Chess Engine Setup Guide

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Installing Required Packages

Before running the engine, make sure to install all the necessary Python packages:

pip install -r requirements.txt

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Patching CairoSVG on Windows

If you encounter errors related to CairoSVG, it's because the Cairo graphics library is missing. Follow these steps to fix the issue.

Step 1: Install GTK3 (Includes Cairo)

1. Download GTK3 Runtime:

   • Visit GTK for Windows.
   • Download the latest GTK3 Runtime installer for Win64.

2. Install GTK3:

   • Run the downloaded .exe file.
   • Make sure to check the option "Set up PATH environment variable" during installation.

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Step 2: Verify Cairo Installation

• Open File Explorer and navigate to:

  C:\Program Files\GTK3-Runtime Win64\bin
  
  

• Ensure the file libcairo-2.dll is present.

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Step 3: Add GTK to System PATH (If Not Added Automatically)

If the GTK installer didn’t add the path automatically:

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Go to Advanced → Environment Variables.

3. Under System Variables, find Path and click Edit.

4. Click New and add:

   C:\Program Files\GTK3-Runtime Win64\bin
   
   

5. Click OK and restart your computer.

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Step 4: Reinstall CairoSVG and Dependencies

1. Uninstall existing packages:

   pip uninstall cairosvg cairocffi pycairo
   

2. Reinstall CairoSVG:

   pip install cairosvg
   

3. Ensure PyCairo is installed:

   pip install pycairo
   

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Step 5: Add Python Scripts Directory to PATH (If Needed)

To avoid potential errors, manually add the Python scripts directory to your system’s PATH.

1. Open System Environment Variables:

   • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Go to the Advanced tab and click Environment Variables.

2. Edit the PATH Variable:

   • Under System Variables, find Path and click Edit.

   • Click New and add:

     C:\Users\your_user\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python312\Scripts
     
     

   • Click OK to save the changes.

Running the Chess Engine

These commands allow you to run a simple game where both opponents play random moves, just to verify the engine is functional.

For Windows

python engine_driver.py

For Linux/Mac

python3 engine_driver.py