chess_move · Chess MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What chess_move does on Chess MCP

AI agents use chess_move to create or update resources in Chess MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Chess MCP environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why chess_move needs a policy

This tool modifies the state of a chess game by making a move, which is a reversible write operation (moves can be undone or the game reset). It has no external side effects beyond updating game state, and the blast radius of misuse is minimal — limited to disrupting a chess game.

From the tool's definition Make a move on the chess board using algebraic notation

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

chess_move Rate-limited

chess_move stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "chess_move": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "chess_move_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Chess MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about chess_move

What does the chess_move tool do? +

Make a move on the chess board using algebraic notation. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Chess MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on chess_move? +

Register the Chess MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for chess_move: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Chess MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is chess_move? +

chess_move is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit chess_move? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the chess_move rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block chess_move completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for chess_move. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides chess_move? +

chess_move is provided by the Chess MCP server (jerelvelarde/chessmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.