Running Your First Game

Stage 1: Manual Move Entry (No Sensors)

Start with manual move input to verify the gantry executes moves correctly:

kirin> newgame black

This sets up the board (gantry moves all pieces from storage to starting squares), then the engine plays black. You type your moves:

kirin> move e2e4
kirin> move d2d4
kirin> move g1f3

After each of your moves, the engine will think and physically move a piece in response. Watch for correct piece movement, especially during captures (the captured piece should go to the correct storage slot).

Stage 2: Sensor-Based Play

Once manual mode works, switch to the full sensor experience:

kirin> play black

Now make your moves by physically moving pieces on the board. The system will detect your move automatically. The terminal will show:

Move 1. -- Your turn. Make your move on the board.
Waiting for your move...
Detected move: e2e4

What to Test

  1. Normal moves: Pick up a pawn, place it on a new square.

  2. Pondering: Pick up a piece, hold it for 10+ seconds, put it back. The system should not commit a move.

  3. Take-back: Pick up one piece, put it back, pick up a different piece and move it. Only the final move should register.

  4. Captures: Pick up the opponent’s piece, place it in the storage zone, then move your piece to the vacated square.

  5. Castling: Move the king two squares, then move the rook. The system waits until both pieces are in their final positions.

  6. Illegal state: Move a piece to an illegal square. After 10 seconds, the system will alert you.

Stage 3: Full Game

Play a complete game to checkmate or stalemate. The system will announce the result:

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  CHECKMATE -- White wins!
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