internet chess

Category: Accessible Games

Post 1 by moonspun (This site is so "educational") on Friday, 10-Apr-2009 12:50:52

Hi there

I'm having a bit of a problem finding an accessible chess programme that can be played by both blind and sighted users.

What I need is a programme which lets you challenge another player via the internet, but which, as well as being accessible to Jaws, has an on screen display of the board during gameplay. Does such a thing exist?

Thanks

FM

Post 2 by Shepherdwolf (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Friday, 19-Jun-2009 18:08:23

FM, I have never yet found such an animal, though if you look on Audiogames.net, you will find a chess program that -you can play single against, or technically against someone else if they're willing to use the program as well.
Quite honestly, though, this program does require algebraic notation to be played properly, or it won't make much sense. It's extremely accessible - has its own speech engine and everything, basic as it is - but if you don't know what, for instance, Nxf6+ means, you're screwed.
Then again, I could also give you a cheat sheet with all the reference points and, assuming any opponent you've got in mind is willing to bear with you, you should be fine.
I myself can play chess out of my head, but it was K-Chess Advanced and its twin, K-Chess Elite, that helped me get there, by playing against the AI at different skill levels. Anywho, sorry for the ramble.