Chess - Multiplayer Online

A real-time multiplayer Chess application built in Java using a Client-Server architecture. This project enables two players to compete online with synchronized game states, move validation, and an interactive GUI.

Features

Client-Side

• Interactive GUI: Drag-and-drop interface for moving pieces.
• Real-time Communication: Connects to the server via Java Sockets.
• Move Validation:
  • Legal moves for all pieces.
  • Special moves: Castling and En Passant.
  • Check/Checkmate detection.
• State Synchronization: Automatically updates the board when the opponent moves.

Server-Side

• Session Management: Handles multiple client connections.
• Matchmaking: Pairs two clients into a game session.
• State Mirroring: Relays move between players to maintain game consistency.
• Color Assignment: Randomly assigns White/Black to players.

Tech Stack

• Language: Java
• Networking: Java Sockets (TCP)
• GUI: Java Swing / AWT
• IDE: IntelliJ IDEA

Project Structure

chess/
├── client/          # Client source code
│   ├── src/         # Game logic, input handling, and GUI
│   └── assets/      # Static resources (piece images, sounds)
├── server/          # Server source code
│   ├── src/         # Connection handling and game state management
├── lib/             # External graphics libraries/dependencies
├── utils/           # Shared utility classes
└── README.md        # Project documentation

Installation & Usage

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK) 8 or higher.
• IntelliJ IDEA (recommended).

Option 1: Running with JARs (Recommended)

1. Download the Release Go to the Releases section of this repository and download the latest version files:

   • server.jar
   • client.jar

2. Start the Server Open a terminal/command prompt in the folder where you downloaded the files and run:

   java -jar server.jar

   The server will start listening for connections.

3. Start the Clients Open a new terminal window and run:

   java -jar client.jar

   Repeat this step in another terminal to launch the second player.

Option 2: Building from Source

1. Clone the Repository

   git clone https://github.com/Filippo2903/chess

2. Open in IDE Open the project folder in IntelliJ IDEA. Ensure the project JDK is configured correctly.

3. Run the Server Navigate to the server source package and run the main server class.

4. Run the Clients Navigate to the client source package and run the main client class. Run it a second time to simulate the opponent.

Playing the Game

1. Click Start to connect.
2. Once two players are connected, the game begins automatically.