Farcaster Integration: Identity, social sharing, and discovery are Farcaster-first.
• Real-Time Engine: WebSocket-based live game updates for moves, timers, and spectators.
• Matchmaking Service: Queue-based matching with rating bands and friend challenges.
• Chess Rules Engine: Standards-compliant move validation and PGN/FEN support.