I've found this program a few months ago when I was looking for non-web free chess software for windows. There are surprisingly few options, mostly outdated and with unpleasant interface. Lucas chess is an exception. Interface looks nice, although it takes some time to get used to it, and there are many interesting options to analyse your games, play with many different engines an study (various problems, endings, openings). The source is open (python!) and there are quite frequent updates. I am a happy user and I recommend it to all chess enthusiasts, it's worth to try it.
I’ve known Lucas Chess for a long time but the UI is still confusing to me. Many functions seem similar/duplicate and AFAK the interface doesn’t provide any instant help. Sure, there is a online help but reading through pages long instruction to use a program is honestly too much to ask from today users. IMO, it’s much better to provide an instant help through hint and status line, which is a common practice in desktop apps. Perhaps it’d be better if the author restructure the app into 3 main areas:
- tactics exercises and play for young players, beginners
- play and exploring the plethora of chess engines included in the bundle, and
- improve skills through: tactical exercises, learning opening, end games and building a personal chess database
Such structure will make the menu much clearer for (new) users and therefore I believe it’ll significantly improve its impact.
Leaving a comment here for someone more experienced to respond. How do chess engines like this which learn how you play over time better/worse than traditional coach
Lucas chess is chess GUI, not an engine, but it comes with many different engines, some even tuned to different grandmasters styles. I am not sure what you meant by "learning how you play", but you can indeed adapt their strength and "personality" to always match more or less equal opponent. You can also have another engine watching the game giving you hints. I am sure having a personal trainer is better, but more expensive and time consuming and you would need practice as well. There is also a nice feature to play with a strong engine trying to survive as long as possible (i.e. the game stops if the evaluation drops below set threshold), it's nice for opening training.
