Digitizing Games

With Chess Scanner, you can quickly and easily digitize your handwritten chess scoresheets. This guide will walk you through the entire process.

1. Starting the Scan Process

1. Navigate to the scan section of the application.
2. Click on "Scan new game".

2. Uploading the Scoresheet

1. Select notation type:
   • Choose the notation type used on your scoresheet (English or German).
2. Upload scoresheet:
   • Click on "Select file" or drag your file into the field.
   • You can upload a photo or scan of your scoresheet.
   • Supported formats: JPG, PNG, PDF.
   • If your game spans multiple pages, you can add a second page after uploading the first one.
3. Continue: Click on "Start processing" to begin processing.

3. Processing the Scoresheet

During this phase, your scoresheets are analyzed:

1. The images are uploaded.
2. The system detects the structure of the form.
3. The individual moves are identified and processed.

Depending on image quality and server load, this may take a few seconds to several minutes.

4. Selecting the Last Move

After successful processing, you will be prompted to mark the last move of the game:

1. Review the displayed scoresheet.
2. Click on the last move played in the game.
3. Start generating the game with the "Generate game" button.

The information about the last move helps the system determine the exact length of the game and only generate moves up to that point.

5. Generating the Game

The system now reconstructs the complete game based on the recognized moves:

• The recognized moves are converted into a playable chess notation.
• Incorrect or unclear moves are highlighted by background color.

6. Reviewing and Editing the Game

In this phase, you can review and edit the generated game:

1. Chessboard view:
   • Shows the current position.
   • Allows you to play through and edit the moves.
2. Scoresheet view:
   • Shows all recognized moves.
   • Displays your uploaded scoresheet.
   • Incorrect or uncertain moves are highlighted.
3. Editing options:
   • Correct moves by clicking and re-entering them.
   • Insert moves if a move was forgotten to be written down.
   • Skip moves if a field was crossed out and continued in the next field.
   • Delete moves if moves were recognized beyond the actual last move.

7. Player Information and Saving

When you have finished reviewing:

1. Click on "Save".
2. Fill in the metadata of the game in the dialog:
   • Select the target database.
   • Enter details about the players (name, club, rating).
   • Add tournament information (event, round, date).
   • Select the game result.
3. Confirm with "Save".

After saving, the game will be available in your chosen database and can be used for analysis, training, or other purposes.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Image quality: Make sure your scoresheet is well-lit and sharply photographed.
• Handwriting: The clearer the handwriting, the better the recognition.
• Review: Pay special attention to critical phases of the game and moves with low recognition confidence.

With these steps, you can efficiently digitize your chess games and organize them in your digital collection.