Onicai Play launches Chess Duel for friend-to-friend matches

Onicai Play has launched Chess Duel, a new feature that allows users to challenge friends to online chess matches through a shared link.

Players can choose to play as White, Black or take a random side before creating a game and sending the link to a friend. Matches are played move by move, with each player able to make their move whenever they are ready rather than having to play in real time.

According to the platform, the game runs within a single Internet Computer canister, with no separate game server or chess engine involved. Each move is sent to the canister, where 13 independent computers check its legality using Stockfish’s rules code and reach agreement before the move is saved.

The platform says this process prevents moves from being altered after they have been recorded. It describes the system as having no central server controlling the game.

Players can start a game without a wallet or account. Guest games are saved only in the browser being used, so users who want their games and playing streaks to follow them across devices need to log in and create a profile.

The launch also introduces account profiles, allowing users to retain their game history and streaks rather than relying solely on local browser storage.

Chess Duel is available at play.onicai.com/duel.