Arena is a complete GUI for chess engines. The program already comes with an engine that enables you to play against the computer, but it also supports almost all popular engines.
What is great is that the program provides detailed information about moves and thinking process of the computer. This can help you learn from the engine to defeat your enemies faster. You can even play online with other people or create tournaments between two engines to learn from them too. Other useful features of the program include printing capabilities, support of the DGT Chessboard, EPD and PGN support, user interface available in multiple languages, to name but a few.
In short, Arena is a wonderful program that includes everything chess players need to become professional players.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Nice and intuitive user interface
- Extensive help file
- Supports most engines
Cons
- None
It doesn't seem to be a legit "Arena" app. Most reliable sources say the latest version is still the 3.5.1. Both "arena" apps pretend to be from Martin Blume... If it's the same app, why can't I see the official 3.5.1 in the old versions? Something's wrong with all the release dates too, so I see some red flags. Very suspicious to say the least... I can't give more than a 1 star, and I won't download any of those versions until I have proofs this app here is legit.
Rich, I can't download this to my Windows Machine. Something is preventing me from doing so. Ha Ha. I saved several copies of the application to my flash drive several years ago.
After entering the first move the engine starts playing a game instead of allowing me to input moves. There doesn't seem to be a way to make 'edit' the default mode. I decided to test Arena to see if it is an alternative to commercial GUIs. I am already disappointed with Arena from the word go.
Stephan, use the "Edit" button in the PGN window, or unload the engine. Both should enable you to enter all moves for a game.
Very good and helpful programm for professional chess players