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Z.F.'s Free Chess Programs
Links to the best free chess downloadsMenu:
Chess Informant Expert Lite
If I just want to replay a game from a pgn file, without needing any database searches or much in the way of analysis, then this is the program I use. It is a simple pgn reader and editor with perhaps the clearest display, as well as many cheery colour schemes and piece sets to choose from. Using it I feel much closer to the game than with more fully-featured (cluttered) software. This could be what you're looking for!
http://www.sahovski.com/products/software/index.php
Hints and Tips
Right-click on the board to change the display.
When using a UCI engine to analyze, right-click on an analysis line and select View Analysis to display the line in a small pop-up board.
One of my favourite features is using the right arrow key to replay an annotated game. When you reach a variation, use the up and down arrow keys to select, and the right arrow key to continue; at the end of the variation you will automatically be taken back to the move before the variation. Sounds simple, but it's a lovely touch!
On the CIE desktop, which shows icons for previously opened files, you can also add shortcuts to html files (for instance, a local copy of the week in chess report), as the program can also act as a web browser.
I recommend you use it with Jan van Reek's highly interesting annotated games.
Limitations
The only way to access the games is through the games list, as it is not possible to search in pgn files, and the lite version does not allow you to import to CIE format. Not all UCI engines will work.