interfaces

It is possible to play chess matches on the server by typing your moves and having board positions displayed in a simple style. However, using a graphics interface can make playing on the chess server a lot more fun and enjoyable. A graphics interface is a software program designed to decode the information sent to you by FICS and display board information using stylized graphics. The interface also allows you to make moves by moving pieces on its board using a mouse.

Many graphics interfaces are available. However, which interface will work best for you will depend upon the kind of computer you are using, and the way you are being connected to the server. Many graphics interfaces are available at the main chess ftp site

  • ftp onenet Feel free to ask FICS users about what is working best for them, and feel free to explore the files at ftp.onenet.net.

    NOTE: If you use a graphics interface, you will need to select the right value for the style variable; otherwise, board positions will not be transmitted in an appropriate format for your interface.

    List of interfaces


    Listed in this helpfile are details of graphical interfaces. Often it is difficult to play chess using the 'ASCII' boards the server generates. They aren't easy to see, and are easily affected by other information such as shouts. The graphical ones give you a proper chess board on which to view your pieces, making your chess easier to play.

    Here's a summary:

    ProgramOperating SystemConnectionTypeRecommendedAuthorLocation at ICL
    ZIICSDOSmodemyesZEK pub/chess/DOS
    GIICS DOSmodem-Llama pub/chess/DOS
    JIICSDOS,VGA,mousemodem---Peluri pub/chess/DOS
    MonarcDOSmodem---Kevsterpub/chess/DOS
    NGIICS DOSTCP/IP --- LLama pub/chess/DOS
    RajaMS WIN3modem and SLIP/PPPyesChristian pub/chess/Win3
    GilchessMS Win3modem ---Bloodrake pub/chess/Win3
    bludrake MS Win3 modem---Bloodrake pub/chess/Win3
    SLICSMS Win3TCP/IP yesdfongpub/chess/Win3
    ToolkitMS Win3TCP/IP and/or modemnoMaDHaTteR pub/chess/Win3
    WinBoard WinNT or W95TCP/IP and/or modem---mann pub/chess/Win3
    PMICSOS/2TCP/IP and/or modem---woof pub/chess/DOS
    XBoardUnix, X11R4TCP/IP and/or modemyesmann pub/chess/X
    xics Unix, X11R3TCP/IP---observer pub/chess/X
    cicsASCII terminal TCP/IP and C---observerpub/chess/Unix
    NeXTICS NeXTTCP/IP and/or modem ---red pub/chess/NeXT
    MacICS Mac ------douglaspub/chess/Macintosh
    E-ICSMacModem---douglaspub/chess/Macintosh
    FixationMacTCP/IPyesAdumpub/chess/Macintosh
    PowerICSMacTCP/IPyesKossypub/chess/Macintosh
    MacICS-TCPMacTCP/IP---eewpub/chess/Macintosh
    Aics AmigaTCP/IP and/or modem---Christian pub/chess/Amiga
    AmyBoardAmigaTCP/IP and/or modem---JochenWpub/chess/Amiga

    Note: The handles of the authors may refer to the handles of people at the old Aics. Certain ones may be different people here or non-existent. Most interfaces should work; both the authors and the FICS programmers would like feedback if you have problems with one here.

    The listing will explain which interfaces will run on your particular set-up and in which directory to find it. It may have comments from the users/authors of the interfaces to help you choose.

    If you have any further questions or trouble please contact an admin.

    Instructions for getting an interface

    The above graphical interfaces can be found at the anonymous ftp site chess.onenet.net

  • ftp onenet

    Pick one, use ftp (read the ftp_hints help file for assistance), Netscape or some similar software to access it over the Internet, transfer it to your local PC system or workstation via your preferred method (zmodem, kermit for most non tcp/ip dialup connections), unpack it (most use standard archival software or are self-extracting), and set it up. :-)

    See Also:

    ftp_hints set style variables style



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