The benefits of the engine cloud
- Boost your analysis
Working with multiple engines simultaneously is a winning strategy. Thanks to cloud systems running in parallel, even the most complex calculations can be carried out without loss of performance. For example, you can configure one engine in “multiple variants” mode to explore the strength of a position, while another focuses on the main line, achieving unrivalled search depths. - Preserve your equipment
Running a multi-processor engine on a laptop is extremely energy-intensive: the battery quickly runs down to cool the system, and the processor, pushed to full capacity, can force the device to shut down. With the cloud, calculations are delegated to external, mains-powered machines, sparing your equipment and extending its lifespan. - Avoid costly investments
In-depth analysis requires high-end computers, which are often expensive, bulky and quickly obsolete in the face of rapidly evolving technologies. The cloud gives you access to this power on demand, without having to invest in expensive hardware or incur maintenance costs. - Maximum power at the key moment
When faced with a critical position in a correspondence game or for in-depth analysis, you can instantly boost your computing power. Even a modest laptop becomes a formidable analysis machine at the click of a button, thanks to the fleet of high-performance engines available in the cloud.
High-end accessible to all
So you see, in an instant, thanks to the cloud, your small laptop or old PC is transformed into a first-rate tactical and strategic analysis tool.If you own several computers, you can harness their combined power in a single gesture. Better still, you can rent out your machines to other users via the cloud – a particularly attractive option for owners of high-end configurations.
“Let’s Check: Join the community!
Let’s Check is a revolutionary ChessBase feature that radically transforms analysis. By joining this worldwide community, you gain access to a colossal knowledge base, enriched in real time by the best engines and users. Whether you’re following live games on Playchess or analyze your own positions, Let’s Check provides you with statistics, opening ideas and precise evaluations, directly at your fingertips.
How much does it cost?
- Booking feeFixed by supplier (sometimes free).
- Base price per minuteBetween 0.01 and 0.65 ducats (10 ducats = €1). For example, an hour with a top-of-the-range motor costs around €0.39.
- Priority AuctionsIf an engine is occupied, you can bid to reserve it. An automatic limit protects you from excessive bidding.
- Guaranteed priceSome suppliers offer a fixed price, allowing you to use the engine without interruption.
- FlexibilityYou can stop the analysis at any time, without obligation, and try out different engines without risk.
What do the coloured buttons mean?
- Green medalThe engine is available. Double-click to rent it.
- Yellow medalThe engine is currently in use, but you can bid higher to reserve it. Please note: each bid incurs a small cost, even if unsuccessful.
- Red medalThe motor is occupied and cannot be rented out, as the current user has paid the maximum rate.
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How to rent an engine?
Double-click on a “green” motor to rent it. A window opens, allowing you to set your parameters (maximum rate, budget, etc.). Click on “OK” to start the analysis, and on “STOP” to stop it. Payment is made immediately.
Private and public engines
Private engineIf you have a high-performance PC at home, you can use it as a cloud engine from anywhere. Log in to your ChessBase account, select your engine, and use it for free from another device.
- Specify the cloud engine on your PC via (for example) ChessBase 15 or 18, Fritz 16 or Komodo 13.
- Log in with the username of your ChessBase account.
- Click on Engines → Open Engine Cloud.
- Click on “Offer a private engine” and select the engine you wish to offer in the cloud.
- That’s it! You can use your own private engine from another computer. Simply open the Cloud Engines window on another computer and connect to the same ChessBase account. Your private engine will then be highlighted in blue in the list. Double-click to start the engine (of course, it’s free!).
Public engineYou can offer your engine for rent in ChessBase Engine Cloud. Set your own rates and earn ducats while contributing to the community:
- Open ChessBase 15, 16, 17 or 18 and log in with your ChessBase account.
- Cloud → Engine Cloud.
- In the window that now appears, you’ll find a list of all the engines currently supplied in the engine cloud.
Click on “Offer a public engine” to offer your own engine(s):
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Select the motor you wish to offer (in our example, it’s the Fritz 16) and confirm your selection by clicking on OK:
In the dialog box, you can then set the rental prices:
Tips for suppliers
- Start with attractive rates to attract users and build your reputation.
- Offer a variety of engines to meet specific user needs.
- Adjust your rates according to demand and your engine’s reputation, to maximize your revenues.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use engines for free? Yes, by using private engines or free engines offered by other users.
- Can I limit the time of use? Yes, by setting a budget in ducats.
- Can I organize matches between engines? Yes, for tactical tests or automatic games.
- Can I restrict access to my engine? Yes, by adding users to a private list.
With ChessBase Engine Cloudmakes computing power accessible, flexible and affordable. Whether you’re a passionate amateur or a demanding player, this revolutionary solution redefines your approach to chess, from analysis to competition.