ChessBud
Play online chess on your real board.
ChessBud stands next to your board. A camera sees your moves and plays them on Lichess. A laser points out your opponent's reply, so you never have to look at a screen.
Follow the Kickstarter How it works
Coming to Kickstarter. Designed and built in Kelowna, BC.
How it works
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Make your move
Play on your own board with your own pieces. The camera above the board sees which piece moved.
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It goes online
ChessBud sends the move to your game on Lichess, through the ChessBud app on your Android phone.
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See the reply
When your opponent moves, the laser goes back and forth between the two squares until you play it on your board.
Your board, your pieces
No special board or magnetic pieces. ChessBud learns your board when you set it up.
Simple wooden stand
A wooden base and post hold the camera and laser above the board. Nothing to adjust.
Lichess built in
Log in with your Lichess account in the app, find a game, and play. Your rating, your friends.
Laser safety first
The laser only turns on while aimed at the board, and turns off when it stops.
Get updates
ChessBud is a working prototype heading to Kickstarter. Want to know when the campaign launches, or help test early units?
FAQ
Which chess sites does it work with?
Lichess, through the ChessBud app. Lichess is free and open to everyone.
Do I need a phone?
Yes, an Android phone runs the ChessBud app and connects to ChessBud over WiFi. iPhone support isn't planned yet.
What board sizes are supported?
Standard tournament boards. The stand is sized for the largest common boards, and smaller boards work too.
When can I buy one?
On Kickstarter, launch date to be announced. Email us to be told first.
Is the laser safe?
It's a low-power visible laser, the same kind as a laser pointer, and only lights up while aimed at the board. As with any laser, don't look into it. ChessBud is not a toy.