Helpful Information for the:
FREE INTERNET CHESS SERVER
FICS Interfaces
BabasChess is currently the most popular interface on FICS. And is very easy to customize.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows
Jin is available both as an applet version (to play on FICS without having to download a client) and as standalone version. Like Raptor it is written in Java and runs on many platforms.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows, OS X, Linux (Java)
The classic interface for Unix and Windows systems written by Tim Mann. Very good for running chess engines on computer accounts.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Thief is a very fast and stable interface and the best choice for playing bughouse (a team chess variant) and other wild variants on FICS. Runs on all Windows versions including Vista and Windows 7.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows
A new interface written in Java. Comes with an abundance of features and configuration options, regex based filtering and much more. Written primarily for Mac OS X users, but runs on any platform for which Java is available.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows, OS X, Linux (Java)
A chess interface for Unix-like systems with many features and the option to run engines. Written by FICS user Pulga.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Linux/Unix/BSD
A colorful interfaces with a lot of themes and configuration options. Speech output.
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Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows
Arena assists you in analyzing and playing games as well as in testing chess engines.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
"The best app for chess lovers, with Android and HTML5 interfaces, and with lots of possibilities." Supports wild chess variants: Atomic, Losers, Suicide and Chess960
Platforms/Operating Systems: Web Application
Desktop Interfaces
Mobile Apps
Supports wild chess variants: Atomic, Losers, Suicide and Chess960
Platforms/Operating Systems: Android App
Yafi is a chess application which uses FICS as a connection point for thousands of chess players all over the world.
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Platforms/Operating Systems: Requires Android 2.1 and up
A client for mobile devices, supports a large number of smart phones.
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Platforms/Operating Systems: Smartphones
"SmallChess is a high quality and brilliantly presented chess playing app for iOS. It's suitable for everyone: from beginners to the world champion..."
Platforms/Operating Systems: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Chess, chess 960, practice mate positions, solve puzzles, play online (FICS).
One of the most versatile free chess apps without ads. Open sourced.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Android 3.0 and up
Play chess with the computer on your phone or play online. Learn using the tutorial, observing online, solving puzzles or reviewing the played games (pgn format).
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Platforms/Operating Systems: Windows
Acid Ape Chess is aimed at serious players and provides you with the best chess user experience available on Android.
Platforms/Operating Systems: Android 4.1 and up