Lichess MCP

What is Lichess MCP?

Lichess MCP is a Model Context Protocol server that lets you interact with the Lichess chess platform using natural language. Built for Claude Desktop and other MCP clients, it enables account management, game play, analysis, tournaments, and more through a set of tools.

How to use Lichess MCP?

Install globally via npm (npm install -g lichess-mcp) or use Smithery (npx -y @smithery/cli install @karayaman/lichess-mcp --client claude). Configure a Lichess API token via environment variable LICHESS_TOKEN or the set_token tool, then add the server to your Claude Desktop config under mcpServers.

Key features of Lichess MCP

• Manage your Lichess account and view profiles
• Create challenges, make moves, and manage games
• Analyze positions with cloud evaluations and PGN export
• Join and create arena tournaments
• Interactive chess UIs: puzzles, game viewer, opening explorer (in supported clients)

Use cases of Lichess MCP

• Ask Claude to show your Lichess profile or ongoing games
• Start a new chess game with a specific time control via a chat command
• Get cloud evaluation for a position from a FEN string
• Join or create an arena tournament without leaving the desktop
• Step through a Lichess game or PGN interactively in the chat

FAQ from Lichess MCP

How do I get a Lichess API token?

Generate one at https://lichess.org/account/oauth/token. Provide it via the LICHESS_TOKEN environment variable or the set_token tool during runtime.

What move formats does the server accept?

The API accepts moves in UCI format (e.g., e2e4) for most endpoints, and SAN format (e.g., e4) for some endpoints.

Can I use the server without Claude Desktop?

Yes. After building (npm run build), you can start the server standalone with npm start. It works with any MCP client.

Is there interactive visual feedback for chess boards?

In clients that support MCP Apps (like Claude Desktop), certain tools (play_puzzle, view_pgn, explore_openings) render an interactive chess board. In other clients, they fall back to text (FEN/PGN/Lichess links).

What should I do if the server won't connect?

Ensure lichess-mcp is installed globally and available in your PATH, check the configuration file uses the mcpServers format (not mcp_servers), and verify your Lichess API token is valid. Restart Claude Desktop completely after changes.