I have received several questions on how to connect Chess for Android running on an Android device (e.g. a phone) as client to a remote chess server (e.g. a powerful desktop), so I decided to write a small document with detailed instructions. What you will need: The server software from Bernhard Wallner's chess utilities , suited for your server's operating system (if, say, your desktop runs Windows, you will need to download the Windows version). You do not need to download the client software in this case. The network enabled version of Chess for Android . On the server, start the engine server software, and construct a new row for every engine you want to run remotely. Assign a name, port number, and select the full path to each engine binary (an executable that runs on the server). You can also supply command line options for starting the engine. Check the active checkboxes and click start when done. This yields something similar to the screenshots below. Here, I have s...
Comments
1. No opening book: This is the program's greatest weakness! 1. e4 e5; 2. Sf3 Ld6??? in "expert mode" Come on! At least some routine openings like Spanish, Sicilian, English, Queen's Gambit et al should be included, they would add greatly to the overall strength.
2. Levels. Expert=30 secs. Ahhh, ok! For a quick game on the sub that's good enough, but why not include e.g. a 40moves/2 hours tournament mode just in case.
3. No way to print, save games etc. Every game is lost after you've completed it. Not good!
4. Strength. Since there is no real tournament mode the overall strength of the program is hard to evaluate. I just beat the program on the "expert level" rather handily, without having to think more than 15 sec on each move. Since I'm just an average player, say 1,600-1,700 ELO, it shouldn't be so easy. My HTC Magic has a powerful-enough processor.
A long way to go. But very nice layout (smart move to include trackball support!).
I agree with you on all points, especially adding a small opening book would be interesting. Now I just have to find the spare time to do it :-)