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Pawn is a basic chess game designed for beginners. It's nothing fancy, but that's exactly the point; it lets users hone their chess skills in a simple, easy-to-navigate environment.
The interface is clean, with a wood grain chess board and traditional, easy-to-recognize chess pieces. Gameplay is as easy as dragging and dropping the pieces into the appropriate spots. The program helpfully outlines the opponent's last move in yellow so that novice players can keep up with the action. The built-in Help file adequately explains the program's features, but does not provide any information on how chess is played; true beginners will need to look elsewhere to find the rules. While many chess games allow users to fuss around with different styles of boards and pieces, Pawn sticks to the basics, with a few extra features throw in specifically for beginners. Users can move the action backward and forward to analyze their and their opponent's strategy. The computer's error level can also be adjusted so that the game's difficulty is gradually increased as the player improves. We haven't played chess in years and appreciated being able to set the program to an enjoyably challenging level; we didn't win, but we were evenly matched against the computer.
Pawn is free with no limitations. The program comes as a ZIP file and does install a desktop icon without asking, but it uninstalls cleanly. We recommend this program for beginning and intermediate chess players, or anyone looking for a functional, no-frills chess game.
Publisher's Description
From Thomas Starke:
Pawn is a freeware chess program with an easy to use interface especially for beginners and intermediate players. Playing strength reaches up to club level but can be adjusted in several options. A special beginner's mode lets the program make mistakes. The window is resizable.
What's new in this version: Version 4.01 adds option for showing the intro message.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 7 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-7 of 7
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"Wish It would download to desktop"
Version: Pawn 3.21
Pros
Looks like it is well designed game. Very challenging according to anyone who has played it.....
Cons
It onoy comes in portable form and will not download except to Zip and portable form...
Summary
useless to me unless it can download and store on my laptopand give me an .exe file..
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"Simple and clean"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
Just the right amount of stuff for learning and practicing chess.
Cons
Doesn't show the letters/numbers of board positions (very minor gripe).
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"Great no-frills chess game!"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
Easy to install, easy to set up, easy to play, but tough to beat!
Cons
I'd like to have the options for a full-sized board with options for different appearances, etc.
Summary
I enjoy playing it and recommend it!
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"it kicked my a** every time"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
it's amazing how ruthless this game is, and this program delivers this functionality in your face.
Cons
no frills
Summary
fantastic program. easy to use. fun to play.
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"Great to Play Pawn"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
Good Game of chess Can ste error level so I can win once in awhile
Cons
I would like to see a way to make the board and peices and color for more visibilty
Summary
Great free Download if your are not ready for PRIME TIME
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"Simple but great"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
Simple and great
Cons
Not great graphics, but.. who does really care ?
Summary
Surely the best free chess software,
don't know about the others. -
"good graphics, challenging skill level"
Version: Pawn 3.10
Pros
Graphics, play level, speed of response.
Cons
No color choice could not change board angle.
