ChecksMate Chess Randomizer Setup Guide

A chess piece with several blurry opposing pieces in the background

Required Software

Any ChecksMate client. Currently, a modified ChessV client is supported and can be accessed via its GitHub releases page (latest version)
Archipelago from the Archipelago Releases Page

Configuring your YAML file

What is a YAML file and why do I need one?

See the guide on setting up a basic YAML at the Archipelago setup guide: Basic Multiworld Setup Guide

Some releases of the ChecksMate client include an example YAML file demonstrating some supported options.

Where do I get a YAML file?

You can customize your options by visiting the ChecksMate Player Options Page

Some examples of certain outcomes are available in this valid players file, which can be used to generate a multiplayer multiworld (but should instead be used for your own inspiration).

Material

A normal (FIDE) army has 8 points of pawns plus 31 points of pieces (12 from 4 minor pieces, 10 from 2 rooks, and 9 from 1 queen). Material isn't everything: An army of 27 pawns plus 4 Knights is considered to be extremely powerful. Conversely, having no pawns whatsoever opens your position dramatically, allowing your pieces to make very aggressive moves and to maintain a very high tempo.

Generating a ChecksMate game

ChecksMate is a short game! You might restart many times, but you should expect no more than an hour of gameplay!

You need to start a ChecksMate client yourself, which are available from the releases page. Generally, these need to be extracted to a folder before they are run, due to a dependency on asset files and dynamic libraries.

Connect to the MultiServer

First start ChecksMate.

Once ChecksMate is started, in the client at the top type in the spot labeled Server type the IP Address and Port separated with a : symbol. Then input your slot name in the next box. The third box can be used for any password, and is often left empty.

These connection settings will be saved in a simple text file for the next time you start the client. (You may safely delete this convenience file.)

Play the game

When the console tells you that you have joined the room, you're all set. Congratulations on successfully joining a multiworld game!