Chess Programs for the Mac

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I recently got a new Mac (it’s a MacBook Pro, by the way), and love it. The only problem is the chess programs; the normal programs for Windows such as Chessbase, Rybka, etc. don’t work on the Mac. As chess is the most important thing in my life, this is a real problem.

Luckily, there are not only some decent programs for the Mac, but there is a way to get Windows programs over to a Mac.

Bootcamp

This is the best way to get adequate chess programs on your Mac. All you have to do is go to Applications, Utilities, and Boot Camp Assistant, and you will be guided through the process of installing Windows.

The problem is that it costs money to purchase Windows. If you’re not comfortable with spending a few hundred dollars, though, there are other options.

Mac Chess Programs

I’ve tested out a bunch of different chess programs. Here is what I think of three of the most popular and best. These are all free, as if you can shell out the money for a chess program, I highly recommend just doing bootcamp as shown above.

Chess

The free application that comes with the Mac, Chess is a basic program that at least allows you to play. It also has an adequate chess engine. However, it does no more than that. If you’re just a player who wants to look at their games and play games on the computer casually, this application should be fine.

Sigma Chess

If you search for the term “chess for mac” on Google, the first result is for Sigma Chess. Sigma chess has a more advanced interface the records notation, allows you to change the position, annotate, analyze, and it also has a computer the strength of 2400 or an IM. This is probably the best out there.

ExaChess

ExaChess also has a paid version, but this is the free one that I’m talking about. It pretty much is the same as Sigma Chess, except it has less easy to use interface and allows you to do sub-variations.

For the Mac, you won’t get a strong engine nor nearly as easy to use interface to store and organize games. I highly recommend flushing out the money and installing Windows.