Battle King Chess Software Download
The best chess game was played between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky in 1851, but the best chess videogames are something else entirely. The rules of chess are simple, but it's one of the most demanding tests of foresight, tactics, and mental endurance there is. Because there multiple reasons to play software chess—roughly split between causal fun, studying, and competition—there are many different kinds of programs and games out there.
This guide will introduce you to the software chess world, with advice for players who just want to play casually online or offline, as well as those who want to seriously study opening moves and analyze historical matches.
The best free online chess games
Lichess.org is my preferred online chess game. It's free and supports plenty of match styles, including multi-day correspondence. The best thing about it is that you can play anonymously without creating any kind of account, though I find that means I'm more likely to encounter players who resign or request a draw immediately—you never know who you might be paired with. For practice, you can also play against the Stockfish engine (more on what that is in the sections below).
Chess.com is a good commercial free alternative. You have to put up with a few ads, and it'll bug you to pay for an optional premium subscription, but as a way to quickly start playing chess online at any skill level, it's one of your best bets. It runs in your browser with a simple, clean board design, and has a ton of players so I've never had a hard time finding a match with someone of a similar skill level (which is to say, not very much skill).
The best chess videogame
Download full version. You can download the full version of Battle Chess from the download store listed below. If you buy a game you don't only get the full version. Download Battle Chess Software Chess online themself I v.1 For other uses, see Chess This was the first chess - For other uses, see Chess This was the first chess-like game played by a computer program.
Chess Ultra is a gorgeous chess game for those who just want to play chess without dealing with the complicated software in the sections below. It includes VR support, an AI opponent with several difficulty levels, as well as local and online multiplayer, Twitch integration, and the option to export matches. It also includes basic tutorials for newcomers. For anyone who simply wants to play chess, this is your game—simple and beautiful, like chess itself. It's a good deal, too: just $13 on Steam, and $9.09 right now during the Halloween sale.
For a free-to-play alternative, try Simply Chess. It's not nearly as slick as Chess Ultra, and it crashed on me pretty quickly, but hey, it's free. It supports online play with a separate account, and comes with a good computer opponent via the Stockfish engine (see the section below for an explanation on that).
The best chess engines and GUIs
If you want to play against a powerful, customizable computer opponent for the purpose of studying chess, you'll want a chess engine, such as the free and open source Stockfish engine or its derivatives. Komodo is also highly ranked, though you'll have to pay a subscription for the latest version (Komodo 9 is free), and Houdini costs €40 for the standard edition.
These engines are primarily for training—you can play against them, analyze chess positions, and pit them against each other—so they're for people who seriously want to study the game. If you're not sure a chess engine is something you want to tinker with, don't buy anything—free engines are extremely powerful. (I consult the rankings from computerchess.org.uk.)
An engine alone won't do much for you, though, as they don't include any kind of graphical user interface, just a console. To play against a chess engine or use it to analyze boards, it must be paired with a chess GUI, but there are lots of free ones. Most come with many engines installed already, so you can get started with one download.
Lucas Chess: Simple and easy to understand for beginners, Lucas Chess is a good place to start. It includes a bunch of engines and training tools, and the UI isn't too confusing, even if you're unfamiliar with the more complicated functions of chess engines.
Arena Chess GUI: Arena Chess is more daunting for newcomers than Lucas Chess, but it includes a great deal of features, as well as support for 19 languages and a Linux verison.
WinBoard: It isn't the prettiest GUI, but WinBoard and Xboard are feature rich and include support for chess variants, too.
SCID: Like the other GUIs on this list, SCID can be used to play against an engine, but it's most useful as a fast way to organize and analyze databases of chess games. You'll want to pair it with MillionBase, a massive database of chess games in PGN format (scroll to 'Data Downlods' here) or other chess game databases. If you like the SCID interface, you can also try SCID vs PC as a GUI for playing chess.
Commercial chess software
You can play and learn a lot about chess without spending a dime, and that's where I recommend starting, but pro packages come with lots of bells and whistles if you have the cash. Much of what you're paying for is their completeness, and the quality of their training tools.
Fritz 15 ($65 on Steam) is a storied piece of chess software, and its current engine is written by Rybka engine creator Vasik Rajlich (though you can use it with other commercial and free engines). It's a bit of a mess to install (activation keys!) and the interface is just as complicated as any free software's, but it comes with huge database of games, and some nice features. I especially like 'Friend Mode,' which allows you to play against a computer opponent that adjusts to your skill level. It also offers hints that aren't too direct, helping you learn without losing track of why a certain move is better than others.
Fritz 15 also includes a 6 month membership to Playchess.com. If you want a complete package and don't mind spending the money, it's a reasonable choice. It isn't any easier to use than the free options, though, so I'd suggest looking up some tutorials.
If you want to spend less, Fritz 14 is still available, as is the $20 Fritz for Fun 13, which isn't as simplified as you might expect from the name—you're getting a lot of the same features as in later versions, and you can import newer engines.
For a pricier, less flashy option, Hiarcs (which I haven't had a chance to test yet) boasts a large database and feature set.
Only serious chess players or those who want to design their own chess engines will want to drop $150 on ChessBase 13 Academy or $235 on ChessBase 13 Pro. These tools are not for playing, but for analyzing chess matches.
Fun chess-related games
For something a little different, below are some entertaining chess and chess-adjacent games.
Placement is a clever puzzle game in which you must arrange chess pieces on a board such that they are all protected exactly once. It's not too challenging, but it can help beginners train their ability to instantly read the board.
Knights is another chess-based puzzle game. The goal is to move knights, with their classic L-shaped movement rules, onto the square of their color on small boards. If it sounds easy, you've got another thing coming.
The original Battle Chess is just a tad overpriced for a game that runs in DOSBox and takes ages to play because it's full of silly, slow walking and battle animations, but nostalgia forgives all.
Chess 2: The Sequel has become much easier to recommend than it was when we originally reviewed it. The price has dropped to just $6, and a couple of features have been added. You have just about no chance of finding a random opponent online anymore, but it's still pretty fun to play against the AI. The gist is this: it's like chess, except with special units with new behaviors and a new win condition. Aside from a checkmate, you can win by crossing the board's mid-line with your king. It's a cute twist that requires you to think very differently.
Battle Chess
DOS - 1988
Also released on: Mac - Windows 3.x - Commodore 64 - Amiga - Atari ST - Apple II - Apple IIgs
Download extras files
Manual available
Description of Battle Chess
With Battle Chess, Interplay made the already awesome chess an exciting video game with live fights between pieces and nice graphics. Every battles between two given pieces are different, some of them are references to Monty Pynthon and the Holy Grail.
The game was released on many platform and some of them were given better artificial intelligence or features. The DOS version allowed to play against a fellow human with a null modem.
Captures and Snapshots
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Screenshots from MobyGames.com
Comments and reviews
Bill19782019-03-240 point DOS version
Battle Chess is one of my favorite chess programs. Animations are very funny. Check out my video about it: https://youtu.be/TNUpiuXyMY0
Hiss2019-03-061 point
Felix; I can help you
bobby2018-07-281 point DOS version
help the game freezes when there is a fight
logic L2018-06-13-1 point
i love good old fashion games i give u 5000000 stars
BitchinCornSoup2018-04-030 point
Yo this is tight. To all the haterz I'm content
Sagor2018-01-301 point DOS version
Nice game
LENNIER2018-01-270 point
It can, but not natively. Use DOSBox for that purpose.
Potty2017-12-11-2 points
Can it run on linux systems?
i suck at chess2017-09-303 points
This game taught me how to play chess. I remember how proud I felt when I beat the comp on the highest difficulty. Back then I felt like some chess genius. Recently, about 25 years later, I created an account on some online chess site and can't get over the 1200 rating in blitz. To add insult to injury, I have to read on the site's forums how 1500 rated players are 'patzers'. Sorry for the rant. Chess is hard.
alp2017-02-013 points
I LOVED this game back in the day..I'm running Win 3.1 in Dosbox on a pi and SO FAR its run all the old Dos games better then Virtual box- thank you Youtube for showing me how to do it and THANK YOU the folks running this site!!
AERSON MOREIRA2016-08-17-7 points
Can't run on Win8. So sad! :(
kaku2016-07-291 point
Awesome game
Blane6662016-01-05-2 points Mac version
I can't download the mac version. It's not in dmg format even though it says mac. I really loved this game and would love to play it again/
Hamada abd elmalk2015-12-251 point
Although it is old but over the years I could not find better
Felix2015-11-066 points DOS version
Hello!
My game slows down alot, when i move my bishops. Anyone else got the same problem?
Seven2015-10-270 point DOS version
Awesome game
Jerm7112015-06-170 point DOS version
Hope this work this game is awesome
RyanKW2015-06-0211 points DOS version
My grandmother had a worthless Tandy 1000 when I was little. Well, worthless other than that it had BattleChess..which was effing awesome.
jojopeterjohn2015-04-081 point DOS version
This is the BEST chess game I've ever played! Each piece has a special attack depending on what other piece it's attacking! That's 216 unique attacks! They also all have their own moving animations and sounds!
Griff2015-02-270 point DOS version
Wow, this actually supports the mouse
Basil2015-01-07-1 point DOS version
I remember this game. It was my 1992..
Charles2015-01-030 point DOS version
I actully have the floppies (both 5 ¼ & 3 ½) I love this game
anon2014-12-091 point DOS version
hey is there a copy of this game for a 1984 Macintosh computer on this website?
NOID2014-10-25-1 point DOS version
This game looked really cool but i can't figure out how to move my pieces! The manual doesn't help either.. wtvr i'll figure it out. I LOVE DOS GAMES!!
CLiMAX2014-09-19-1 point DOS version
Check out the enhanced version:
http://www.myabandonware.com/game/battle-chess-mpc-version-32j
bella2014-08-230 point DOS version
love this game! use to watch my cousin play n i would get scared xP
Jdog2014-07-26-2 points DOS version
Download includes the enhanced edition with the yellow chess board. Some moves freeze the game to a stand still for inexplicable reasons.
yo dawg2014-07-23-1 point DOS version
oh cool chess in dos. definitely gonna try dis
Takwakin2014-06-260 point DOS version
Still owning the NES version! :)
Kracken1012014-06-210 point DOS version
I used to play this with a mate after school
darKSIDER2014-06-17-1 point DOS version
Cool game. The animations are waay coool but distracting, like I play only to see how they cut each other!
tt2014-05-13-1 point DOS version
good
derek2014-05-12-1 point DOS version
great game
ook2014-05-090 point DOS version
good games..
BG2014-04-150 point DOS version
thanks
ff2014-04-13-1 point DOS version
thanks
pk rana2014-04-011 point DOS version
thanks your game
llMaxPaynell2013-12-070 point DOS version
Nostalgia :')
a_houstonian2013-12-010 point DOS version
The game runs fine in DOSBOX on my Slackware Linux machine, either in window or full screen, the sound is fine as well.
If you end up with a gazillion toolbars and all kinds of crap you are probably using Internet Explorer. Get a real browser and protect yourself with AdBlocking add-ons and a good HOSTS file.
I have a slightly different version of Battle Chess that I think is better, the queen throws bolts of lightening, and the bishop makes a snickering sound when he kills. I think it's version 4.
EddieS2013-10-240 point DOS version
File downloaded bit won't open nor are the docs recognised by Adobe.
File won't open to full screen without more downloads - too much hassle.
sh1thead2013-10-200 point DOS version
How come I have to down load 40 tool bars and 35 zip extractors and my brand new computer needs to download better software to run a this 30 year old game. What a Fuken joke.
kalana2013-10-050 point DOS version
nice & good game
lord Krueger2013-09-070 point DOS version
Hope I can play
lol2013-08-200 point DOS version
Can u be black in playing?
VampireKing2013-08-130 point DOS version
This is how you play chess
Zn2013-07-270 point DOS version
You maybe want to try out the Commodore Amiga version of this game instead. Search the web for a disk image in ADF format and run the game using the WinUAE emulator. The Amiga version is more colorful (32 colors instead of just 16) and has better sound effects.
Roger2013-07-180 point DOS version
Run it in dosbox (http://www.dosbox.com/)
craigD2013-07-110 point DOS version
Step 02: Browse and locate the email that you have deleted. Right on the file – Move – other Folder Step 03: To transfer it to Inbox, click on ‘Inbox’ and click ‘Ok’ Step 04: Apart from email, you may also use this technique to restore other mailbox items. Deleted email recovery tool.
Does it run on androi tablets?
sammy2013-07-081 point DOS version
i like battlle chess ..i enjoyed
Matt2013-06-250 point DOS version
I like chess
Windows 7 64 bit user2013-06-240 point DOS version
Okay, I found out how to do it. Ignore my last post. I didn't realize there was a section for that on this site.
Windows 7 64 bit user2013-06-240 point DOS version
My PC won't run the game. :(
I am running Windows 7 64 bit, and I get an error message saying that I need to run it in 32 bit. I don't know what to do! :(
Claude2013-06-190 point DOS version
I play it in d-fend reloaded and i use the dosbox app to run this game. but suddenly it comes laggy, especially when the bishop take a move. Do you guys have the same problem and if yes, what's the the solution?
I love old games though i'm 16 years old.
oylpann2013-05-170 point DOS version
hi
rocky862013-04-210 point DOS version
do i need to download a patch for games on here
somebody else2013-02-130 point DOS version
'is it me or this game lags? i know its not my computer
especially after long range moves, or anything that is more than 1 square move really.. it all started with bishop.'
its probably your computer. XD
somebody2013-02-031 point DOS version
is it me or this game lags? i know its not my computer
especially after long range moves, or anything that is more than 1 square move really.. it all started with bishop.
arifnugroho2013-01-300 point DOS version
thanks..
JohnDoeok2013-01-180 point DOS version
NoneYea
manuel2013-01-130 point DOS version
Is this only one player? I remeber it was possible to play two players
Stratus412982012-12-070 point DOS version
WOWWWW. I had this on the :B Drive! Fricken sweet!
Djiango2012-11-230 point DOS version
When I move my bishop the game slows down, and becomes unresponsive. Anyone else having this problem? As soon as the bishop has made it's animation the game works again. (Only when I move the bishop.)
rr11ccee2012-11-140 point DOS version
Thanks!
sandip2012-11-100 point DOS version
Chess
Indra2012-10-280 point DOS version
bagus.. model baru yg tdk membeosankan
win 3.12012-09-051 point DOS version
exist one program call 'adosbox 'u search that in google.its free and u can play all gamedos in android :) im play this battle chess.
Free youtube to mp3 converter sans virus. win.3.12012-09-040 point DOS version
Hi nimu05.thank for ur help..im try find when have wireless in my samsung gio..i have lot roms in my mobile.. xD
nimu052012-08-260 point DOS version
Hi win, I also searched for the same.. I found it. Just search and download neslite.apk from google because it is removed from market ( don't know why). Install it inyour android mobile. Then search for battlechess.nes from google and save in your sd card.Open NESlite and browse the game to open it. Similarly you can download Mario bros.nes, contra.nes, etc... Sorry for my bad English..
Win 3.12012-08-210 point DOS version
Old times do great games.im remember play that in floppy disk XD
the unique game are good like that it Battle vs Chess 2010(still im hate knights with head horse)..im try find this same battle chess 3d from 1992 if not mistake.if any know find pls send me mail scoelho.00@gmail.com xD
yuo2012-08-010 point DOS version
So cool
Af2012-06-280 point DOS version
Good
Garrin2012-05-29-1 point DOS version
Good game
benjy2012-04-100 point DOS version
ver good
housty2012-03-020 point DOS version
brill just brill
1GreatScott2011-08-280 point DOS version
I hope this plays as well as it did on my Amiga. The animations were exceptional for the time.
C212011-08-25-1 point DOS version
Can any of these awesome old games run on Android?
MilkoBlackWOlf2011-07-110 point DOS version
AWSOME!! My dad used to play this a lot! I had so much fun watching the animations, and now i can finally practice on this classic!
The only bad thing is there's no sound x.x (using the suggested program for XP/Vista although im on 7) Any ideas on how to get some sound?
Wilson2011-05-20-1 point DOS version
Es la mejor version de mis tiempos de Ajedress, gracias a ustedes pude reencontrar esa nostalgia que habia perdido
Zixlora2011-01-050 point DOS version
I can't seem to play them. It keeps saying that my computer doesn't support full screen mode. This is the second game I've downloaded with this computer. I hope my desktop works. Any suggestions?
Digi2010-11-220 point DOS version
My favorite animation is a knight takes knight move. Great 386x game, would play it just to see the 'executions'
JhaeJhae2010-10-290 point DOS version
Game works in DosBox, though there is no sound, and it's a little glitchy.
Overall it's a classic game and well worth the download to play again!!
Curt7162010-07-300 point DOS version
used to play this on my old 486 using Windows 3.1. wow makes me want to dust off that old machine and play some of these old classics. Good thing it still works!
Khabir2009-05-020 point DOS version
Have you tried running it in Dosbox?
Battle Chess Game
me again2009-04-260 point DOS version
So how can we play it?
Truth Sayer2008-12-221 point DOS version
This game DOES NOT work in Windows or DOS.
Write a comment
Share your gamer memories, give useful links or comment anything you'd like. This game is no longer abandonware, we won't put it back online.
Chess Software
Buy Battle Chess
Battle Chess is available a small price on the following websites, and is no longer abandonware. GoG.com provide the best releases and does not include DRM, please buy from them! You can read our online store guide.
Game Extras
Some of these file may not be included in the game stores. For Battle Chess, we have the following files:
Other Releases
Battle Chess was also released on the following systems:
Mac
- Year:1991
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Windows 3.x
- Year:1991
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Commodore 64
- Year:1989
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Amiga
- Year:1988
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Atari ST
Battle Chess 3d Free Download
- Year:1989
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Apple II
- Year:1990
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Apple IIgs
- Year:1989
- Publisher:Interplay Productions, Inc.
- Developer:Interplay Productions, Inc.
Similar games
Fellow retro gamers also downloaded these games: