ChessPartner

ChessPartner is a comprehensive chess game that allows players to compete against the computer or opponents over the Internet. The latest version, 6.0.4, brings numerous enhancements to this well-established chess software. Developed by Lokasoft, ChessPartner offers a robust set of features packed into a manageable 24.8 MB file size.

With ChessPartner, users can choose from ten different sets of chess pieces, including a visually appealing 3D set, and select from various levels of play to match their skill. The program can read and write PGN and EPD files, making it easy to study past games and improve strategy. Printing diagrams or games, creating custom books, and copy/pasting games to the Clipboard are all simple tasks within this versatile software. Position analysis and game histogram features provide deep insight into player's moves and errors.

Besides a large opening book, ChessPartner is capable of creating new books and supports a database capable of storing millions of games. It includes a Winboard adapter for interacting with any Winboard compatible chess engine, such as Crafty or GNUCHESS. Moreover, the program supports UCI and Winboard I and II compatible engines, enhancing its flexibility and extendibility.

Among the many included tools, the Engine research tool stands out, as it allows users to conduct engine vs. engine matches, which is beneficial for those interested in computer chess engine research. The Nalimov endgame table bases support ensures efficient endgame analysis.

ChessPartner sports a modern Office 2000 look with fully customizable menus and toolbars. Various layout options allow users to personalize their interface, making it more intuitive and comfortable to use.

Several other versions of the program, including 6.0, 5.4, and 5.3, provide options for users who might prefer earlier versions. The software is categorized under Games and subcategorized as Board, highlighting its primary focus.

It's worth noting that ChessPartner supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of operating systems.

Chess enthusiasts will be pleased to know that download of ChessPartner is straightforward, and the version offers robust functionality. The flexibility and variety of features available make this program exceptionally valuable, especially since it can be free for test use in some cases.

Pros:

• Extensive feature set, including multiple chess piece sets and playing levels
• Support for PGN and EPD files
• Ability to analyze positions and entire games
• Compatibility with UCI and Winboard engines
• Customizable interface and layouts

Cons:

• The interface may seem dated to some users compared to more modern chess software
• Learning curve for new users due to the abundance of features

You may want to check out more software, such as Pocket ChessPartner, which might be related to ChessPartner.