How Stakes Work

PVPChess uses fixed USD stake tiers: $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $50, $75, and $100. You choose a tier before joining matchmaking or creating a challenge link.

The SOL amount is calculated from a live price when stakes lock at game start. Both players must stake the same tier.

When a staked game begins, each player's stake is reserved from their in-app balance and held in escrow until the game settles. Funds are not released until the result is confirmed and review completes.

The total pot is both players' stakes combined. PVPChess takes a 5% platform fee from the pot. The winner receives 95% of the pot to their in-app balance.

On a draw, the remaining 95% is split equally between both players after the fee is deducted.

Find Match pairs you with a player near your ELO at the selected stake. Challenge links let you invite a friend to the same tier without waiting in queue.

You can only participate in one active staked game or post-game review at a time.

If you lose by checkmate, resignation, or timeout, your stake goes to your opponent minus the platform fee. Abandoning or disconnecting from a staked game follows standard forfeit rules.