- Blind mode tutorial
lichess.org
Donate

Why doesn't lichess support Null moves?

#1

I wanted to upload my opening repertoire in a private study as a back up but I couldn't because "Lichess doesn't support null moves", is there any reason why this might be hard to implement?

I wanted to upload my opening repertoire in a private study as a back up but I couldn't because "Lichess doesn't support null moves", is there any reason why this might be hard to implement?
#2

Every chess software has a different notation for null moves, so if implemented we'd break most existing software trying to read exported files.

Every chess software has a different notation for null moves, so if implemented we'd break most existing software trying to read exported files.
#4
<Comment deleted by user>
#5

@Toadofsky said in #2:

Every chess software has a different notation for null moves, so if implemented we'd break most existing software trying to read exported files.

I just tested that.

  • Scid, Scid vs PC, ChessBase, the three most functional chess GUIs, all use "--" for a null move and can import and export null moves from and to PGN. Winboard can import PGNs with null moves, dunno if it can insert them.
  • Arena uses "..." for a null move, but why care for this unusable software, last updated a decade ago?
  • Cute Chess is nice for engine tournaments, but seemingly can't even open a pgn, so why care for this software?
  • Babas Chess can not open games with null moves, which is indeed a pity.
  • I can not test other commercial chess software.
  • Other free chess GUIs do not care about user experience and are just hobby projects of some nerds. Let them not be our problem.

Seemingly, there is a big agreement to use "--" for a null move.

It is a pity that today there is no chess GUI which gives its users the freedom to move how many pieces they want, how, and (from) where they want, including off the board. The shredder chess GUI [1] is a notable partial exception, it allows free moving and adding pieces.

Regarding notation, It would not be difficult. Use "--" for null moves, prepend "@" to illegal moves, "+" to pieces added to the board, "-" to pieces taken from the board, allow invalid positions.

[1] https://www.shredderchess.com/de/online/endspiel-datenbank.html

@Toadofsky said in #2: > Every chess software has a different notation for null moves, so if implemented we'd break most existing software trying to read exported files. I just tested that. * Scid, Scid vs PC, ChessBase, the three most functional chess GUIs, all use "--" for a null move and can import and export null moves from and to PGN. Winboard can import PGNs with null moves, dunno if it can insert them. * Arena uses "..." for a null move, but why care for this unusable software, last updated a decade ago? * Cute Chess is nice for engine tournaments, but seemingly can't even open a pgn, so why care for this software? * Babas Chess can not open games with null moves, which is indeed a pity. * I can not test other commercial chess software. * Other free chess GUIs do not care about user experience and are just hobby projects of some nerds. Let them not be our problem. Seemingly, there is a big agreement to use "--" for a null move. It is a pity that today there is no chess GUI which gives its users the freedom to move how many pieces they want, how, and (from) where they want, including off the board. The shredder chess GUI [1] is a notable partial exception, it allows free moving and adding pieces. Regarding notation, It would not be difficult. Use "--" for null moves, prepend "@" to illegal moves, "+" to pieces added to the board, "-" to pieces taken from the board, allow invalid positions. [1] https://www.shredderchess.com/de/online/endspiel-datenbank.html

This topic has been archived and can no longer be replied to.