Beyond Checkmate: Chess NFT Platform

A revolutionary chess platform that integrates blockchain technology, NFTs, and advanced game theory to create a skill-based value creation system for chess players.

Overview

Beyond Checkmate transforms traditional chess into a dynamic value-creation system by tokenizing chess pieces as NFTs with values that update based on move quality. The platform rewards strategic excellence and skilled gameplay through a mathematically sound economic model, creating new opportunities for chess players to earn based on their abilities.

Features

• SFT-Backed Chess Pieces: Each chess piece is a unique SFT with dynamic valuation
• Real-time Value Updates: Piece values change based on move quality and strategic importance
• Skill-Based Rewards: Players earn through demonstrated strategic excellence
• Zero-Knowledge Proof Integration: Secure player verification without compromising privacy
• Blockchain Integration: Transparent marketplace and secure value tracking

System Architecture

The platform consists of three primary components:

1. Chess Gameplay Engine

   • Web-based interface
   • Real-time move evaluation
   • Integration with Stockfish engine

2. Dynamic Valuation Model

   • Real-time position evaluation
   • Game theory-based value updates
   • Performance tracking metrics

3. Blockchain Layer

   • SFT minting and management
   • Smart contract integration
   • Marketplace functionality

Mathematical Model

Move Valuation

The value change (∆) for each move is calculated using:

∆ = S × (Uplayer/Uopponent) × Tmove × Wpiece

Where:

• S: Evaluation score of the move
• Uplayer/Uopponent: Utility ratio based on player ratings
• Tmove: Time factor rewarding efficient play
• Wpiece: Current store value of the SFT piece

Dynamic Threshold

The bonus trigger threshold is calculated as:

T = B × (1 + (Rplayer - Rbase)/KT) × (Nexpected/Nactual + ε)

Technical Implementation

SFT Architecture

Each chess piece SFT includes:

Static Properties:

• Piece type
• Visual characteristics
• Historical significance

Dynamic Properties:

• Current position
• Movement history
• Performance metrics

Zero-Knowledge Proof System

The platform implements zk-SNARKs using:

• secp256k1 elliptic curve
• Polynomial encoding of game history
• Quadratic Arithmetic Programs (QAP)

Security Features

• Perfect Completeness in zero-knowledge proofs
• Computational Soundness based on q-SDH and DLP hardness
• Statistical zero-knowledge with 2^(-λ) security parameter
• Multi-exponentiation optimization for performance
• Batched verification for multiple proofs

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Next.js (v14 or higher)
• Web3 wallet (MetaMask recommended)
• Chess engine (Stockfish)

Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/beyond-checkmate

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Configure environment variables
cp .env.example .env

Future Development

• Mobile platform integration
• Global tournament system
• Advanced performance analytics

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see our Contributing Guidelines for details.

Authors

• Ritesh Das - GitHub
• Sagnik Basak - GitHub
• Tamojit Das - GitHub
• Jit Roy - GitHub

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Citation

If you use this project in your research, please cite:

@conference{das2025beyond,
  title={Beyond Checkmate: Realizing the Game of Chess as a Game Model with SFTs},
  author={Das, Ritesh and Basak, Sagnik and Das, Tamojit and Roy, Jit},
  booktitle={IEEE Conference Proceedings},
  year={2025}
}