Io Folders Chess

io.folders.chess 1.1 is an unusual shareware release by Will Io (a pseudonym of Dwayne Petrey) that turns custom Finder folders and desktop patterns into functional chess sets. The pieces move freely on the desktop, hold captured pieces, are arranged automatically by scripts, and respect Label colors.

Sets included

One set features fire-breathing dragons and a queen with a billowing scarf; another offers more traditional pieces that take on a neon look when recolored with System 7 Label colors.

What's new in 1.1

The November 7, 1996 update adds several new 256-color chessboards and the Traditional/Neon Chess Collection on top of the original 1.0 io-folders-chess release.

How it works

Because each piece is really a folder, players manipulate the game using the Finder itself, dragging icons across the desktop instead of using a dedicated chess engine window.

Distribution

Released as shareware with a $10 registration fee and distributed via Info-Mac by dwayne@origami.ornet.med.umich.edu.