Chess on the Internet

Yes, there is chess on the internet. The Internet offers many options to the chess playing Internet nomad. In fact, there is perhaps too much chess on the Internet. Sorting it all out can be difficult. Therefore, I provide the following advice to get you started with the basics.

Unfortunately, the major proponents of chess in our world (CFC, USCF, FIDE, etc.) have been slow to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the growth of the Internet. While these bureaucracies have slept, a variety of others have alertly established there chess services on the Internet. Such is the case with rated live and correspondence internet chess play.

Interactive Chess on the Internet

Correspondence or email chess is the modern day version of postal chess. Its advantages to normal postal chess are obvious especially when playing opponents in foreign lands. Mail may take a month or more to reach its destination one way. Too often, mail just disappears in route, leaving both players wondering what became of their opponent. Ever changing postal regulations and postage rates provide an additional dimension of frustration to the equation. Whereas email is economical, fast, and reliable. Therefore, I recommend the International Email Chess Group.

Computer Chess Freeware or Shareware

Yes there are some freeware or shareware chess playing programs you can download for the PC. One good one for beginners is Window's Chess. Here is the set of optional winchen wave files that goes with the program.

The program Waxman is excellent for more advanced players. Unfortunately, the latest version has display bugs in it. Furthermore, its authors are not easily accessible over the internet. So, I cannot recommend this bit of otherwise great shareware.

More Information

See the USENET chess FAQ for the more information on chess on the Internet.

I am always interested in receiving comments on how these pages can be improved. If you have comments or questions about beginning Internet chess play that have not been answered above, then send me email.

Here is an outstanding chess database on the internet that provides opening and positional search capability. Strictly for the more advanced player.