Chess Programs

Net Blitz

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Emparch

A program built for windows (like most other chess programs), which has classical chess mode and a unique bughouse mode. The interface feels fast and smooth . Most games are 5minuters, so the time is always displayed near each players name. It includes a moves grid and next to it all the abilities like taking a move back, offering a draw, the usual pause-leave-load-save game options. There is also the simple ability to switch color, help on  the program and chess. The last option is just the ability to change the default settings.

If you like lots of quick chess then this might be a nice program for you. It also includes a bughouse chess variant which is said to be very fun with 4 players.

Nothing wrong with this program but with sea of chess programs this is one of many. What it does right is something lots of other chess programs do right but those programs always add something to much , annoying. This one keeps everything nice and cool.. That’s why I recommend this freeware.

J2Chess

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Every Windows except Vista and 7.

Publisher: J2Chess

A chess program written in Java, includes a huge book of openings which contains around 15,000 different games. You can play the games in three different fast paced modes.  Casual which is like classical, Blitz Chess which is real fast paced chess and the special Blitz Fischer. The cool thing about this is, it’s a web application but you can upload pgn files from your computer. So this could be called a PGN browser.

ChessPartner

Price: 24.99$, 30 day trial

Operating Systems: Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Lokasoft

This program might be just the thing for someone who has a chess site or a following.  You may play regular vs program’s built-in engine or vs human’s using the online capabilities. The program leaves lots of room for customization like chess pieces sets, 2D/3D and many others. You can write , read PGN, EPD files, play a match and print the moves diagram.  Create books and insert your game clipboards into them for instructions. There is also blitz chess , with a clock for fast paced matches both online and offline. You may also view a game histogram which show’s your most recurring moves. With this you may realize the errors you may have done in your past games. Also contains a book with a list of opening moves like many modern chess programs. Last but not least it has a huge database so you may store millions of games without worrying.

HotBabe Chess

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98

Publisher: Stauffer Computer Consulting

This program isn’t great at anything but never makes it self look good. So you shouldn’t get it expecting GNUChess  level chess program. If you want to try it out for the novelty, I can understand but other then that…The program takes to much space, doesn’t have the high quality to back it up. It does one good thing, lots of difficulty levels but most of them are for newbs-good.

There is also a chat at the bottom that allows you to converse with the bot. Who is suppose to be a hot babe. No evidence to prove that is shown. She seems like your enemy but she can give you hints, let you have a move back.

This is the only thing that makes the game unique. It isn’t much but talking to the bot can result in some funny situations.

Since it’s free it can’t hurt to try!

50 Chess Tips

Price: Free

Operating Systems:Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: InformationFound

50 Chess Tips, isn’t a playable software, but an ebook on chess. You might have read some beginner books with lots of pages. But this program offers a simple layout for each Tip. After your gone through you won’t regret using your time for this. You will surely become a better player. This book will be the most useful for intermediate programmers and starters. You pay nothing and become a way effective chess player. The book is written by US National Chess Master Eric Dana. So you know the tips are from years of pro experience.

Flash Chess

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98

Publisher: Flash Chess Answer

Flash Chess has been built from scrap to fit a fast paced chess game. The program has a built in Engine that is capable of making most of it’s moves in less then 5 seconds. So there is no stop in action. Because of this sometimes it can’t analyze everything thats why this software is better for new players. If you like playing 5minute matches online this program will be the perfecting training for you.

Amazon Chess

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 98

Publisher: PromIntel Software

This won’t be what the grandmasters will use to improve them self. But it will be the one you get if you ask for fun. The game is all about isometric amazon warriors very well designed. Who fight each other in violent battles. Each Warrior is like a chess piece and has the same functions. But when they battle it’s not like ordinary chess. The game is lots of fun, just seeing all the fights of each piece. This will give you fun when you are tired and don’t want to be challenged to much by the ai. The ai can be tuned up but this game is not about improving yourself so you shouldn’t worry about that. Just watch the gritty amazons kill each other. Believe me you will be pleased.

Program is free too so I suggest you try it. When all the fun is over just uninstall it.

Qik Ches

Price: 5 free games, 15.00$ to buy

Operating Systems:Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Qik Chess

Qik Chess is all about quick fast paced online chess. It isn’t really a program but more of service that you buy. You get access to a nicely sized online community. Great Features like customizing friends list, ability to request match. Have your user profiles modified, rankings being updated weekly, all of your stats available to you. You may also chat in lobbies, chat with your opponent in game. Request rematch after the game, request your opponent to let you undo a move. Play a few games, find a few buds and this might become your favorite chess community.

ExaChess

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Mac

Publisher: SolutionWright Software

This program will be real helpful for people who have a blog or youtube account and like to put videos of them playing games with notes.

Or for anyone who wants access to 200,000 matches. With a bunch of grids as the opening tree, moves grid. You will be able to keep track of eveything that is happening. You can also record yourself playing and add annotation for each move. The program supports play vs other engines. There is list of the ones compatible. You can make it play other engines in tournaments or just matches to see who’s better. The stronger your mac the better they play.

Infinia Chess

Price: Free

Operating Systems:Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Infinia Chess

Infinia uses the chess site infiniachess.com as the server to connect you to any game. You have the options to play chess or observe your friends or grandmasters play.  When playing against someone you can play rated to climb up the ladders or just play unrated games without it affecting your scores. It also has lots of variations of chess which are fun to play with some friends in a private lobby. Play against champions , participate in tournaments. Observe Tournaments of grandmasters. Come to daily lectures and improve your skills. The options a endless when your online in this program.

Name: Championship Chess All-Stars

Price: 19.99$

Operating Systems:Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 98

Publishers: DreamQuest

The game is fun and challenging at the same time. It may not have the power a real strong chess engine but can still challenge the good chess player. The game has a clean design with a little bit of cartoonish touch to it. You can play against different characters each with it’s own styles, openings. This will give you experience similar to playing a human. The program keeps tracks of all your stats like what openings you used the most and it shows all the moves you have done in each game. So you can look back and see the moves you use often. Improve from watching your errors.

Sigma Chess HIARCS Lite 6.1.4 Lite

Price: Free

Operating Systems: MAC OS X, Classic Mac OS

Publisher: Sigma Gameware

This program holds one of the strongest engines on the mac os x. It can challenge some of the best PC chess engines. There is a huge game analysis going on while you play which predicts both your moves and the ai’s. The only chess program on the mac to be this strong. The program holds novice levels but really isn’t for the beginner player because of all of it’s advanced features. For a pro player who uses the mac this program is a must have. It is compatible with other chess program files and has a huge chess ending library.

Name: Chess Opening Trainer

Price: Free to try, 39.95$ to buy

Operating Systems: Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Chess Technologies

This program will enhance your opening chess repertoire. It will give a list of exercise and the ones that you have trouble are the ones that you will have to exercise the most. You train vs the computer and it forces you to do the opening you choose. You may also load old games or some grandmaster’s matches. If you have a site and like to help people with putting your matches up. This might be perfect for you because you can add notations to each moves and then save the game . Let someone open it on a program that lets you play recorded chess matches and bam. But even with everything it does good , I believe the price tag is to much.

Chess Genius Classic 7.138R

Price: Free to try( saving and some features disabled), 25.00$

Operating Systems: Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Lang Software

An Engine made for playing vs other championship winning chess engines. How do you gain anything from this program other then setting up matches against other AI’s. The AI made headlines around the Chess Universe when it defeated Gary Kasparov ( at the time the undefeated world chess champion). You can activate a bunch of useful features such as the chess clock, move grid, opening book and thinking information. It also includes a huge library of information written about chess openings , endings etc.. You also have the ability to take back moves. This will be useful when playing at blitz difficulty. The Game also has an easier setting for the new players.

In the new version the game has better graphics and it runs better and faster.

U.S Chess Live

Price: Free

Operating Systems: All except Mac, Vista, Linux

Publisher: U.S Chess Federation

This is the damn place if you want to get into the big leagues. If you live the US, you need to have this program. When you think your ready for really big tournaments with grand prizes( cash). You can spectate GrandMasters playing chess live from the comfort of your home for free. You can also find instructors, make new chess buds. A very friendly place to play chess and the servers are always working 100% fine. And when I said free chess instructors it isn’t just some average player it is the best instructors in US.

Name: Rebel Decade 3.0

Price: Free

Publisher: Schroder BV

Rebel Decade isn’t the program for playing chess yourself. Rather uploading engines on your strong computer and having tournaments. See who wins, how they win. Learn something from the kings. But the real gold in this is all the information you get An encyclopedia of chess,  The full rebel openings by Jeroen Noomen. The Encyclopedia has a database of 200,000 positions. All which can open and see for yourself and analyze.

Name: ChessDog

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows NT, ME, 95, 98. 2000, XP

Publisher:KalGames

I once used this program to play online games but the community is now long gone. But this can still serve for good chess battles between friends. It can be used as private chess match place. You can have tournaments or just ordinary exhibitions. It has a simple layout and interface. Plain visuals, only one set of chess pieces. Not the program you want if you are hoping for fast quick games vs new people each time. This will serve for the complete opposite. It is for people who want to play with friends, set up matches with someone over the internet. Etc..

Name: Brian Game Chess

Price: free to try , 19.99$ to buy

Operating systems: Windows Vista, ME, XP,2000

Publisher: Onhand Software

BGC is often gone unnoticed by Chess fans. It shouldn’t and here is why. The game has this unique way of scoring your abilities. It takes in count how fast you make your move, how many hints you ask, how often you undo a move and many more like if you use the castle, your openings. The game was designed so it is challenging weather your a newbie or advanced player.

It also has 15 game boards and sets for those who like visual variety. You can also switch between 2D and  3D. And you get a huge library full of grand master matches. You can learn from the greatest of great.

All in all, this program is a must for a chess fan who likes a bit of everything.

Name: Kasparov ChessMate

Price: Free

Operating Systems: Windows XP and 2000

Publisher:JAMDAT Mobile

Can’t play with your good friends cause they always think one step ahead of you or you always come near to checkmate them but they somehow get you instead. Well this program might not fix all of those problems but it might make you slightly better. This full of fun for anyone, even a novice or a grandmaster (maybe not). There are 50 actual difficulty so ya you can really set it up evenly with yourself. It has a built in help system, with cool tips in different situations. This program is more of a partner then opposition.

If your new you’ll get good, if your good you’ll have fun.

Product Name: AlphaChess

Price: Free

Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Heresy Softwares

This program offers no single player, no tutorial , nothing. It is meant for someone who knows how to play and is good enough to play against other chess players. It only has an online mode, the visuals are simple and neat. The pieces are 2D but you have upto 20 different sets you can choose from. If you are a picky one you might want to drag the boxes and grid around so the interface is to your liking. The only way to play AI is to load one of the engines you got. Not practical for newbies.

Product Name: Chess Vision Trainer 3.0

Price: Feel free to try( 7 days trial), to buy 29.95$

Operating Systems: Windows XP, ME, NT, 2000, 98

Publisher: Chess Technologies

Chess Vision Trainer is what the name says a vision trainer. Something that will prepare you to anticipate the moves of your opponent. You will do so many of these trainings that any similar pattern that will appear in a real game you will know what to await. This program will take you from amateur to master if you use it as it is meant to be. Spend a whole lot of time on training with the coach. Atleast each day a few hours and in a few months you won’t be a master but you won’t be a pushover either.

Product Name: Absolut Chess

Price: Free to try ( 10 use only), 12.00$ to buy

Operating Systems: Windows XP, 2000, ME, NT, 98, 95

Publisher: Overlans Systems

Absolut Chess, there are many other chess software like it but this one has to things better then the others : The visuals ( stunning 3D) and amazing sound quality. Many whom played this sim deemed the lighting to dark but that can be fixed via adjusting the options. You can play in fullscreen mode but that takes out some of the useful grids, like the one that displays the moves and what the AI is planning. Though the program makes no attempt to teach a new player the rules or help him out. Some people would like to have the ability to change the background. But if your a true chessplayer you won’t care and will happy about the three different opponents the program offers. Three might sound not much but they all do different moves. If your tired of the comp, you can test yourself against other players online.

Product Name: ChessMaster Challenge 1

Price: Free to try(60min trial, music disabled), 19.99$ to buy

Operating Systems: Windows Me, XP, 2000, 98

Publisher: Playfirst

Chessmaster is without a doubt one of the most recognizable chess sims out there. The program’s visuals are impressive even to this date(it came out in 05). I really like how the difficulty works in this game. You have a list of characters you can play against and each of them have their ELO. With the ChessMaster character having the highest ELO thus being the best player.

It has various brain teasers  and other gameplay modes that will improve your tactics. There are lots of customizable options like change the audio, change the sets etc… You can also pick images to represent yourself and your opponents to have them. It adds a little amusement to the game.

The only bad thing is that the trial is too short, 60minutes for a 20$ program..If you never got a chessmaster software, for sure try this one.

Product Name: Falco Chess 3.5

Price:Free to try, 14.50$ to buy

Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Publisher: Falco Software

This program utilizes 3D graphics. So all the pieces are in standard 3D. They look great and make the game feel better. You have so many options for different backgrounds. It also helps the novice player by indicating the moves that are legal. You get ads on the program those are annoying and slow the game down. But a few things like being able to take your move back in online and singleplayer will help new players.

The online is great, the new version has a new server so the games have better speed and are more stable. You can challenge someone by using their IP address and port. Kind of a dated method but still works.

Three levels of difficulty are nice, if you get better or already to good for the normal level take on the harder.

All in all, good program, the 3D is it’s main feature. Game feels fluid and nice without ads. If I were you I would give it a shot.

Product Name: Pawn

Price: Free

Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 98

Publisher: Thomas Starke

Pawn, simple, clean and easy. Those would the three words that I would use to describe this program. The program itself and it’s options are easy to navigate. It is what it is, a program simply for new players ( who know the rules) to hone their skills. With alot of features to make the program to your delight. It still won’t be a program for the good players. It isn’t that the program’s ai aren’t tough but that a true chess player will want to load engines and have the program use it’s computer’s power to the max. Have tournaments between engines, learn from them etc..

Still a good program for those who are new but with the knowledge of the rules. And plus it’s free.

Product Name: ChessGames 1.3

Price: Free

Operating System: Windows XP, Windows 2000

Publisher: Tornamodo

This isn’t a chess program, but a small plugin that will help you discover the world of great Chess Matches. From the biggest Grandmaster’s of chess. To a newly promoted one. When you want to active  the plugin you click on the new knight icon that will appear on your browser then from there on you can search the grandmaster’s matches that you have been looking for the most.

You will have the ability to stop the game , skip the parts you have seen, slow it down and many other commands. There is also the feature to chat with other chess fanatics whom are too using this plugin. This way you can find some games and people who share your interest.

Product Name: Cheesy Chess

Price: Free to try , buy now for 4.95$

Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98

Developer: Mousebed

A little different from my other articles this one is a chess program for kids. Don’t think it’s a chess engine for tournaments or anything. Even a very bad player won’t improve from this. This is strictly for kids. If you have kids you should really consider this. It will teach them how the board is used, how each piece moves, how to do simple checks. They have  two pieces on the board and they have to get the cheese. The pieces they have change so they will learn every piece’s moving pattern. It has neat songs and cartoony art style to keep the kids interested.

Product Name : Shredder Classic 3

Price : (30 days free trial) 35.99$ to buy

Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000

Developer’s : Stefan Meyer-Kahlen

The Shredder engine is a multiply times chess computer champion winning at the least one chess engine tournament since 1999 till 2007. This dominating chess engine and it’s long list of trophies might scare the new chess player’s. But that should not be the case, like the greeks said To get better you have to face opposition stronger then yourself. This might be the case here or not. But with it’s variety of different tool’s such as analyzing your positioning , mistake’s it will only make your chess game more mint. And of course the longtime chess players, they will seek to challenge this beast of a engine. And also see how it does against other Chess Engines. Even though it isn’t the king of chess engines anymore it still will be match for any top 5 chess engine. You can also do the average chess program modifications , change interface, skins, different sounds, layout etc… You can even play online.. With this program you will have everything in your house for a good chess player , a built in coach, great ai, online competition.

As the online chess mania begins to grow further and further, there is always a need for online chess trainer. The trainer is the one who is an expert or master in the game. Trainer has vast idea about gaming skills and tactics. There are several trainers available online to guide an individual. It’s our responsibility to choose the best trainer among them.

Online trainer is available all the day. You can learn the game through their video that gives you pictorial or visual learning. This is much easier to understand than you learn through reading books and articles. They are well trained experts who give you a complete idea about what the game is and how should one start primitively as a beginner. They teach you from the very basics like details of number of square boxes in chess boards, how you should move each soldiers, rook, etc.

In online training you are trained to play with several players with several skill levels. This provides a tremendous help in improving the game skill. Usually chess isn’t just a game. It inculcates several qualities within you. It builds up concentration, perception, self-discipline and entrepreneurship. They educate people about various game strategies and the members keep you updated with the latest happenings in the chess world and in the tournaments. They help us learn from their experience, moves and strategies to be a player that is proficient in all aspects of the game.

The comprehensive chess tutorials that ensure rapid game development skill are being taught by them. The trainers available online are cheaper than those trainers available nearby. The tutor is an expert and gives you lot of hints and tips for solving different strategies. There are also interactive sessions involved in this.