Framed file-rank panel with an umber file crossing a sand rank on board-ash paper.
File-rank panel: algebraic file and rank bars used as the chess mark across this install guide. Rank Timber original file-rank geometry for factory-chess (not a PyChess logo).

Lichess is an online platform with a free website and studies. PyChess is a desktop client. You can keep both. No new account walkthrough lives here.

Order of work

Install PyChess from Releases. Prove a local game. Download PGN from the site’s game list if you want those games. Open the PGN in PyChess. Cluster: switch from online chess sites.

What stays on the website

Studies, live pool, and browser tools stay there. A GTK window will not clone the site.

What moves

PGN files you export. Engine settings do not. Ratings do not.

Compare: vs online chess sites. Files: PGN and engines. Linux: .deb.

Rank Timber maps the local door. Upstream remains GPL-3.0 at pychess/pychess. Keep adware portals out of the move.

Club rooms often keep Lichess for rated games and PyChess for offline analysis. Write both on the ticket. First hour: installed. Safety: is it safe.

Keep the website if you want it

Lichess studies and a local GTK board can share a desk. The copy does not ask you to close an account. It asks you to install PyChess from Releases and export PGN if you want files.

Start with a handful of games, not the entire history. Open one PGN, confirm the moves replay, then export more.

PyChess will not clone studies, forums, or the live pool. Those stay on the website. The desktop client owns offline play and engines.

Refuse random “Lichess desktop” wrappers from search ads. If you want a local client, take PyChess from GitHub or another documented GUI.

Related: switch from Chess.com, vs online sites, first run. Rank Timber maps the local path. Upstream remains GPL-3.0.

After a reimage

Write the PGN folder beside the OS version. After a reimage, the website bookmark may survive while the local client does not. Prove both if the room uses both.

Desk policy without the website job

A classroom can document the GTK window as the analysis tool and leave rated play in the browser. Write that sentence on the wall chart so a substitute does not add a third installer from a search ad. The chart should name the GitHub org, the MSI or .deb filename class, and the PGN folder.

Backups and travel kits

Shared laptops need a backup of the PGN folder before every reimage. Browser bookmarks survive more often than local packages. After the image lands, install PyChess from Releases again, then open one saved PGN to prove the files still replay.

Coaches who want Hint Mode should attach one documented engine binary, not a zip sitting in Downloads. Hint arrows that point at nothing make the window look broken even when the client is fine.

Travel bags should carry the already-installed client. Offline trains are the whole reason a local board exists. Website studies can wait until the hotel network returns.

Rank Timber maps filenames and habits. Upstream remains GPL-3.0 at pychess/pychess. Keep portal wrappers out of the lab. First hour: installed. Safe door: download safe. GitHub: GitHub.

One official window

If two volunteers disagree about GUIs, pick one official window for demos and let the other stay optional. Arena can remain for engine rooms. PyChess can remain for mixed Windows and Linux tags. Cute Chess can remain for tournaments. The failure mode is three unofficial copies and no ticket.

After policy exists, stop hunting new download pages. Return to the same Releases URL for the next bump. That boring rhythm is the product.

Prove the GTK window before you add engines, servers, or a second installer. The proof is the gate.

  • One named GitHub asset
  • One local game
  • One PGN folder on the ticket

Frequently asked questions

Will my Lichess rating move into PyChess?

No. Website ratings stay on the website. PyChess stores PGN, EPD, and FEN on disk. Export games if you want them locally, then open the file. Keep the website bookmark if studies and live games are still the job.

Do I need a Lichess account to install this chess client?

No. PyChess installs from GitHub Releases without a website account. Lichess accounts stay optional on that site. This page is for people who already use Lichess and want a local GTK board as well.

Where should I download the chess client?

Prefer GitHub Releases for pychess/pychess when you want named chess assets. Take pychess-*-mingw_x86_64_msvcrt_gnu.msi on Windows or python3-pychess_*.deb on Linux. Keep Softonic-style mirrors out of the loop. Document the update door on the machine ticket so the next bump stays honest for shared desks.