Games Windows
Arasan
Play chess against a configurable computer opponent with Arasan, a free Windows chess program with its own board interface and an engine for compatible chess GUIs.
- Operating system
- Windows; publisher also lists legacy Windows XP support with at least Service Pack 3
- Architecture
- 64-bit (selected installer); separate 32-bit build available
- Download package
- EXE installer
The publisher does not give a full Windows-version matrix on the cited download page. Its XP statement is not proof that this selected 64-bit package works on every XP edition. No installation was performed.
Link checked · Download guidance
What is Arasan?
Arasan is a chess program by Jon Dart for playing against a computer opponent. The Windows edition has a native board interface, while its console engine can also work with WinBoard, Arena and UCI-compatible chess applications. An included opening book contains over one million moves.
If the opponent is too difficult, open Options and use the Preferences dialog to reduce relative playing strength. The publisher documents a 0–100 range, but warns that even the minimum setting can exploit major mistakes. Threads and hash-table settings are also available through the interface for users who want to configure engine resources.
This entry links to the publisher's 64-bit Windows installer for version 26.1, released in October 2026. A separate 32-bit installer is available from the publisher. The gallery image shows the older Arasan 22.1 Windows interface, not a verified view of 26.1. The chess engine uses the MIT license; the Windows GUI is excluded from that license and has separate redistribution terms.
What it offers
- Native Windows chessboard interface for playing against the engine.
- Relative playing-strength control from 0 to 100 through Options > Preferences.
- Opening book containing over one million moves.
- Console engine compatible with WinBoard, Arena and UCI chess interfaces.
- Thread-count and hash-table options configurable through the native interface.
Good to know
- The lowest strength setting can still punish major mistakes; it does not guarantee an easy opponent.
- The native graphical interface is Windows-only; the engine's MIT license does not cover the Windows GUI.
- The linked installer is 64-bit. Use the publisher's separate 32-bit installer for a 32-bit Windows system.
Product images
Sources
References used for this listing. Retrieval dates do not indicate hands-on testing.
- Arasan Chess — publisher overview ↗Retrieved
- Arasan Downloads — official Windows packages ↗Retrieved
- Arasan Frequently Asked Questions — configuration and strength ↗Retrieved
- Arasan Chess Engine Licensing — GUI exclusion and redistribution ↗Retrieved
- Arasan - Download — Windows listing and screenshot gallery ↗Retrieved
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