Are you a chess enthusiast desperately searching for an alternative to chess.com? Look no further than Lichess, one of the most popular open-source platforms. While it shines for its reliability and variety of features, users can occasionally face downtime. In this post, we’ll explore the current state of Lichess, known issues, and what to do if the site is down.
Lichess.org, created and maintained by Thibault Duplessis and a French nonprofit, has offered a free, open chess experience since June 2010. With no paywall—other than optional donations—it’s the go-to platform for millions of players worldwide. You can engage in all standard features typical of online chess without spending a dime. This commitment to accessibility makes Lichess stand out in the competitive world of online chess.
Is Lichess down?
As of now, Lichess has faced a significant outage. On August 24, a crucial server encountered hardware issues, resulting in an unexpected shutdown. The Lichess team confirmed via Bluesky that they are addressing the matter but noted that they will not be able to refund ratings or restore game positions impacted by the downtime.
For those wondering if they can access the site or are experiencing issues, it’s crucial to note the message displayed: “We lost two disks in a row, winning the lottery! We’ll be back shortly, please do not panic. Apologies for the downtime.” With server troubles, users are understandably concerned about when they will be able to resume their games.
According to updates from the volunteer-managed Lichess4545 league moderators, the site could be down for up to four hours. As a result, players might not be able to log in at least until 5 PM ET. In the meantime, it’s best to stay updated on the situation.
To keep informed about the status of the maintenance, check their official pages, including @lichess on Mastodon, @lichess on Bluesky, or the Lichess Discord. And remember, if the downtime becomes too frustrating, platforms like chess.com or even chess-themed video games are excellent alternatives.
What should I do if Lichess is down? In instances of downtime, you can explore alternatives such as chess.com or other chess-related resources to keep your skills sharp.
How often does Lichess experience downtime? While Lichess is generally reliable, occasional server issues can lead to unexpected outages, often communicated through on-site messages.
Can I get a refund if Lichess is down during a game? Unfortunately, the Lichess team has clarified that they cannot refund ratings or restore game positions impacted by their server outages.
If you’re a dedicated chess player, staying informed is crucial. Keep a close eye on the updates from Lichess and be sure to check out Moyens I/O for more great resources regarding chess and strategy. Happy playing!