How do I add more engines?

PyChess is tested with

  • Crafty
  • GNU Chess
  • Sjeng
  • Phalanx
  • Faile
  • Hoichess
  • Boochess
  • Glaurung
  • Fruit
  • Shredder Computer Chess
  • Toga 2

A list of all links to download and how to install a chess engine can be found here

PyChess should also work with other CECP/XBoard engines, but it will require a little tweak.

PyChess should also work with other CECP/XBoard engines, but it will require a little tweak.

First, the engine binary must be in PATH (if you put it in /usr/bin/ or ~/bin/, it will normally be okay)

The engine must be in the known engine list. Open ~/.pychess/engines.xml and add a new line with the engine.

If you want to add a cecp1 engine, and the binary name is "boochess" you'd the following line: <engine protocol="cecp" protover="1" binname="boochess" />

If you need more help on the topic, or want an engine to be in the factory xmlfile, contact the PyChess developers on the mailing list: pychess-people

How do I beat the computer!?

Can't say its easy. Making a more human like easy engine to challenge is actually high on the list for future PyChess features.

Until then, setting the level at easy, or specifying a very short game time (which you can safely exceed yourself) will get you started. Most engines are week in the endgame, so if you can hold that long, you might stand a chance.

Another solution is to enable the "Spymode" from the View menu. This will give you qualified hints on what your enemy is planing.

As a last resort, cheaty options like "Undo" and "Hintmode" are also there. While the former will let you try out strategies and then change your mind if they turn out failing, the latter will run an engine in the background, giving your tips of what it finds the best move to be.