WinBoard is a program for Windows which serves as a graphical interface for chess engines. Catering to both casual and professional players, it offers a plethora of features and functionalities. To gain advanced chess skills, you may try a utility called Chess Position Trainer.

Versatile chess GUI

The main executable is bundled with an installer. A fully configured setup wizard includes protocol adapters, example engines, and a tournament manager. This comprehensive package is ready to run straight out of the box.

The chess variants encompass Chinese and Japanese chess, Makruk, as well as many minor editions such as Losers Chess, Crazyhorse, Chess960, and Capablanca Chess. The software functions as a frontend for chess engines, allowing you to play games against the AI, analyze sessions, and more.

Rules and pieces

The application introduces several enhancements in draw adjudication. It is capable of recognizing theoretical draws, awarding 50 move and repetition draws, and so on. Additionally, it is possible to validate draw and win claims made by engines.

The middling and bulky board sizes feature predefined bitmaps for all the new piece types. One board, termed moderate, has graphics for traditional Shogi chessmen. Regardless of the size selected, you can define piece representations according to your preferences.

Features

free to download and use;
compatible with modern Windows versions;
enables you to play chess and its variants;
you can use custom piece representations;
there is support for multiple chess engines.