Chess Robot’s Got the Moves






14 thoughts on “Chess Robot’s Got the Moves

  1. This chess robot is quite nice. It has been a while since I failed to make my own. And it brings back some good memories.

    There are a few things to note about this chess computer. The current implementation is quite hacky, using a breadboard with buttons won’t last. The use of 64 reed switches and io expanders is a good solution. Using multiplexing will reduce the number of pins needed.

    He wrote his own chess code. This is not a simple task. For information on chess programming and algorithms look on You can use someone else his/her chess computer. I like the Micro-Max computer. This chess computer has been ported to a 8-bit 8kB AVR by Elektor in 2009.

    I based my failed project on this implementation. First by porting it to PIC and secondly being stuck in ‘theoretical world’. The first thing just should have been getting it running not implementing all chess variations…

      1. When you want to detect 2 pieces on a matrix and detect 4 they call it ghosting. By adding one diode to each reed switch you can eliminate ghosting. It’s pretty common to do so. For multiplexing there are better options like buying dedicated chips.

          1. My mistake, DOES need 9 pins to charlieplex – gives 9×8 sensors, EG 8×8 reed switches and 8 other buttons (or LEDs) if you want – want a chess clock? “Resign” buttons? Big red panic button “robot is attempting to kill humans”?

  2. Well this is a new one! Might try this out for my local chess club! We started this club on a tight budget so hacks like this are needed along with free material for our lessons on sites like, chesstempo, and Thanks a lot!!

  3. I like how you mentioned that there are ways in order to have a small program be able to ‘compete’ against a human that plays chess against an AI interface. Majority of these programs are coded on computer programs that can be plugged in and be used on a machine so that it can play against a human player. If I had the chance to get my hands on a program like this along with a corresponding machine, I would want to try out my hand at chess even if I know I’m not that good at the game if but to test how good the software program is.

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