Play against the computer
Download an app and start playing with your new chess companion without any complicated setting up. Playing against a computer opponent has many advantages. The opponent responds quickly, you don't have to wait. On the other hand, the opponent won't mind waiting for your turn — whether you want take a minute to think or need to interrupt the game and finish it another time.
Levels from beginner to grandmaster
Multiple difficulty levels to choose from.
Visual styles, sounds
The software provides clear, intuitive graphics and a choice of visual styles for the chessboard and chess pieces. High-resolution photo backgrounds and optional sounds help create an immersive atmosphere.
Move record
It is possible to undo and redo moves throughout the game in browser-like style.
Evaluation of positions
The computer displays the evaluation of the current position as a byproduct of move calculations (in the units of centipawns, 1 pawn = 100 points).
Move highlighting
Optionally, the application will highlight the accessible squares upon selecting a piece. The last move can also be highlighted for convenience. And additionally, the user can enable graphical display of considered moves during computer's move calculations.
Autosave
Your game is automatically saved when you quit the application, then reloaded when you launch the application again.
PGN and FEN support
PGN (Portable Game Notation) and FEN (Forsyth–Edwards Notation) support for saving and loading your games. PGN files are widely available on the Internet and are compatible with other chess programs.
Coach
Upon request, the computer will analyze any valid chess position and suggest the best move. This feature also evaluates the selected position.
Smart captured pieces panel
Optionally, captured pieces are displayed below the chessboard. The pieces are sorted according to their value. Hence, it is easy to tell the strength of each side. Captured pawns are shown below their starting columns. Other taken pieces are sorted according to their value and their starting file.
Chessboard editor
The edit mode allows to move pieces arbitrarily across the board, off the board and back. It is also possible set the side to move side and the move number. The status bar informs whether the position is legal or not and why. The resulting position can be stored, analyzed and played.
Expected continuation
Optionally, the app displays the expected upcoming move sequence. The moves are updated live while calculating. The length of the sequence depends on the selected game level.
Timed games
It is possible to set a game clock and a bonus per move. Win by checkmating or by making the opponent run out of time. Just like a regular game, you can save a timed game to a file and open it later. You will find the clock as you left it — the clock information is stored and loaded along with the moves. The clock is also set appropriately when browsing the game record.
Flexible player setup
Support of two players on one computer, AI-only play. Possibility to swap or reassign sides during the game.
Overriding computer's moves
Do you wonder how the game would evolve if the computer played a different move? This feature allows the player to undo any move of the computer, replace it with any other legal move, and play from such position.
Multi-threaded artificial intelligence
The artificial intelligence algorithm uses multiple processor cores, which rapidly decreases the time needed to calculate moves. Moreover, the user interface is not blocked by the calculations, allowing the user to access other functions of the application. This can be particularly useful for the highest difficulty levels. At most difficulty levels, the calculation only takes a fraction of a second on modern PCs.
Language localization
When installing the app, choose between English, German, French, and Czech. Run the installer again to change the language while keeping other settings.
Automatic updates
In the full version, the app automatically downloads new updates. When an update is ready to install, it displays a prompt allowing you to install it immediately or postpone it. This feature is recommended and enabled by default, but it can be turned off.