Play Chess in Your GitHub README

We've all seen creative README files—badges, stats, maybe even an animated ASCII art. But what if you could play a full game of chess right there on your profile? That's exactly what developer Tim Burgan built into his own GitHub repository. It turns a static page into a dynamic, interactive board, and it's a clever hack that blends code with a bit of fun.

It’s a perfect example of how the platform can be used for more than just storing code. It pushes the boundaries of what we think a README can be, turning it into a small, shareable application.

What It Does

Tim’s repository, timburgan/timburgan, hosts his personal profile README. Embedded within it is a fully functional chess game. Visitors to the repo can click on the board to move pieces, following standard chess rules. The game state is maintained, allowing you to start a game, leave, and come back later to continue. It’s not just a screenshot or a GIF; it’s a real, playable game.

Why It's Cool

The implementation is the clever part. This isn't a backend service or a complex app. The game is built entirely with SVG images and JavaScript that runs directly in the browser. The chessboard and pieces are SVGs, and the logic for moves and game state is handled client-side.

This means it works seamlessly within GitHub's ecosystem. There's no external server to manage, no API keys, and no complex setup. It’s a self-contained frontend widget living in a Markdown file, which is a neat technical achievement. It shows how you can use GitHub not just as a code host, but as a lightweight hosting platform for interactive demos.

Beyond the tech, it’s just plain fun. It invites engagement. Instead of just reading about a developer, you can challenge their README to a quick match. It’s a memorable way to make a profile stand out.

How to Try It

You don't need to install anything. Just head over to Tim's repository and scroll down to the chess board.

1. Go to github.com/timburgan/timburgan.
2. Scroll down past the introduction section. You'll see the chessboard.
3. Click on a piece (white moves first), then click on a destination square to move.
4. The game will enforce basic rules, so you can't make illegal moves.

Want to see the code behind the magic? Check the source of the README.md file and the associated JavaScript in the repo to see how it's all wired together.

Final Thoughts

This project is a great reminder that developer tools can be playgrounds. While you might not put a chess game in your next production repo, it inspires thinking about how to make documentation, portfolios, or tools more interactive. Could you embed a small demo of your library? A configurator for your API? Tim's chess game proves it's possible with a bit of creativity and frontend know-how.

It’s a fun, functional hack that makes you smile and think, "Hey, I could build something like that too."

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