To broadcast several games simultaneously, your club needs a multi-board system that is explicitly documented for this purpose. Remember to factor in electronic pieces, connection equipment, a PC and, where needed, compatible chess clocks. A single e-board may be enough for training and archiving games. A chess robot can provide an additional training or demonstration station, but without documented integration, it is no substitute for a tournament network.
If you want to connect several boards at once, plan the boards, pieces, connection equipment, software and, if necessary, clocks as one complete system. DGT and specialist retailers describe components for multi-board setups.
If you want to train on a real board and review games together afterwards, single-board operation and a usable export are important. You don't automatically need a multi-board network for this. Retailers describe these features for DGT and MILLENNIUM solutions, among others.
If you're looking for self-moving pieces or automatically set-up positions for guided exercises, a chess robot could be a useful addition. Chessnut and SenseRobot describe these training features, but that doesn't mean they are compatible with tournament networks.
First decide whether you want to archive games, broadcast individual boards live or record several games at once. This will determine which connectivity and accessories you'll need to factor into your club's setup.
| What you need | What to check before buying | Who needs this? |
|---|---|---|
| Connect several boards | Check the equipment for the first board and subsequent boards, electronic pieces, PC connection and the cable lengths required for your specific row of boards. | If we want to record or broadcast several games at once, all the components need to work together. Around 36% of consumers put multi-board operation first. |
| Broadcast one game live | Check the software, PC connection and broadcasting service for the specific board. Check separately whether it can transmit the remaining time on the clocks. | If we want to start by showing one selected game, we need a working connection from the board through to the broadcasting platform. Around 29% of consumers prioritise live broadcasting of a single game. |
| Record games | Check whether the pieces, connection equipment and required export format, such as PGN, are included for the version on offer. | If we want to analyse games after training, we need a usable recording and a suitable export. Around 21% of consumers prioritise training and archiving. |
| Set up a robot station | Distinguish between self-moving pieces and a robotic arm. Check separately that it supports the exercises you want and whether it can be used in competitions. | If we want to offer supervised exercises with self-moving pieces, we're looking for a training station, not a replacement for a tournament network. Around 14% of consumers put this purpose first. |
Schachversand-Ullrich states that tournament cables aren't included with the DGT USB Smart Board with pieces. DGT lists the connection equipment for tournament rows separately.
Before ordering, make a list of everything you need for the planned number of boards and check it against what's included with the specific offer.
The DGT four-board set described by Schachversand Niggemann doesn't include the clocks needed to transmit the remaining time as well.
Decide whether you want to broadcast moves only or the remaining time too, then check which clocks and connections you'll need.
Manufacturer details about moving pieces or training exercises don't confirm compatibility with a DGT multi-board system.
Plan robotics as a separate training station and use a connection setup that's explicitly documented for tournament broadcasts.
DGT describes USB Smart Boards and tournament e-boards for single-board use and tournament rows.
The Supreme boards and ChessLink described are designed for playing on a physical board, with digital training and online features.
Chessnut describes Move as a robotic training board, alongside connected boards such as Air.
SenseRobot describes playing on a physical board against a robotic arm, as well as guided chess exercises.
Particula describes GoChess Lite as a connected board with training hints, and GoChess XR as a version with self-moving pieces.
The following Joybuy products are chess robots for additional training and practice stations. They aren't described as replacements for a documented tournament network.
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For training on a physical board, the product title lists a robotic arm with app connectivity.
The title also mentions support for custom 3D-printed pieces and a portable design.
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For supervised practice on the board, the product title lists a robotic arm, training exercises and Lichess integration.
The title also lists 25 AI difficulty levels, over 1,200 training exercises, endgame training, voice guidance and app synchronisation. While the arm is moving, keep hands, fingers, hair and loose clothing out of its range of movement, and place the device on a stable, level surface. Keep small parts away from children under 3 years old.
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For guided practice on a physical board, the product description lists a robotic arm and chess training.
It also lists endgame exercises and playback of recorded games. While the robotic arm is in use, keep fingers, hair, jewellery and loose clothing out of its range of movement, and place the device on a level, stable surface. Small parts are unsuitable for children under 3 years old; children aged 3 to 6 should be supervised at all times.
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For chess training on a physical board, the product title lists a SenseRobot chess robot with a robotic arm.
According to the title, the offer also includes a Ropet AI Pet Robot (Professional Edition). The chess robot is listed with 25 AI levels, over 1,200 exercises, endgame training and playback of classic games.
Not for broadcasting moves alone. The DGT four-board set described by Schachversand Niggemann requires compatible DGT-3000 clocks to also transmit the remaining time. These aren't included in the set.
DGT describes a connection set for the first of every twelve USB-C tournament boards, with further sets for the next eleven boards. DGT specifies another first-board set for the 13th, 25th and subsequent boards at the same intervals. DGT also advises against replacing the specified power supply with a universal one.
No. A technical recording feature doesn't in itself provide permission under data protection law. If personal data is processed when publishing a game, the organiser must identify an appropriate legal basis under the GDPR. Which basis applies will depend on the circumstances. The European Data Protection Board explains that organisations must identify a legal basis before processing data.
You can't assume this is generally permitted based on the product description. Check the tournament regulations and confirm with the tournament organisers. Training features and competition use should be configured separately.
For each offer, check the electronic pieces, connection sets for the first and subsequent boards, compatible clocks, PC and broadcasting setup. The DGT four-board set described includes pieces and network equipment, but not the clocks needed for additional time transmission.