GUIDE FOR USING CUSTOM-TRAINED UCI ENGINE

1. Install dependencies on the machine running the engine: pip install torch python-chess

2. Extract this zip file, ensuring the following 2 files are in the SAME directory:

   • chess_model.pt
   • uci_engine.py

3. Add the engine to any GUI software supporting external UCI engines, such as:

   • Arena Chess GUI
   • BanksiaGUI
   • CuteChess
   • Lucas Chess
   • En Croissant

   In the "Add Engine" / "Install Engine" section, point to the execution command:

python /path/to/uci_engine.py

(or python3, depending on your operating system)

5. Playing as a Lichess Bot (official method, allows custom engines):
   • Register a dedicated Lichess account and upgrade it to a BOT account (see guide at: https://lichess.org/api#tag/Bot)
   • Use the "lichess-bot" repo (by lichess), pointing the engine path to uci_engine.py
   • The engine will automatically play against other bots on Lichess—matching the goal of "having it play against other bots like Stockfish does".

IMPORTANT FAIR PLAY NOTE:

• Chess.com and Lichess DO NOT allow external engine usage in RATED GAMES against HUMAN PLAYERS. Violations will result in account bans.
• Allowed use cases: offline practice/analysis (Play vs Computer / local GUI), or using an official BOT account to play against other bots.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE:

• This is a small CNN model trained on a small dataset (random vs Stockfish
• evaluated at 0.1s/move). Its playing strength is roughly equivalent to ~1000-1200 ELO,
• and it is not as strong as full Stockfish. To make it stronger: generate more data,
• increase Stockfish think time during data generation, increase epoch counts/network channels,
• or integrate deeper search algorithms.