Developed by a team led by Dr. Jonathan Schaeffer at the University of Alberta (starting in 1989), Chinook was the first computer program to win a human world championship title in any game. Its goal was audacious: to solve the game of checkers (English Draughts).
Named as a nod to Chinook’s Canadian origin, Canuck Checkers is a modern open-source project that aims to replicate Chinook’s strength with a cross-platform interface (Windows, Mac, Linux). It uses the same solved game theory but with updated code.
Q: Is Chinook safe to download?
A: From the UAlberta site, yes. Avoid random “download.com” mirrors.
Q: Does Chinook run on Mac?
A: Not directly. You’d need Wine or a Windows VM.
Q: Is there an Android version?
A: No. Try “Checkers Elite” or “Draughts Genius” on mobile.
Ready to play?
Download Chinook safely from the University of Alberta (link placeholder – search “Chinook checkers UAlberta download” in your browser).
Have you played against Chinook? Share your experience in the comments! chinook checkers software download top
Chinook Checkers Software: The Legend of the Solved Game Chinook is not just another checkers program; it is the historic artificial intelligence project from the University of Alberta that officially "solved" the game of checkers in 2007. Led by Jonathan Schaeffer, the Chinook team proved that perfect play by both sides inevitably leads to a draw.
For enthusiasts looking to experience this milestone in AI history, the software remains available in various forms, from web-based play to downloadable technical databases. Where to Download and Play Chinook
If you are looking for the official Chinook software or its components, here are the primary options provided by the University of Alberta:
Official Web Play: You can play Chinook online directly through your browser. This version is slightly "nerfed" to give human players a fighting chance, though it still utilizes the 6-piece databases for perfect endgame play.
Endgame Databases: For serious players or developers, the University offers downloadable endgame databases. These include:
8-Piece Database: Available for free download (approx. 2.7 GB compressed, 5.6 GB unzipped). Developed by a team led by Dr
10-Piece Database: The full solution to the game involves a 10-piece database, which is the cornerstone of Chinook's invincibility.
Legacy Software: While the original 1990s standalone executable is rare on modern operating systems, the algorithms and databases have been integrated into many modern checkers engines. Top Checkers Software and Engines (2026)
Since Chinook "retired" after solving the game, other engines have emerged that are easier to install and run on modern hardware while maintaining a similarly "god-like" level of play.
KingsRow: Developed by Ed Gilbert, this is widely considered the strongest engine for both English Checkers (Draughts) and International Checkers. It utilizes the same 10-piece databases that Chinook pioneered.
Cake: Created by Martin Fierz, this is a top-tier engine known for its efficiency and integration with the popular CheckerBoard GUI.
Checkers by Optime Software: One of the most popular mobile versions available for Android and iOS, suitable for casual play with decent AI strength. Best Checkers Engine? Scan vs. KingsRow Face-Off! Ready to play
Chinook uses a combination of alpha-beta search, a massive opening book, and an endgame database. For software developers and AI researchers, studying Chinook’s algorithms is a masterclass in game theory.
While you may not be able to "play against" the engine in a casual downloadable app, you can access its brainpower.
The project hosts an online database called the Chinook Perfect Play Database. While not a game you download to play against, it is a web interface where you can input any checkers position with 10 pieces or fewer. The engine will tell you the exact, mathematically perfect sequence of moves to win or draw. For serious players, this is arguably more valuable than a playable engine.
Developed at the University of Alberta, Chinook isn’t just another checkers app. It’s a piece of computing history. In 1994, Chinook defeated world champion Marion Tinsley (in a match cut short due to Tinsley’s health), becoming the first computer program to win a human world championship in any game. The program plays perfect checkers—meaning, with best play from both sides, it will never lose. For a student of the game, studying Chinook’s moves is like studying a chess grandmaster’s every thought.
The safest place is the University of Alberta’s Chinook page (archived or current). As of now, you can find the official Windows version here:
Search:
webdocs.cs.ualberta.ca ~chinook
Look for chinook.zip (approx. 4–5 MB). The package includes:
⚠️ Avoid “Chinook Pro” or paid downloads — they’re fake. The real Chinook is free.