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How to Use ChessBlock

Welcome to ChessBlock! Follow this guide to start playing chess for real crypto stakes on the Polygon blockchain.

Getting Started

1 Install MetaMask

MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet that allows you to interact with blockchain applications.

  • Visit metamask.io
  • Download the browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge)
  • Create a new wallet or import an existing one
  • IMPORTANT: Save your seed phrase securely - never share it with anyone
2 Connect Your Wallet

Click the "Connect Wallet" button in the top right corner of ChessBlock.

  • MetaMask will popup asking for permission - click "Connect"
  • ChessBlock will automatically switch you to Polygon network
  • Your wallet address will appear in green when connected
  • Click your address anytime to disconnect
3 Get POL Tokens

You need POL (Polygon's native token) to play games and pay transaction fees.

  • Buy POL on exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken
  • Transfer POL to your MetaMask wallet address
  • Make sure you're sending to Polygon network (not Ethereum!)
  • Gas fees are typically less than $0.01 per transaction
💡 First Time Using Crypto?
Start small! You can play games with as little as 0.01 POL (less than $0.01) to get comfortable with the system.

Playing Games

4 Choose Your Game Mode

ChessBlock offers three ways to play:

  • Challenge Friends: Send a direct invite link with custom stake amount
  • Public Matches: Join open games created by other players worldwide
  • AI Practice: Play against the computer to sharpen your skills (no stakes)
5 Create a Game
  1. Click "Create Game" button
  2. Set your stake amount (in POL)
  3. Choose game visibility (Public or Private)
  4. Confirm the transaction in MetaMask
  5. Your stake is locked in the smart contract
  6. Share the game link or wait for an opponent
6 Join a Game
  1. Click "Browse Games" to see available matches
  2. Review the stake amount and opponent
  3. Click "Join Game"
  4. Confirm the transaction in MetaMask (matching stake required)
  5. Your stake is locked in the smart contract
  6. Game begins immediately
7 Play Your Game
  • Make moves by clicking pieces and valid destination squares
  • Your clock starts when it's your turn
  • Each move is recorded on-chain for transparency
  • You can resign anytime if losing
  • Checkmate or resignation ends the game
8 Receive Your Winnings

When you win:

  • Smart contract automatically releases funds
  • You receive 95% of the total pot (both stakes)
  • 5% house edge goes to ChessBlock
  • Winnings appear in your MetaMask wallet instantly
  • No withdrawal process needed - it's automatic!
⚠️ Important Notes:
• All transactions are final and recorded on blockchain
• Make sure you have enough POL for both stake and gas fees
• Never share your wallet seed phrase with anyone
• Start with small stakes until you're comfortable with the system
• Games cannot be cancelled once both players have joined

Platform Options

🌐 Web Browser

Play directly at chessblock.com - no downloads, just connect your wallet and play.

🎮 Sandbox Metaverse (Coming Soon)

Experience chess in immersive 3D virtual environments. Challenge players in the metaverse with the same blockchain security.

💬 Telegram (Coming Soon)

Play directly in Telegram messenger. Quick games, instant notifications, same crypto stakes.

Understanding Fees

Fee Structure:

House Edge: 5% of total pot
Winner Gets: 95% of total pot
Gas Fees: Usually less than $0.01 (paid in POL)

Example:
• Player 1 stakes: 1 POL
• Player 2 stakes: 1 POL
• Total pot: 2 POL
• Winner receives: 1.9 POL
• House edge: 0.1 POL

Why Polygon?

ChessBlock is built on Polygon (POL) network because:

Troubleshooting

MetaMask not connecting?

Wrong network?

Transaction failed?

Game not starting?

Need More Help?
Check our Chess Rules and Winning Strategies sections for gameplay help.
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