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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Enjoy Python Chess!