Atalaku Chess
A real-time multiplayer chess training platform with two unique game modes. From concept to competitive gameplay in under a week.
Product Studio / Web App
Atalaku Chess
A real-time multiplayer chess training platform with two unique game modes. From concept to competitive gameplay in under a week.
7
days to MVP
500+
puzzles
10
players per room
The Challenge
Create an engaging way to practice chess skills that doesn't feel like homework. Most training apps are solitary and intimidating—we wanted competitive, social, and accessible.
What We Built
- Tactical Race: Solve puzzles faster than your friends with a points-based scoring system
- Chess Noir: Test pattern recognition by identifying piece colors under time pressure
- Real-time multiplayer: Create rooms, share links, and compete live with up to 10 players
- Lichess integration: 500+ curated puzzles with progressive difficulty
- Cross-platform: Responsive design optimized for desktop and mobile
Going Beyond
- African-inspired identity: Custom knight logo with kente-inspired patterns
- Connection resilience: Heartbeat monitoring and auto-reconnect for mobile players switching apps
- Cinematic polish: Dramatic backgrounds, floating particles, and parallax effects
- Celebration moments: Podium animations, ranked sound effects, and confetti for winners
- Live competition: Real-time leaderboards updating as players solve puzzles
The Results
- 7 days from concept to playable MVP
- 500+ puzzles integrated via Lichess API with local caching
- 10 players supported per multiplayer room
- 2 distinct game modes testing different chess skills
- Most used feature: Tactical Race multiplayer with friends
- Key insight: Short 3-5 minute sessions keep players coming back
Curious what this could look like for you?
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