Fire
is a very strong, state-of-the-art, highly optimized, freeware UCI chess engine...designed for modern 64-bit Windows and Linux systems.
Fire (previously called Firebird) has been in continuous development since Jan. 2010
Over the last 10 years, the computer chess landscape has changed a lot. Previously, programmers had very few rudimentary guides to the process. But now the ideas, techniques, etc. used to create strong engines are well known and extremely well documented...take a look at https://www.chessprogramming.org/
In many ways, developing a strong engine today has become more of an engineering challenge than anything else. One must ask 'What are these techniques that really work well and/or have proven best, and how can one best architect and program them into a functional, strong, and unique entity?'
Many open-source projects have contributed enormously to the shared knowledge…serving to educate and guide, like blue-prints.
I'm grateful and indebted to many for all this shared knowledge, and would like to specifically credit the open-source
Ippolit, Ivanhoe, Gull, Houdini (https://www.cruxis.com/chess/houdini.htm), and Stockfish (https://stockfishchess.org).
I have drawn upon and use the ideas and techniques from all of these engines.
If you are interested in learning about my particular testing methodology, I've explained it in some detail here:
http://www.chessdom.com/fire-the-chess-engine-releases-a-new-version/ (or click on the TESTING menu choice above).
I want to thank anyone and everyone who has supported my efforts with Fire though these last 10 years.
May Peace Be With You!
Norman Schmidt