I have been a Linux fan for a few years now. First I used Slackware and now that I don't have much time Im using Ubuntu.
I always kept Windows and dual booted but when I stopped playing video games and got back into chess I thought I'd be able to toss Windows away entirely.
no such luck.
It seems that Windows has a lock on the best chess software too...
I did find some good programs for Linux
Jose - Chess database and computer opponent (engine TogaII)
eboard - good interface for FICS
Knights - my second choice for FICS
But that doesn't compare to BabasChess for Windows or Fritz (getting this for the first time when 10 comes out) or ChessMaster - great for the annotated games it has and the database.
Does anyone know of any other good Linux Chess options?
Oh, RHP works fine in Linux obviously...
Originally posted by briancronPaging Mr Bowmann - please come to the desk - there is a call waiting.
I have been a Linux fan for a few years now. First I used Slackware and now that I don't have much time Im using Ubuntu.
I always kept Windows and dual booted but when I stopped playing video games and got back into chess I thought I'd be able to toss Windows away entirely.
no such luck.
It seems that Windows has a lock on the best chess softwa ...[text shortened]... nyone know of any other good Linux Chess options?
Oh, RHP works fine in Linux obviously...
Originally posted by Monickerwell, with crafty i have an engine that is good enough for me, it is not like i am ever going to beat that one anyway. I just want a reasonable front end, xboard and knights are not really workable. some nice database software would be good too. Have not tried scid yet so i will try that one.
Are you looking for other FICS clients, database software, engines?
All of the above? 🙂
Personally I use xboard for FICS, and scid for replaying/analyzing games. Both will allow you to plug in various engines, such as phalanx and crafty.
used to use fritz but switched to *nix and did not find anything to replace my dear fritz yet 🙂
eboard is a good interface for FICS and you can use the TogaII engine with that as well.
The Jose database is good too.
Knights is good if you get the extra themepacks.
Somethings (like BabasChess) work with wine. I don't know if Fritz and Chessbase have ever worked with wine.
Linux and Chess is a real disappointment overall but there are workable solutions.
Originally posted by briancronFritz 8 works good with wine from what i have been able to find. Problem is that i have 9 and even though it mostly works good it locks up and crashes as soon as you click on a menu item.
eboard is a good interface for FICS and you can use the TogaII engine with that as well.
The Jose database is good too.
Knights is good if you get the extra themepacks.
Somethings (like BabasChess) work with wine. I don't know if Fritz and Chessbase have ever worked with wine.
Linux and Chess is a real disappointment overall but there are workable solutions.
I have to say I am completed satisfied with Linux Chess now...
I am using eboard for FICS and I can do everything I used to do with BabasChess... I just tweaked my settings a bit... You have to spend a little time customizing but it is great. Except the chat doesn't talk like in BabasChess... but oh well..
For playing against a computer I am using Arena with Rybka 2.1 and it's very well done
For analysis I am using Scid... it's amazingly well done. I had to max out the font for some reason but aside from that it's a very powerful database and it provides good analysis... you can use any engine you want or a few at the same time.
It will compile stats on your openings, wins losses etc... I bought Fritz 10 and it will get here next week but if I had setup my linux like this before I wouldn't have bought Fritz.
but... since I am getting a playchess acount it is good that the playchess interface works perfectly in linux.
http://scid.sourceforge.net/screenshots.html
Originally posted by briancronYou may rely on it.
I have to say I am completed satisfied with Linux Chess now...
I am using eboard for FICS and I can do everything I used to do with BabasChess... I just tweaked my settings a bit... You have to spend a little time customizing but it is great. Except the chat doesn't talk like in BabasChess... but oh well..
For playing against a computer I am using ...[text shortened]... aychess interface works perfectly in linux.
http://scid.sourceforge.net/screenshots.html