Previous Next

Psi Chess must be the ultimate conversion of this intellectual pursuit.

The program has so many different options that it's impossible to list them all here. It's suitable for the novice and the almost Grand Master, and can be played at arcade game speed or "properly"!

You can play with the joystick or the more straightforward algebraic method where you type in the moves. You can play in 3D mode, or a simpler heads up "newspaper chess" style board. You can use the regular chess pieces or the classic Lewis carved set - which is extremely attractive, but difficult to play with.

You can rotate the board through 360 degrees, change the skill levels, set times for each move - the list is seemingly endless.

The package includes a comprehensive instruction booklet. Instructions on how to use the software - not how to play chess. You'll have to take out specialised books for that.

It's an excellent program for the beginner and experienced player alike. The beginner is offered facilities like a special skill level and the ability to check back on moves.

The advanced player can alter response times up to congress level, or set up pieces in various positions to play through set problems or work out game winning strategies.

This is an extremely user friendly program, easy to use and terrific fun to play - even if you've never played chess before. In fact, it would be good introduction to the people wanting to learn to play chess.

The only gripe is that it is difficult to play with the Lewis pieces - quite why isn't clear. It's terribly difficult to get the bits to move using the joystick.