This article contains all information about the Arkadium’s Chess Game.
Use the list below to navigate specific topics about Arkadium’s Chess Game:
Game structure
The game will immediately open within a normal match. You can begin playing right away. However, to understand the structure of the board, here is an easy reference guide.
- The main menu. You can choose to start a new game, resign the match, propose a draw, and control the showing of threats and the sound of the game. You also have a How To Play guide with a chess tutorial.
- The Computer Player. This is your opponent. You can also check the difficulty level of the match. To choose an easier or harder difficulty level, click on the main menu and choose to start a new game.
- The captured pieces. This allows you to see how many pieces each player has captured in the game.
- The game board. This is where you play the game. You can click on the piece you'd like to move. You'll then be shown the places where you can move the piece to. Click on any of the available places to move it.
- Undo. You can undo your last play here.
- Match timeline. You can see all of the plays achieved through the match in this timeline. Scroll forward and backward using the arrows.
Choosing to start a new game will give you a menu where you can choose your side, difficulty level and mode. Difficulty level will change how hard the game is. Mode will change whether the game shows threats and allows you to undo plays.
Tips
Basic Tips
Control the Center: Aim to control the center of the board (the d4, d5, e4, and e5 squares) with your pawns and pieces. This gives your pieces more mobility and control over the game.
Develop Your Pieces Early: Get your knights and bishops out early, so they can control key squares and prepare for an attack. Avoid moving the same piece multiple times in the opening unless necessary.
King Safety: Castle early to protect your king. Castling also connects your rooks, making them more powerful.
Watch Your Opponent's Moves: Always keep an eye on your opponent's threats. Before making a move, ask yourself what your opponent's last move accomplished and if they are setting up a threat.
Avoid Moving the Queen Early: Moving your queen out too early can make it a target for your opponent’s minor pieces and pawns, which can gain valuable tempo by attacking your queen.
Intermediate Tips
Look for Forks and Pins: A fork is when one piece attacks two or more of your opponent's pieces at once. A pin is when one piece can't move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it. Both are powerful tactics.
Control Open Files with Rooks: Place your rooks on open files (columns with no pawns) where they can control more squares and potentially penetrate your opponent’s position.
Pawn Structure: Be mindful of your pawn structure. Avoid creating isolated, doubled, or backward pawns, as they can become weaknesses.
Piece Coordination: Ensure your pieces are working together. A coordinated attack is much stronger than pieces acting independently.
Endgame Awareness: As you approach the endgame, focus on king activity. In many endgames, the king becomes a powerful piece, and getting it to the center of the board is often crucial.
Advanced Tips
Study Opening Theory: Familiarize yourself with a few key openings that you enjoy playing. Understanding the main lines and typical ideas can give you a strong start.
Understand Key Endgame Principles: Learn basic endgame principles, such as opposition, the rule of the square, and how to checkmate with a king and rook versus a king.
Use Tactics Trainers: There are many online tools available that help you practice tactics. Regular use can improve your ability to spot tactical opportunities.
Analyze Your Games: After each game, take some time to review your moves and your opponent's moves. Look for mistakes and missed opportunities. Many online platforms offer computer analysis to help with this.
Stay Calm and Focused: Avoid rushing your moves, especially in critical positions. Take your time to think through your options and stay calm, even under pressure.
Scoring
Final score if the user wins = Game Level * 50 * Game Mode - (Undo Count * 10).
Final score if the game ends in a draw = Game Level * 25 * Game Mode - (Undo Count * 10).
Final score if the user loses = 0.
NOTE: game level can be any number from 1 thorugh 8
NOTE: game modes: PRO = 2 and BEGINNER = 1