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As I expected most of the HN comments are criticizing it for one reason or another but I like this just because solving simple chess puzzles is FUN which is not true for the tasks in the typical CAPTCHA.

Yes, there could be a concern over a spammer automating the process but that might be more hassle than it's worth just to spam an small chess forum.

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'Fun' should only really be considered after 1. security and 2. usability, and this CAPTCHA fails on 1. As soon as this CAPTCHA becomes widespread, spammers will have additional incentive to create bots that brute-force it, defeating the point.

Also I think you overestimate the amount of coding required to brute force this particular CAPTCHA.

I can assure you, this CAPTCHA will not become widespread, because most people don't know how to play chess. It's specifically on a forum about chess, so it's reasonable there, but anywhere else would be ridiculous.

I will agree that coding a brute force method would work well, though.

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