Support the Free Chess Internet Server!

ICS servers have been around the internet for a long time. They are UNIX-based and originally relied on the users entering algabraic notation which would display each move on a text-based board. Now, you can download graphical interfaces to play others with. There are many free servers, the main one being FICS (Free ICS). There is a list below of other ICS servers, some exactly like FICS but spread out internationally.

You can also join the Internet Chess Club for $50 US per year. There are GM's and IM's on there and you can observe games and play against them. Only if your serious about your chess would I recommend joining ICC. But, each to his own! I enjoy playing there and also on FICS.

There are also many different clubs you can join on each server depending on the different ways you like playing chess. I enjoy membership in the STCBunch (Slower Time Controls). Since I can't stand playing blitz chess it's perfect!

The players on these servers are usually more on the serious side. Since the interface is still of a UNIX flavor a lot of new users are intimitated by it. I stongly encourage you to join FICS and try it out. It is a LOT of fun!

Interfaces for ICS systems:

• WinBoard - Tim Mann's Chess page. Home for Winboard, graphical interface for all ICS servers. Very powerful and customizable. Has lots of features! WinBoard is my preferred program!
• Ed Collins' Winboard Site - I was going to make a Winboard page, but Ed's page is just too good for anyone to miss! New location!
• Chess Client [From aharris.org] - Great freeware/public domain ICS interface! Lots of cool board views. Good for beginners!
• iNemesis - Freeware client based on Chess Client source code with much more added to it. However, I don't think this program is being updated any more; the forum no longer exists and no updates on the beta for at least a year and a half.
• Icarus - Interface that was recently purchased by the Internet Chess Club to supposedly build a new client to replace Blitzin. Very nice interface!
• BabasChess - Nice new freeware interface for FICS that is growing in popularity VERY fast.

• FICS (freechess.org) - Web page for the main FICS server in North America. A list of other FICS servers can also be found at this site.
• Internet Chess Club - Club and ICS server for internet chess enthusiasts.
• Chess.Net - Another popular and free ICS server.