Today I will be doing a review of Chess King software which is actually a package that includes  chess engine, chess games database and also a collection of tactics problems. The point of this review is to introduce Chess King software to the readers, discuss its features, talk about its "pros" and "cons", compare it with other available chess programs and of course to be as objective as possible in this review.

This is a part 1 of the two part review series and I will talk about basic things Chess King has to offer.

In the endgame, most of the pieces have been captured.  All that remains are the kings, some pawns, and maybe a few pieces.  The pieces are usually not enough to win the game, though.  To win in the endgame, you must use your king and your pawns.

There are three strategies you should use to begin your games.  These strategies apply to every player and to every game.

There is another way for you to win the game, though, and that is when the opponent gives up or resigns.  It may not be checkmate yet, but the opponent may think he has no chance to win the game, or even to get a draw.  He wants to quit right away, before the checkmate comes.

We would like to thank Dean Miller for allowing to take pictures of his amazing chess sets.

1)  Check: When the king is under attack by one of the opponent’s pieces, the king is in check.  When your king is in check, you must get out of check.  You are never allowed to make a move that leaves your king in check.  You are also never allowed to make a move that puts your king in check.  It is against the rules.  This also means that the king can never be captured, because it can never be left under attack.

You should also play quickly, taking only as much time as you need to think.  Nobody likes to play a game with someone who takes forever to move.

Imagine that you’re at your first chess tournament. The room is silent, except for the quiet breathing of the people around you. You study the sixty-four checkered squares in front of you. Glancing over at the chess clock you see you have plenty of time left in your game.

A move cries out to be made, but you bide your time and check for others. You know that a move made in haste could cost you dearly. After all, you’ve invested two hours in this game already. Finally, confident that your initial idea is sound, you reach out a hand and grasp your knight, hopping it to its intended destination. There is a gasp from behind you.

1. The first Chess game between space and earth was played on June 9, 1970 by the Soyez-9 crew. The game ended in a draw.

Each variant will teach you something new and interesting about chess.  They are fun to play, and they will sharpen your mind and your chess skills.  If you get tired of playing normal chess, you can enjoy these fun chess variants.