Chess 1981

About

Chess was written in March, 1980 and converted to IBM PC in December, 1981. This is probably the very first chess game running in MS-DOS. Taking it's age into account, it's no surprise that the game features only text-mode graphics. The chess board and the pieces are drawn using ASCII characters. For the same reason, it's also no surprise that the user input is based just on keyboard commands. In Chess there is no multiplayer mode - you play only against the computer. As usual, in this kind of game, you can select the A.I.'s skill level. The game offers 24 difficulty levels.

What is happening now

Chess remains one of the most widely accessible strategy games available, landing on every major platform from consoles to mobile devices since its 2009 release. The classic turn-based format continues to attract both casual players and competitive enthusiasts through its timeless ruleset and portable availability. Recent coverage has focused on creative interpretations of chess rather than the base game itself. A roguelike-styled chess variant appeared as a free offering on Epic Games' mobile storefront, while Mate'Morphosis explores unconventional mechanics built around chess fundamentals, emphasizing strategic depth without requiring grandmaster-level skill. Meanwhile, research has positioned chess alongside esports in terms of cognitive and physical demand on competitors, underscoring the game's recognition as a legitimate competitive pursuit.