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Plychess

PlyChess Changelog

This page lists recent updates and improvements to PlyChess. It helps you understand what changed, why it matters, and where to find new features.

2025-12-13 — Site Speed Optimization & SEO Content Expansion
  • Performance Overhaul: Refactored the entire Homepage and Rankings sections to use Next.js <Image> components with sharp optimization. This enables lazy loading, responsive sizing, and modern WebP/AVIF formats, significantly improving LCP.
  • Advanced Resource Loading: Implemented lazyOnload strategy for non-critical scripts (Google Analytics, Clarity, etc.) and added <link rel="preconnect"> for third-party domains to eliminate main-thread blocking (TBT).
  • New Expert Content: Published three comprehensive, SEO-optimized guides targeting high-intent chess improvement keywords:
    • Breaking the 1500 ELO Plateau with Stockfish
    • Stockfish 16 vs Human Coaches for Tactics
    • Free Chess Analysis Guide (No Sign-up)
  • SEO & Sitemap: Updated sitemap.ts to automatically index new blog posts and integrated strict internal linking between tools and articles to boost E-E-A-T signals.
2025-11-06 — Stable Flag Display, Homepage CTA, Playable Opening Explorer
  • Introduced the FlagImg client component, which consistently loads FlagCDN PNGs (e.g., w40) and falls back to the local placeholder /country.png on failure.
  • Replaced raw <img> tags with FlagImg on /rankings/players/by-country lists and country-detail pages, eliminating missing flags caused by CORS blocks and 404s.
  • Added a CTA section above the footer on the homepage (headline + two buttons + social icons) with background placeholder public/cta-hero-placeholder.svg to boost conversion and visual consistency.
  • Fixed icon compatibility: swapped the invalid Discord icon for Gamepad2 from lucide-react in the homepage CTA, preventing render errors.
  • Enhanced the Opening Explorer (/tools/opening-explorer) with “Start Game” / “Stop Game” buttons; when active, the board supports drag-and-drop moves validated by chess.js and updates the FEN in real time.
2025-11-04 — New Tools, Openings Directory & Build Fixes
  • Added Interactive Board tool for quick FEN previews and move testing.
  • Delivered Chess960 Generator with valid start-position generation, board preview, and FEN copy.
  • Created Openings Directory listing popular openings and linking to the explorer via prefilled moves.
  • Enhanced Opening Explorer: board preview, FEN copy, and query param support (prefill moves). Wrapped the route in Suspense to satisfy Next.js 15 prerender rules.
  • Added Offline Play page entry and ensured discoverability in sitemap.
  • Silenced noisy dev logs by serving a stub for /@vite/client and setting proper headers in next.config.mjs.
  • Updated sitemap.ts to include new routes: /tools/interactive-board, /tools/chess960, /openings, and /play/offline.
2025-01-01 — Global Breadcrumb Navigation & Rankings System
  • Added Global Breadcrumb Navigation to all pages (except homepage) for improved user navigation and site structure understanding.
  • Implemented intelligent route parsing with English labels for all major sections: Tools, Rankings, Blog, Games, etc.
  • Enhanced Rankings System with Chess.com and Lichess Top 100 player listings, including avatar generation and responsive design.
  • Fixed React Hooks ordering issues in TopList components to ensure consistent rendering.
  • Updated sitemap.ts with all new pages including rankings and blog articles for better SEO coverage.
  • Integrated breadcrumb component into MainLayout for consistent site-wide navigation experience.
2025-10-30 — Canadian Ratings Estimator (CFC)
  • Added a new tool: Canadian Ratings Estimator to estimate rating changes using Elo expected score and practical K-factor options (auto/fixed/custom).
  • Included comprehensive English introduction, usage examples, target audience, and FAQ.
  • Integrated into Tools listing and the site sitemap for better discoverability.
  • UI aligned with site-wide sidebar by wrapping the page with MainLayout.
  • Verified calculations and interactions; dev HMR warnings are non-blocking.
2025-10-29 — Diagram Maker Enhancements
  • Delivered Diagram Maker tool: FEN preview, PNG download, PGN animation, and WebM export.
  • Confirmed functionality in preview; noted dev-only webpack hot-update prompt is safe.
  • Added the tool to the Tools listing and sitemap.
2025-10-29 — Tools Listing & Sitemap Updates
  • Updated Tools page with new entries and icons for improved navigation.
  • Extended sitemap with new tool routes to improve SEO and discoverability.

What’s next

Planned additions include CSV export and batch event simulation for the Ratings Estimator, plus optional GIF export for Diagram Maker animations.

Plchess is an independent platform. This service is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Chess.com.

Contact: [email protected]