Lila

Self-Hosted

Open-source chess server software (powering Lichess.org)

Overview

Lila is the free, open-source chess server software behind Lichess.org, enabling self-hosted chess communities with full privacy control. It supports real-time online games, tournaments, puzzle solving, AI-driven game analysis, and multiple chess variants (blitz, rapid, bullet, etc.). Deployable via Docker (recommended) or manual setup (Scala/Java stack), it prioritizes data ownership and open collaboration, making it ideal for users wanting to run their own chess platform without relying on third-party services.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  lila:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: lila
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Multi-variant chess support (blitz, rapid, bullet, custom variants)
Real-time game play and tournament management tools
AI-powered game analysis and interactive puzzle system

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Lila hard to install?

Lila can be deployed easily via Docker (recommended for most users). Manual setup requires familiarity with Scala, PostgreSQL, Redis, and web servers, but community guides and Docker Compose files simplify the process for technical users.

? Is Lila a good alternative to Chess.com?

Yes—Lila offers core chess features like real-time games, tournaments, and analysis, but with full data ownership (self-hosted) and no paid subscriptions. It lacks some premium features (e.g., video lessons) but excels for users prioritizing open source and privacy.

? Is Lila completely free?

Absolutely! Lila is released under the MIT License, meaning it’s free to use, modify, and distribute without any restrictions or costs. There are no hidden fees or premium tiers.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Games

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ 100% open-source (MIT License, no hidden costs)
⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted, no third-party tracking)
⊕ Compatible with Lichess client apps and interfaces

Cons

⊖ Requires technical setup (Docker or Scala/Java stack knowledge)
⊖ Needs server resources (CPU/RAM) for concurrent players
⊖ Limited beginner-friendly documentation for manual deployment