Chess Programs

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!

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.

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: 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.