Rubbish and outdated!!
Linux MInt is a great linux distribution for linux newbies that are used to Windows. But that doesn't make it the best distro for playing chess. The are many better alternatives, and you don't have to delve through the hardcore distros either.
Peppermint OS is far superior, yet based on Linux Mint. Why? because it is uncluttered and works faster and better, with less bugs.
As for chess programming.... SCID or SCID vs PC are the only real options for chess database programs. The alternatives are not that great. But when paired with a decent engine, SCID is every bit as good as Chessbase, but without the hefty price tag.
There are also various clients for playing chess on the FICS server, but with better chess available on Chess.com, Lichess and Chess24 to name but three, FICS is becoming a bit of a dinosaur filled with bots and computer engines.
The best linux distro for chess is linux mint. The good thing about ubuntu based systems is that it dosen't rely on packages, and no need to compile anything. All you have to do is run make -- install. Debian is trash, relies too much on packages, and debian is to difficult to install from the get go.