KNights for Linux

Chess game

Overview

KNights is a chess game designed for Linux users.

It lets you play chess against other people on the same computer, challenge computer programs that use the XBoard protocol, or play online on the Free Internet Chess Server (FICS).

This range of play options makes KNights a good fit for Linux players who want flexible ways to enjoy chess.

The game has useful features like checking if each move is legal and showing possible moves, the opponent’s last move, and places where the king is in check.

It also includes animated moves, which can be turned on or off, and several different board themes.

If you want more themes, you can download new ones directly through the program.

The clocks are styled for Plasma desktops with full time control options, making timed games easy to manage.

For file management, KNights allows you to save and load games in Portable Game Notation (PGN) format, which is widely used in chess software.

The program also supports the UCI protocol, so you can play against strong engines like Stockfish or Chessbase-compatible software.

You can even watch two engine programs play against each other.

Other helpful tools include an undo/redo feature, graphical offers for online play, a chat widget, seek graph, and text console for server games.

KNights does not include a built-in AI to play against on its own; it relies on external chess engines for computer opponents.

There are no detailed settings for game difficulty or tutorials for beginners, so it is better suited for players familiar with chess rules and software interfaces.

Overall, KNights offers a solid chess experience on Linux with support for local, engine, and online play, offering advanced features while keeping control and customization options accessible for users comfortable with chess programs.

Pros

  • Supports local play, play against computer programs via XBoard protocol, and online play on Free Internet Chess Server (FICS).
  • Includes features like legal move checking, animated moves, multiple themes, and Plasma-styled clocks with complete time control.
  • Offers support for UCI protocol, saving/loading PGN files, and control via a D-Bus interface.

Cons

  • No mention of single-player mode with built-in AI without external engines.
  • No categories or detailed descriptions of gameplay complexity or difficulty levels provided.
  • No mention of tutorials or assistance for new players.

Software details

Platform
Linux
Free license
Yes
Project license
GPL-2.0+
Mobile friendly
No
Bug tracker
https://bugs.kde.org/enter_bug.cgi?format=guided&product=knights

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