Research and Try for Chess Game Database

[sonerkuyar]

Description

To show at our app we need a chess game database, which we can use at our app for archive games.

---

Acceptance Criteria

• [ ] Finding an applicable database.
• [ ] Games are fetchable successfully.
• [ ] Deciding how to adapt original backend database ,creating a structure

! Acceptance criteria changed because I decided to create our own database #318

Reviewer:

This issue will be reviewed by: @yusufaygun

[sonerkuyar]

I evaluated several chess databases but encountered various limitations:

1. Commercial Databases: Many databases require paid subscriptions, which is not suitable for our project. For example:

   • ChessBase: Offers comprehensive tools and databases. Pricing varies based on the package:

     • Premium Package: €499.90
     • Mega Package: €349.90
     • Starter Package: €249.90
     • Program Only: €199.90
       View ChessBase Packages

   • Chess.com API: Provides a read-only REST API for accessing public data. While the API itself is free, accessing certain features or higher usage tiers require a premium membership. They are allowing search filtering only on games which played at their platforms View Chess.com Pricing

2. Limited Request Allowances: Some databases impose strict limits on API requests, which is restrictive for our project:

   • Lichess.org API: Offers a free and open API but with rate limits to prevent abuse. Developers need to monitor usage to avoid restrictions.
   • **chesgames.com: I also tried to adapt this site by scraping but its limited again. Also premium account request 39$/year. <h1>Too many request have been made</h1><p> If you believe this to be an error please email us at chess@chessgames.com</p>

3. Search-Only Access: Certain databases allow only game searches without providing bulk data download options, limiting their utility for comprehensive analysis. Examples include:

   • The Week in Chess: Provides game collections and news but does not offer bulk data downloads.
   • 365Chess: Allows users to search and view games online but doesnt offer bulk data downloads.

Due to these constraints, I decided to use games available from PGN Mentor. This website offers a collection of freely downloadable PGN files, providing direct access to game data without commercial or technical limitations.

318 I've opened this issue to create our own database by scraping the website