Schaeffer started the Chinook project in 1989 with an ambitious goal: to write a program that could compete with the world's top checkers players. In 1990, just one year later, Chinook earned the right to play for the human World Championship by finishing second to Marion Tinsley in the US Nationals. However, the American Checkers Federation and English Draughts Association initially refused to sanction a match involving a computer. To resolve the dispute, they created the "Man vs. Machine World Championship".
: A top-tier engine that can utilize Chinook's 8-piece database for perfect play.
While the full standalone Chinook software is not typically available as a single consumer "download" like modern apps, you can access its core components or play it online: Play Online
While the original 1994 software is a historical artifact, you can still experience the power of Chinook through modern methods. Here are the top ways to access Chinook-level play: 1. Play Online at the Official Site
: A popular graphical interface for Windows that allows you to run various engines like KingsRow or Cake. It is available for download at Martin Fierz's website Martin Fierz Important Notes Competing "Chinook" Results
If you want to test your skills against the ultimate checker mind, please let me know: