Free Chess Engine?

Hi Everyone:

Can someone direct me to a good/free chess engine download? I saw some on this site, but wasn't sure what was best. I want something that will let me set up the board and play with different positions.

BTW, Can we do that here? Set up pieces and play from any point you want?

Best:

Mike

2nd question first, no you cant do that.

1st question:

An engine cant work on its own, you need a GUI (interface).

Good free ones are Scid, and Arena. Some people dislike Scid, I think once you learn it a little it's as good as anything you can buy.

Once you have that, there are a lot of good free engines around. Houdini 1.5, Rybka 2.2, (free older versions of commercial engines), and alays free Stockfish.

I see. I wouldn't have known that. Thanks!

Mike

Arena download.. http://www.playwitharena.com/?Download there are several versions and you can see what engines are includes already. Arena is really fast to install new engines.

http://www.houdinichess.com/ free houdini with instructions on how to install.

Yep, arena is free and really nice. It takes tinkering around with it to get it like you want it, but eventually it "clicks."  And did I mention free? You can set up positions and play either side, and it's free. The engines that come with it are strong. I mean, Rybka version anything is stronger than I will most likely ever be, so it's definitely good enough for me. And on a totally unrelated note, not having mentioned it yet, it's free.

You can set up the pieces here and play from different positions in the Game Editor (you don't need any paid membership).

http://www.chess.com/analysis-board-editor

It's not great and doesn't let you go into a lot of detail but I use it from time to time when I'm trying to think up new strategies.