Chess Links

Online Play:

FICS: The Free Internet Chess Server offers free lifetime membership. You can use a chess client of your own choosing- there are plenty available as free downloads for the platform of your choosing. If you prefer not to download client software FICS has a Java applet directly from the FICS page. Enjoy chat features, participate in tournaments and follow live chess events.

ICC: The Internet Chess Club is the web's most popular place to play chess. Membership is currently $69.95 US per year and a one week free trial membership is offered. Download one of ICC's chess client applications or use one of your own choosing. In addition to online play ICC members enjoy premium features such as access to ICC's library of  instructional videos and regular shows broadcast every week onChessFM, ICC's chess web radio station.

Chess.com: Chess.com offers both turn-based play (the modern version of correspondance chess) or live play via an

online applet on their site- no need to download. A basic membership is free or enjoy premium features with a paid

membership. The site also offers an array of instructional material to everyone even if you don't choose to join.

Chess News:

ChessBase News: Hosted by Chess Base, a leading publisher of specialty chess software, ChessBase news offers daily headlines from around the world of chess, including reports and updates from major tournaments around the world.

Free Software:

WinBoard: WinBoard has enjoyed one of the longest histories of all chess software packages. It remains one of the most popular platforms for playing and analysis today. This is thanks in part to it's open source distribution under the GPL which has allowed for it's continued development while retaining the simplicity that is arguably it's primary virtue. WinBoard interfaces with chess engines for analyisis or play and can is favoured by many as a client for online play at FICS or ICC. It is also makes for a wonderful onscreen sideboard when reading about chess online.

XBoard: XBoard is the companion of WinBoard for Linux operating systems. It's development actually predates WinBoard. While there are some differences in functionality, what was said of WinBoard is true XBoard.

Sigma Chess: Sigma Chess is a freeware, master strength Macintosh chess program for Mac OS X.. It features UCI Engine support, Databases, PGN/EPD, basic desktop publishing, endgame databases, novice levels, a true perspective 3D board, ExaChess compatibility and much more.

Arena: Arena is another well featured chess software package that is free to download and use. It offers many of the same functions you will find with WinBoard/XBoard though there is more emphasis on configurable display settings for analysis at the cost of some of WinBoards simplicity. Arena can also be used as a chess client for internet play and will interface with UCI chess engines as well as those using the WinBoard protocol.

Organizations:

World Chess Federation (FIDE): FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs for the fraoncophone among you) is the world body (recognized by the IOC) that maintains a uniform code of rules and regulations for chess worldwide, and is responsible for championships above the national level.

United States Chess Federation (USCF): The official, not-for-profit US membership organization for chess players and chess supporters.

English Chess Federation (ECF): The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing body for chess in England and its mission is to promote the game of chess, in all its forms, as an attractive means of cultural and personal advancement, to the widest possible audience. To develop chess, by creating the means to enable the highest forms of chess excellence to be achieved and to expand the game as a social and sporting activity.

Chess Federation of Canada (CFC~english site): The CFC is a charitable organization whose mandate is to promote and encourage the knowledge, study and play of the game of chess in Canada.

Chess Scotland: Chess Scotland was created in 2001 with the merger of the Scottish Chess Association and the Scottish Junior Chess Association in order to foster and promote the game of Chess throughout Scotland among players of all ages.

Australian Chess Federation (ACF): The ACF is dedicated to promoting the game Down Under.

All India Chess Federation: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is the central administrative body for the game of chess in India.

Chess South Affrica (CHESSA): CHESSA is a voluntary association of members joined together to promote chess as a sport, recreational and educational activity in South Africa and foster a spirit of healthy competition among players of all races, gender and ages.

Irish Chess Union (ICU): The Irish Chess Union is dedicated to the encouragement, development and promotion of the sport of Chess and to raising the standard of Chess playing in Ireland..

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP): The NCFP has recently launched their official web site in support of their goals to push forward with strategies and programs that would further advance the sport, expand the base of chess players, and once again rouse the passion of Filipinos for chess.

Welsh Chess Union (WCU): The Welsh Chess Union is a membership organization for chess players in Wales

Chess Skills:

Chess Tempo: Chess Tempo is a site dedicated to helping players improve their game. The site offers tactical and endgame excercizes aimed at sharpening your skills. You can try the excercizes as an unregistered guest, track your progress with a free membership or enjoy premium benefits with a paid membership.

Chess Visualization Training: One of the most important advances in your chess life is to master the art of visualization. That's why there is this website.  By the way: It's all free!