Simple basic chessboard for following instruction.

I am looking for a chess app that allows me to set-up pieces and move any piece at any time (pretty much like a real chess board).

I've downloaded several self-described 'simple' apps. But they all either only play games or don't allow this set-up/free movement I need.

I am using Windows.

Not sure what the link was meant to go to, but it is just a picture. I really need an app with moveable pieces.

Tarrasch is great for those "daily" analasys where you dont need very advanced tools. Find it here: http://www.triplehappy.com/

I feel like what you're describing is pretty much what you get when you turn on Scid vs PC.  Got to turn on additional functionality if you want any.

I couldn't see a way to deselect legality with the Tarrasch GUI; I'm not sure it's possible.

I know you can deselect legality with Arena, and I think you can also do it with Winboard. There might be other GUIs that will work, too.

How about Fritz? Is there a way to do this with Fritz?

I only have an ancient Fritz 8. You can't do it with that version. I don't know about the newer versions.

Of the programs I have installed, Arena and Winboard are the only two that do what you want.

I'm starting to think Frits is overrated(pun intended).

A friend of mine has it and he says, other than the analaysis, everything he can find useful in it he can find in cheaper or free apps.

And now, even with as powerful and expensive as it is, it cannot do something as simple as serve as a free movement chess board.

It would appear Arena is no longer available. And everytime I try to DL Winboard, it sets off my virus detection.

Here are the official download links. Are you using these?

Arena - You can download either the zip file or the setup file.

http://www.playwitharena.com/?Download:Arena_3.0

Winboard 4.7.2:

http://www.open-aurec.com/wbforum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=51528

Thanks EscherehcsE. I tried the arean link and it says I don't have permission to access the site. Perhaps they are having technical difficulties right now.

The link for winboard worked. And, it appears to have free movemnt. However, it does not seem to have a way to set-up a board.

I'm a software developer and I'm thinking I may have just found an idea for some niche software.

I just tried downloading the Arena setup file - works fine for me. I don't know what could be causing your problem.

I'm not that familiar with Winboard, I'm not sure if I led you down the primrose path on that one.

YEs, very strange. I still am getting this strange error. Well, anyways, thanks for your help EscherehcsE.

Well this is interesting...Just for kicks, I decided to run a Zulu Risk Analyzer check ( http://zulu.zscaler.com/ ) on the Arena download page, not really expecting to find anything (I only ran it so it would tell me where the Arena server was located.) Well, it came back with a malicious flag for the DGT link on that page. (I then checked the DGT URL, and it was also flagged as malicious.) So I guess, don't click on the DGT link on the Arena download page, lol. (And for good measure, I think I'll run a virus check tonight on my PC. )

If you can't get a download from the Arena page, I could upload my copy to an upload service, if you want me to. (If so, just let me know whether you prefer the zip file or the setup file.)

That would make sense. My sometimes overzealous virus protection seems to find these things.

That would be great if you could. The set-up file should be fine. Thanks.

Yes, WinBoard can do this.  To get into this mode click on MODE and the EDIT POSITION. 

You can then use your mouse and freely pick up either color pieces and move them around, to any square desired.  The software doesn't check the legality of the move, nor whose move it is.

And I agree... more GUIs should have this as an option.  It's not hard to implement.

If you have a smart phone then download the chess.com app and play human vs human... you will get what you want..

Or else download "lucas chess" for computers... free and a light software with stockfish engine.... 

For your use.. Click Tools> Creat your own games. You will get a free board. Also you can copy/paste PGN there. Enjoy Chess! gl:)

Thanks MEC. I did find the settings you were talking about, but I could not find a way to remove pieces so I can just have specific pieces.

But, this is all moot now. I just found my chess set that I thought was lost. I've been stressed about this for a while. Where I live, it is very difficult to find Western Chess sets. I live in Thailand and they have their own form of chess which is way more popular. Players here often don't like Western Chess because, they claim, it gives them a headache.

Glad you found your set.

(To remove pieces, right-click and then choose Empty Square.)