Chess Tiger
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer chess software |
| Founder | Christophe Théron |
| Products | Chess engine software |
Chess Tiger represents a powerful chess program created by Christophe Théron, which gained recognition through significant tournament victories from 2000 to 2002. While it remains available for purchase, the development of its Windows edition has slowed considerably, rendering it primarily of historical interest today. The software is well-regarded for its competitive strength and serves as an effective training tool for novice players seeking to enhance their chess abilities.
Playing strength
In terms of playing capability, Chess Tiger ranks below top-tier engines like Fritz and Shredder. Notably, in 2001 it triumphed in a Buenos Aires competition, outperforming several elite grandmasters with a performance rating of 2788 on the Elo rating scale. Additionally, it claimed victory three times each in both the French and Dutch Chess Computer Championships and won the first Berliner Emanuel-Lasker Computerchess-Tournament held in October 2001.
Playing style
Chess Tiger is characterized by an assertive and aggressive approach to gameplay. Contrary to many chess engines that tend to avoid gambits and sacrifices, this program actively embraces such tactics. It delivers rapid move calculations even on lower-end hardware, reflecting an evaluation method optimized for speed rather than extensive positional depth.
Example game
The following encounter from the 2001 Argentina Masters Event showcases Chess Tiger's win against Grandmaster Oscar Panno. Panno opts for an early exchange sacrifice in return for a pawn advantage but encounters difficulties coordinating his queenside pieces. Ultimately, Chess Tiger capitalizes on a tactical opportunity at move 34 to secure victory.
White: Chess Tiger Black: Oscar Panno
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nc3 a6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 b5 6.Bd3 Qb6 7.Nb3 Bb7 8.a4 b4 9.a5 Qc7 10.Na4 Nf6 11.Nb6 Nxe4 12.Nxa8 Bxa8 13.Be3 Nf6 14.O-O Bd6 15.g3 h5 16.Bb6 Qc6 17.f3 Bc7 18.Qd2 Bxb6+ 19.axb6 Qxb6+ 20.Qf2 Qxf2+ 21.Kxf2 Ke7 22.Rfe1 Rc8 23.Nd4 g6 24.Ra4 Nd5 25.Bxa6 Nxa6 26.Rxa6 Bb7 27.Ra7 Rb8 28.c4 bxc3 29.bxc3 Ba8 30.c4 Nb4 31.Rea1 Bc6 32.Kf1 Rc8 33.Rb1 Nd3 34.Rb8 1-0
Other platforms
Beyond Windows, Chess Tiger is accessible on iPhone and various iOS devices, as well as on Palm OS, broadening its presence within the mobile gaming sector.