Free Chess Resources

It seems there are many questions in the forums about basic openings and tactics that could easily be answered by a Chess playing engine program, and a decent database.

Is it because the members here aren't aware of the many free resources available?

Although I do own Fritz 10 and Chessbase 8, I have downloaded the free database program called SCID. And I also have downloaded a free 500,000 + game database from This Week In Chess, found at the `London Chess Center' online. Yes you have to download each week separately, but once you are up to date, you just download each week as it becomes available.

By the way, SCID is a full function database program that creates opening trees on the fly and it is so easy and quick to use, I rarely use my Chessbase 8 program anymore!

Then, if you need a couple extra strong playing engines to plug into SCID, Toga II beta 4c is incredibly strong. Also the new Crafty version 23 is now available.

Also, if you're looking for a great and accurate opening manual, check out NCO, Nunns Chess Openings. It is a single volume reference that was published in 1999, and is completely computer checked against blunders and weak moves. Brand new it's only about $30.00. I use this all the time to get familiar with opening systems.

Hope this helps some people that might not be able to afford the newest software.