Sharly Chess

Sharly Chess is a free, open-source tournament management tool built specifically for chess arbiters. Originally known as Papi-web, the project rebranded as Sharly Chess in 2025 and formed an association to support its ongoing development and governance. It runs entirely offline, so organizers do not need an internet connection during events.

The software covers the full arbiter workflow: player self-check-in, digital result submission, FIDE-compliant Swiss pairings, and live standings displayed on tablets, projectors, or any screen connected to the local network. This multi-screen capability makes it especially useful for larger events where players and spectators want to follow results in real time.

In September 2025, Sharly Chess reached a milestone when it was used to manage a 84-player rapid tournament in Perpignan, France, and the event led to the awarding of a FIDE Arbiter norm, a first for the platform. The project continues to see regular releases, with version 3.4 adding age category management and event export features. It is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and welcomes contributions from the community.

Support is available through the active Discord server and GitHub. For arbiters looking for a capable, cost-free alternative to commercial software, Sharly Chess is worth a close look.