UChess v1.17GA and Dungeon Chess v2.0- by Jonathon Reason
First of all, let me say that I am NOT a great chess player, but I do remember a time when playing chess was one of the reasons many people bought computers. In fact there were, and still are I believe, computers available that do nothing else but play chess. Remember BattleChess, the 3D chess game where the little figures did real battle before your very eyes? I have a copy somewhere and remember the best bit was deliberately losing to watch the animation as the Bishop smote you down with his staff or the Queen waggled her hips as sexily as a digital sprite.

I thought it might be a nice idea to have a look at two freeware chess programs this month in order to see the state of the OS/2 market. So here goes:

UChess v1.17GA

According to the very complete help file, UChess P5 v1.17GA is a Pentium optimised OS/2 32 bit chess program based on gnuchess 4PL74 (whatever that is!) and certainly it had no problem running on my Pentium 100 with 16 Meg of RAM, but then again I would not have expected any.

All I can say about this little beauty is, "WOW!" Just check out the graphics (gif 23k)! This one is a real winner; the board and pieces are absolutely beautiful. It would be an insult to compare UChess with the apology for a chess program that ships with Warp. In fact, I surprised myself by actually enjoying a game of chess far more than I ever had before. My congratulations to Roger Uzun--he has taken an old classic and made it an absolute joy to play. Take my advice and download this one immediately.

Although it only gives you the option of Very easy, Easy or Normal skill levels, I couldn't beat it. Also, I like the way when playing in Human versus Computer mode it refers to you as "puny human".

On the down side, although you can select whether you play black or white pieces, and you can have the computer play against itself or play in 2 human mode, there is no provision for network or modem games. Perhaps a future revision will include this. Also, windows do not seem to be sized properly when playing in 640x480 resolution--the main window's title bar is off the screen when maximized and text in pop-up windows is sometimes cut off.

For the more serious player it allows the use of time controls to force you to adhere to the strict rules of the game. From the Options->Time Controls menu it is also possible to set the level of thinking that the computer carries out. This includes a 'deep thinking' mode wherein the computer studies its options while you are still playing your move, and an 'opening book' selection to force the computer into playing one of a number of standard openings (but not to specify which standard opening). Less experienced players can ask the computer to suggest a hint for their next move--something you should only do with extreme caution in a non-computerised game of chess! Selecting the 'Special' menu allows access to hints and also to the edit board function. This enables you to set up the board with pieces placed wherever you want them. I'm sure it was meant to allow practice, but I couldn't resist reinforcing my little White Army with a couple extra Queens. If at first you don't succeed. . . cheat!

In summary, this one is a winner.

Dungeon Chess v2.0

This one is a complete contrast to UChess; it's not that it's bad, it's just that it is almost unrecognisable as chess. The main difference is that you can't see where your opponent's pieces are! If you turn the radar feature on you are allowed to peek into the squares (Dungeons) that you are threatening, but not others! When you can see them, they bear little resemblance to regular pieces, they all have different names (eg. Bishops are called 'Trigs' and Queens are called 'Stars'), and some move in the slightly unfamiliar ways. This really is most disconcerting and as far as I could tell makes it more of a game of chance than skill. And if you think that is difficult, try selecting the 'Grand Master' setting--it plunges you into utter darkness. It's like playing chess with your eyes shut!

However, it is quite addictive and I still found myself sitting up till the early hours of the morning trying (unsuccessfully) to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat. It's a nice variation on traditional chess.

The graphics are a little on the plain side, being very 2D (gif 6.5k), but I understand that if enough interest is shown the author, Craig Seavey (ccv@shadow.net), will consider developing a 3D version. I can't wait to get annihilated in three dimensions! Also, the game could benefit from an undo option.

The help file is quite easy to understand and extensive enough to get you up and running, but the only real way to play is in a hands on situation.

In summary, worth a look.

UChess v.1.17GA
Author: Roger Uzun
Registration: Freeware

Dungeon Chess v2.0
Author: Craig Seavey
Registration: Freeware

Jonathan Reason is a full time professional actor and as such has plenty of time to play with his computer. Casting Directors feel free to e-mail.

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