Fortress Chess is a feature-rich, correspondence-style online chess platform designed by Christian Fobian for players who value thoughtful, strategic gameplay at a slower pace. Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a seasoned player, Fortress Chess offers a unique alternative to fast-paced, blitz-heavy chess apps by focusing on daily-move timers, serious match tracking, and flexible, long-form games. Unlike sites like chess.com and lichess that focus primarily on live games with shorter time controls, Fortress Chess is primarily designed to be played over longer time controls.
Built with a strong commitment to privacy, simplicity, and community, Fortress Chess is entirely ad-free, ensuring a clean and focused environment where the game—not distractions—takes center stage. Unlike many commercial platforms, Fortress Chess puts players first with a minimalist design, customizable settings, and a passion for slow chess that fosters deep thinking and better decision-making.
Whether you're playing with friends or finding new opponents online, Fortress Chess is the perfect home for anyone who enjoys correspondence chess, online turn-based chess, or simply wants a more intentional, strategic chess experience.
Fortress Chess exists to bring players together through meaningful, long-form chess games. Our goal is to provide a distraction-free platform that emphasizes strategy, integrity, and player respect. Unlike blitz-focused platforms, Fortress Chess encourages deep, reflective play over days, not minutes.
2. Core Features
Correspondence-style gameplay (1-5 day timers)
Clean dashboard for active games, friends, and performance tracking
Player profiles with stats, options for push notifications or email alerts
Achievements and milestone tracking
Replay mode to review games move-by-move to analyze a game
Invite-only games and public matchmaking options
Share a link publically with others to show them a game
Player Dashboard
Game Details
Player Stats
3. Time Controls
Players can choose flexible time settings per move:
1-5 day options
Automatic timeout detection and fair loss handling
Get matched up with a player of any strength from the matchmaking system or get matched up with someone in the same class as you
Time Control Options
4. Elo & Rankings
Fortress Chess uses a standard Elo rating system:
Ratings adjust based on game outcomes and opponent strength
Visible peak and lowest ratings in player profiles
Leaderboard system sorted by rating class (e.g., Master, Expert, etc.) The leaderboard is designed so that only active players are shown
