Description
ScanChess is a specialized AI tool designed to digitize chess games from physical sources, primarily focusing on converting board images into FEN (Forsyth-Edwards Notation) and handwritten scoresheets into PGN (Portable Game Notation). This platform addresses the common challenge of manually transcribing games, which is often time-consuming and prone to errors. By leveraging optical character recognition (OCR) technology, ScanChess allows users to quickly transform photos of chess boards, diagrams from books, or handwritten scoresheets into editable digital formats.
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The process is straightforward: users upload an image of a chess board or pages of a scoresheet. For scoresheets, the system reads algebraic notation, checks moves against chess rules, and displays them alongside the original image, allowing for easy correction of doubtful moves before PGN export. Board images are converted into an editable FEN string, with options to specify the side to move. The tool is designed to handle various image types, including screenshots of online games, book diagrams, and clear top-down photos of real boards, though angled photos or carved 3D pieces might require minor corrections.
Beyond conversion, ScanChess provides a comprehensive suite of analysis and management tools. Every scanned game is saved to a personal games library, complete with the original photo. Users can access free Stockfish analysis, which highlights accuracy and turning points. An AI coach offers explanations for one game per day for free, with additional explanations available for a small credit cost. The platform also generates daily practice exercises from missed tactics in analyzed games and builds an insights profile based on a player's performance. For more advanced users, Pro and Pro+ plans offer features like opening repertoires, opponent scouting, and event reports, with Pro+ specifically catering to clubs and coaches with unlimited player rosters and enhanced reporting capabilities.
ScanChess also includes several free browser-based tools that do not require an account, such as an Analysis Board with Stockfish 18, a Best Move Finder for FEN or screenshots, a PGN to GIF converter, and a Printable Scoresheet Generator. The service operates on a credit system, with 10 free credits provided upon signup. A board scan costs 1 credit, and a scoresheet scan costs 2 credits, regardless of the number of pages. The platform emphasizes data security, using HTTPS, bcrypt-hashed passwords, and HttpOnly cookies, and does not store payment details, which are handled by Waffo, its merchant of record. ScanChess is developed by SudoAI, a small software studio, and is governed by Singapore law.
- CategoryAI Gaming Assistants
- Pricing ModelFreemium
- DeploymentCloud
- PlatformsWeb
ScanChess's Core Features
Chess Board Image to FEN Conversion
Handwritten Scoresheet to PGN Conversion
Stockfish Analysis Integration
AI Coach Explanations for Games and Positions
Personal Games Library and History
Daily Practice Exercises from Missed Tactics
Insights Profile Generation
Editable FEN and PGN Output
Rule-Checked Move Validation for Scoresheets
Support for Algebraic Notation (including long algebraic and piece letters in multiple languages)
Free Browser-Based Analysis Board
Best Move Finder for FEN and Screenshots
PGN to Animated GIF Converter
Printable Scoresheet Generator
Club Management Features with Player Rosters and Event Reports
How to use ScanChess?
Upload Image: Drop in a screenshot, diagram, or photo of a chess board, or the pages of one game's scoresheet.
Review and Correct: Check the scanned result against the original, correcting any flagged moves or squares as needed.
Analyze Game: Utilize Stockfish analysis for free, and get AI coach explanations for key moments in your game.
Replay or Export: Replay the game, or export the PGN/FEN to platforms like Lichess, Chess.com, or ChessBase.
Practice and Prepare: Turn missed tactics into daily practice and build an insights profile for future game preparation.
ScanChess's Use Cases
- Digitize Handwritten Scoresheets
- Analyze Chess Positions
- Improve Game Play
- Archive Tournament Games
- Coach Chess Students
- Prepare for Opponents
- Create Animated Game GIFs
- Generate Printable Scoresheets
- Review Chess Books
