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https://github.com/shriniwasmahajan/chess_engine

A chess engine built using C++ and the SFML library. This project implements the core logic of chess and a user interface for playing chess against a computer opponent powered by an AI algorithm.
https://github.com/shriniwasmahajan/chess_engine

cpp

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A chess engine built using C++ and the SFML library. This project implements the core logic of chess and a user interface for playing chess against a computer opponent powered by an AI algorithm.

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README 

        
# C++ Chess Engine



## Description

This is a C++ Chess Engine with an emphasis on user interaction and experience. The engine is designed to play and analyze chess games, featuring smooth animations, an intuitive GUI, and user-friendly controls.



## Features

- Full chess move generation and validation

- Drag and drop functionality for making moves

- Smooth animations for piece movement

- User-friendly graphical interface

- Backspace to undo the last move

- Press 'R' to restart the game

- Endgame recognition and handling

- Implementation of key algorithms for chess AI, including:

  - Minimax algorithm

  - Alpha-beta pruning

  - Evaluation function to assess board positions



![Initial Board Setup](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/fcebc9b9-07af-45d6-b841-c91718c42b8a)



## Usage

### Playing a Game

Once you have compiled the engine, start the game by running the executable. The graphical interface will launch, allowing you to drag and drop pieces to make your moves.

### Controls

- Drag and Drop: Use your mouse to drag and drop pieces.

- Backspace: Press backspace to undo your last move.

- Restart: Press 'R' to restart the game.



## Example

Here's an example of how to start the engine and interact with the GUI:

```$ ./chess_engine```



Once the game starts, use your mouse to drag and drop pieces to make your moves. If you make a mistake, press backspace to undo the last move, or press 'R' to restart the game.



## Code Structure

The code is organized into the following main components:

1. **main.cpp**: Handles the main game loop, including user inputs, rendering, and overall program flow.

2. **ai.cpp**: Implements the chess AI with algorithms like Minimax and Alpha-Beta Pruning. Also includes functions for evaluating the board state and detecting endgame scenarios.

3. **pieces.cpp**: Defines the behavior and movement of individual chess pieces, including the generation of possible moves for each piece.

4. **board.cpp**: Manages the chessboard's state, including piece positions and move validation. Also includes utility functions for converting positions and handling game restart.

5. **game.cpp**: Handles the game logic, including move execution, drawing the board, undoing moves, and checking for endgame conditions.



![Midway through a game](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/39e560cc-fb57-491c-807e-7a0bc1639804)



## Global Variables and Functions

### board.cpp:

- board[8][8]: Represents the chessboard with pieces indexed by their position.

- pieceVals[32]: Stores values associated with the pieces.

- Various arrays for piece positions (e.g., bRookPos, bKnightPos).

- Functions for loading positions, converting between chess notation and coordinates, and restarting the game.

### game.cpp:

- gameOver: Boolean flag indicating whether the game is over.

- Functions for drawing the board, making moves, undoing moves, and handling the computer's move.

### ai.cpp:

- endGame: Boolean flag for endgame detection.

- Functions for evaluating the board, checking game over conditions, and implementing the minimax algorithm.

### pieces.cpp:

- f[32]: Sprite array for the chess pieces.

- defeated: Vector for storing defeated pieces.

- Functions for generating moves for each piece type.