LightFICS

LightFICS

LightFICS is a free, open-source online chess server and community. It allows players to compete against each other using an intuitive 2D graphical interface, includes features like player chat, analysis boards, online tournaments, and chess bot opponents.
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LightFICS alternatives ➤

LightFICS: Free Online Chess Server & Community

A free, open-source online chess server and community where players can compete against each other using a 2D graphical interface, featuring player chat, analysis boards, tournaments, and chess bot opponents.

What is LightFICS?

LightFICS is a free, open-source Internet Chess Server software designed to provide an enjoyable online experience for chess players of all strengths and experience levels. Originally launched in 2011, LightFICS offers many of the features chess fans have come to expect from top chess servers.

Players can easily find opponents for live rated games with time controls ranging from blitz to correspondence. An intuitive 2D graphical chessboard allows you to play directly within your web browser. Useful features like analysis boards, chat, tournaments, puzzles and chess bots are all seamlessly integrated into the LightFICS experience.

The project is actively maintained by a community of developers who work to continuously improve it and add new features. It runs on Linux infrastructure and is written in Node.js and JavaScript. LightFICS supports the FICS protocol to enable compatibility with popular desktop and mobile chess apps.

As an open-source platform, LightFICS aims to provide an innovative, contemporary online playground for all chess enthusiasts in the free software spirit.

LightFICS Features

Features

  1. 2D graphical chess interface
  2. Online player vs player matches
  3. Player chat
  4. Analysis boards
  5. Online tournaments
  6. Chess bot opponents

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Active community

Cross-platform (web-based)

Customizable features and UI

Supports variants like Chess960

No ads or paywalls

Cons

Limited mobile support

Less features than some commercial chess servers

Smaller player pool than top servers like lichess and chess.com

Fewer lessons/training options than some competitors

Official Links

Official Website
https://lightfics.brrm.ru/

The Best LightFICS Alternatives

Top Games and Chess and other similar apps like LightFICS

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BabasChess

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