Introduction
Online chess has grown in recent years, However it still faces the same challenges such as cheating, unfair tournament payouts and a lack of true decentralization. However, blockchain technology has the power to change chess in the world, making it more secure, transparent and rewarding for players.
We already on Hive have a chess tournament which has been rewarding for more than 8 years dating back to the steem days. There's been transparency and a fair reward system- we can chucked that up to the relentless and greatness of our host @stayoutoftherz, also it shows the role in which blockchain technology plays in the future of chess. If we have a chess token, probably an app. There's no limit to what chess can do for Hive promotion and also no limit to how much the players would enjoy playing in a decentralized environment.
Some tournaments already have rewarded top players with Cryptocurrency prizes. For example the FTX Crypt cup in 2021 paid out $100,000 in bitcoin. Chess.com has hosted various crypto events, such as the Crypto Prizes 115,000 LUNC N21 and the $10K USD Prize Pool SPELL Chess Tournament (2023). Even lichess.org has hosted some, although being an open source, it doesn't affiliate itself with these paid tournaments. These events and even Hive chess shows how blockchain technology can revolutionize online chess forever.
Eliminate Cheating With Transparency
Cheating can be annoying especially in online chess. Players use engines to gain advantage over their opponents and win. Its even more common in tournaments where there are cash prizes. Some applications like lichess and chess.com have developed anti cheating mechanisms-although it's helped but it hasn't been fully eradicated. With blockchain, every move can be recorded on a transparent, tamper proof-ledger. Al powered anti cheating mechanisms can be integrated with blockchain technology just to keep watch of the games and make it publicly verifiable and so it's difficult to manipulate too.
NFTs for Chess Collectibles & Unique Games
On Hive we have a badge for everyone who participates in our Hive chess events. It think th badge is pretty cool. We also have a page dedicated to everyone who has won a season of Hive chess. Chess players cherish and appreciate this acts and NFts even make it more special as you can trade or even collect these assets. It creates a new economy- One time on Hive, @cryptoniusrex organized a tournament where I was given a pizza digital memorabilia. Till date, I love it and it's been my Hive profile background and my lichess background for some years now.
Blockchain-Based Training & Coaching
I know some upcoming players wont mind having a chess coach but the stress of payments and even transparency makes this difficult. Chess coaching could be transformed using blockchain by allowing verified, on-chain coaching certifications. This would help players find legitimate, skilled trainers without relying on centralized platforms. Also just like lichess does, data can be stored, like for revisions and drills. Players can access them anytime and anywhere.
Conclusion
Blockchain Technology has the power to change alot,chess included. Frome cheating to helping players grow, prize payments. Just so many things that can be done. I hope to personally experiment it soon. If possible create a chess app or website just for Hive chess. Whether you're casual or a professional, blockchain's impact on chess could be revolutionary.
_I am @samostically,I love to talk and write about chess because i benefited alot from playing chess.
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