{"id":11,"date":"2024-07-05T21:09:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T21:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/?p=11"},"modified":"2025-09-28T21:13:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T21:13:37","slug":"chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/05\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/","title":{"rendered":"Chessboard Magic: Exciting New Updates and Features"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Welcome to Chessboard Magic! I&#8217;m excited to announce the July 2024 release of the Alphabet of Chess, featuring new games like Chess Anagrams, Chess Hangman, and Chess Wordsearch, along with tools such as Chess Quotes and Chess Glossary. Your support has been incredible, and I\u2019m committed to making Chessboard Magic even better.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On May 27, 2024, I introduced Chessboard Magic to the world without knowing what the future held. Fast forward to today, July 5, 2024 (less than six week) and I am truly overwhelmed by the incredible response and support. This journey has been nothing short of magical, and I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates with you all.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/chessboardmagic.com\/\">Https:\/\/chessboardmagic.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#amazement\"><\/a>Amazement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the launch of Chessboard Magic, I have been absolutely blown away by the incredible response. The site has garnered an amazing&nbsp;<strong>20,000<\/strong>&nbsp;page views and attracted&nbsp;<strong>1,800<\/strong>&nbsp;unique users from all corners of the globe. In such a short period, there have been over&nbsp;<strong>50,000<\/strong>&nbsp;game plays! This level of engagement has been beyond my wildest expectations and has truly taken me by surprise.<br>Thank you for being part of this magical journey. Your support not only inspires me but also drives me to continue improving and expanding Chessboard Magic. I look forward to sharing many more exciting updates and adventures with you all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#july-2024-release---alphabet-of-chess\"><\/a>July 2024 Release &#8211; Alphabet of Chess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I am happy to announce the latest update to Chessboard Magic: the Alphabet of Chess. This exciting update introduces a variety of new word-based chess games and tools that promise to add a fresh layer of fun and challenge to your chess experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chess Anagrams:<\/strong>\u00a0Put your vocabulary and chess expertise to the test by rearranging letters to discover chess-related terms, player names, and engine names. This game will challenge your quick thinking and recognition of chess terminology in an entertaining and interactive manner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Hangman:<\/strong>\u00a0Put your guessing skills to the test by identifying chess terms or phrases before the hangman is completed. This classic game with a chess twist will keep you entertained while helping you learn new chess-related words.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Wordsearch:<\/strong>\u00a0Dive into a grid of letters and hunt for hidden chess-related words. This game is perfect for sharpening your observation skills and expanding your chess vocabulary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Quotes:<\/strong>\u00a0Explore a large, searchable collection of inspirational and famous quotes from the world of chess. Whether you\u2019re seeking motivation or wisdom from legendary players, this feature has you covered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Glossary:<\/strong>\u00a0Access a comprehensive, searchable glossary of as many chess terms as I could find. This resource is invaluable for both beginners and advanced players looking to deepen their understanding of chess terminology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Notation Trainer:<\/strong>\u00a0This allows you to practice your Chess Notation skills and was my biggest struggle when transitioning from Online to OTB Chess.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Both the Chess Quotes and Chess Glossary will be integrated into the new Library Section, providing a centralized hub for valuable chess knowledge.<br>In addition to these exciting new features, I\u2019ve implemented several minor but valuable updates to enhance your overall experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dark Mode<\/strong>: You can now toggle between light and dark mode.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Guess the Elo:<\/strong>\u00a0Now includes the time control to add an extra layer of depth and realism to your guessing experience. This update will help you better understand the nuances of different game speeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Guess the Eval:<\/strong>\u00a0This feature now shows the computer line to enhance your analysis skills, allowing you to learn from the computer&#8217;s perspective and improve your strategic thinking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased Game Counts:<\/strong>\u00a0I have significantly increased the number of games in Guess the Elo as well as Guess the eval. I had to do some data work, so though why not.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Several Small Tweaks and Quality of Life Fixes:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019ve made numerous minor improvements and adjustments to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy exploring the Alphabet of Chess and the other new features, and thank you for being a part of this magical journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#coming-soon\"><\/a>Coming Soon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the exciting games and features planned for the upcoming releases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#1-games\"><\/a><strong>1. Games<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chess Mating Puzzles:<\/strong>\u00a0Sharpen your tactical skills and enhance your endgame strategies with a range of mating puzzles. These puzzles will vary in difficulty, from Mate in 1 to Mate in 5, providing a comprehensive training experience that caters to all levels of chess enthusiasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Sudoku:<\/strong>\u00a0Experience a unique twist on the classic Sudoku game with this chess-themed variant. It combines the logical challenges of Sudoku with the strategic elements of chess, offering a fun and engaging way to improve both your logical thinking and chess skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Image Puzzle:<\/strong>\u00a0Piece together a chess-themed image by snapping the squares into place. This game is not only entertaining but also helps improve your pattern recognition and spatial awareness, essential skills for any chess player.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prep the Board:<\/strong>\u00a0In this game, players are given a specific chess line and must set up the board accordingly. This activity helps enhance your visualization skills and is particularly useful when studying chess books and preparing for matches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#2-learn-section\"><\/a><strong>2. Learn Section<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>I will be creating a learning section to the website, aimed at helping players of all levels improve their chess skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chess Basics:<\/strong>\u00a0This section covers the fundamentals of chess, including the various pieces, their movements, winning conditions, and the basic principles of the game. It\u2019s a great starting point for beginners and a valuable refresher for experienced players.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Strategy:<\/strong>\u00a0I am going to have some fun here, and will try to highlight key concepts drawing inspiration from classic works like &#8220;The Art of War.&#8221; By comparing these timeless lessons to chess strategies, I will aim to provide a unique and insightful learning experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Resources:<\/strong>\u00a0Discover a curated list of free resources available for learning chess, including websites, tools, YouTube channels, and more. This section aims to highlight valuable external content that can complement your learning journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess Openings:<\/strong>\u00a0While this may be added further down the line, I am planning to introduce the basics of popular chess openings. Although I am not a grandmaster (and not even that good at Chess), I can share foundational concepts and welcome contributions from more experienced players.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#3-library-section\"><\/a><strong>3. Library Section<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Our library section will serve as a comprehensive resource hub, featuring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Historical Chess Games:<\/strong>\u00a0Study famous games like The Opera Game and The Evergreen Game. These classic matches are not only fascinating but also offer valuable lessons in strategy and tactics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chess World Champions:<\/strong>\u00a0Explore detailed information and the rich history of world chess champions. Learn about their journeys, contributions, and the impact they\u2019ve had on the chess world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive and Searchable FIDE Handbook:<\/strong>\u00a0As I am currently training to be a Chess arbiter, I plan to include this feature if possible. It will provide an accessible and user-friendly way to explore official chess rules and regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#4-analysis-section\"><\/a><strong>4. Analysis Section<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Returning to the original intention of the website, the analysis section is designed to help you enhance your chess experience and growth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>User Analysis:<\/strong>\u00a0Analyse your online games from Chess.com and Lichess, and receive detailed profile reports. This feature will provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses, helping you to focus on areas that need improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:cOgF3RSTy9Yf:8qKPuvoY.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=e6c5ec7b154b72ca3e67b99c489d3644f305dfc6\" alt=\"image.png\"><br><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:Yv8C3gIPuLNY:z7hWUmkb.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=34e3d80a3127379ddffb42f9eac1c3d72c493a69\" alt=\"image.png\"><br><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:joDM7O1jNXLR:IejyvJCn.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=4df8a3d9d449f1ef82d14707898ec55cf5a64110\" alt=\"image.png\"><br>See your win rate by opening lines, to quickly spot strengths and weaknesses.<br><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:VEzpzCoHrrGq:ZWc7YGqw.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=26da75e2dfada3595ac83102b52d3660d6a6f213\" alt=\"image.png\"><br><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:4ZEpLoJ4NZIA:qR0VzOPa.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=f22c34d8e9418d46285871409c797f5b0ae54167\" alt=\"image.png\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matchday Scout:<\/strong>\u00a0Prepare for upcoming games by comparing your profile against potential opponents. This tool will help you identify your strengths and exploit your opponents\u2019 weaknesses, giving you a quick way to find your strategic edge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#5-user-profiles\"><\/a><strong>5. User Profiles<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With the introduction of user profiles, you can now keep track of your progress on the site. Customize your chessboard colours and pieces to suit your preferences and enjoy a much-requested dark mode for a more comfortable and visually appealing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:2UeV6f4xU1WT:CaNDReFI.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=e18783b862aa6ad5e68984dbd6e350d76a361239\" alt=\"image.png\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/image.lichess1.org\/display?h=0&amp;op=resize&amp;path=hollowleaf:ublogBody:fwaGPz41lB16:CqoFGKs6.png&amp;w=800&amp;sig=baf95eeb2ccf31aa3dbcf14e12978933d9fd490a\" alt=\"image.png\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#6-mobile-application\"><\/a><strong>6. Mobile Application<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In an effort to make Chessboard Magic more accessible and convenient, we are working on developing a mobile application. This app will allow you to play on the go, with the goal of not requiring an internet connection to access any part of the site where possible. Imagine the convenience of enjoying all these features offline \u2013 how cool would that be?<br>These upcoming features and games are designed to enhance your chess playing experience, making learning and playing chess more enjoyable and accessible. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of the Chessboard Magic community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: I am a not a programmer by trade, and a new father, so these features will be released when time permits.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#social-media\"><\/a>Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have created a Facebook Page&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/chessboardmagic\">facebook.com\/chessboardmagic<\/a>&nbsp;and a Twitter handle&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/chessboardmagic\">twitter.com\/chessboardmagic<\/a>, where I will be sharing daily puzzles from the various games. Follow along for regular updates and join the conversation! I have incorporated links into the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#an-idea-for-a-chess-related-sudoku-possible\"><\/a>An Idea for a Chess Related Sudoku? Possible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have been experimenting with the idea of creating a chess variant of Sudoku, just for fun. Currently, I have one in the pipeline which is essentially Sudoku but chess-themed, where Queens (Q) represent 9 and Rooks (R) represent 5. However, I wanted to get more creative and have been banging my head against the wall with the following concept:<br>Each row, column, and 3&#215;3 grid must contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 King (K)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Queen (Q)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Rooks (R)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Bishops (B)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Knights (N)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 Pawn (P)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The catch is that the King must be in the same number of checks across the entire grid. I believe this would be incredibly challenging but also super interesting.<br>I am reaching out to the community to see if such a game would even be mathematically possible. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or know of similar concepts, please let me know. Your input would be invaluable in bringing this idea to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#support--appreciation\"><\/a>Support &amp; Appreciation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have received a tremendous amount of feedback and suggestions from users on how to improve Chessboard Magic. Your insights have been invaluable, and I am continuously working to make the platform better. Additionally, I was generously gifted two months&#8217; worth of wings for Lichess and frequently asked about setting up a Patreon for ongoing support. I explored this option, and for those who wish to support my work, I have set up a Patreon page (<a href=\"https:\/\/patreon.com\/chessboardmagic\">https:\/\/patreon.com\/chessboardmagic<\/a>). This allows anyone who wants to contribute to do so in a way that feels comfortable for me and keeps the spirit of Chessboard Magic alive and thriving.<br>My goal is to ensure that this platform can be free forever (not sure how realistic that would be given the traffic) and avoid splashing ads all over the website. I personally built this website in a fashion that I like\u2014simple, clean, and minimalist. I want to spread the love of chess and give the chess community a little something back, however insignificant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\/blog\/chessboard-magic-exciting-new-updates-and-features\/7Nfn5PAt#summary\"><\/a>Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to continuing this magical adventure together. Do feel free to leave me a comment in the discussion as your feedback is super valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay tuned for more updates, and happy chess playing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm regards,<br>Toan Hoang (<a href=\"https:\/\/lichess.org\/@\/HollowLeaf\">@HollowLeaf<\/a>)<br>Creator of Chessboard Magic<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Chessboard Magic! I&#8217;m excited to announce the July 2024 release of the Alphabet of Chess, featuring new games like Chess Anagrams, Chess Hangman, and Chess Wordsearch, along with tools such as Chess Quotes and Chess Glossary. Your support has been incredible, and I\u2019m committed to making Chessboard Magic even better. On May 27, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions\/14"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.chessboardmagic.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}