Just a "puki" hint - there is a fair amount of Visual Basic chess code around - it would probably be easier to convert this rather than C++ code. I downloaded a fair amount, but I can't be bothered with it.
Actually, it is sometimes quite uplifting to go through Visual Basic code forums to see just how powerful Blitz3D is compared to it (or at least easier to do something decent). Have a look at some of their 'Block-Rockin code' and think to yourself 'they're having a laugh, surely?'. There is some interesting stuff in there though - you just have to trawl through it for hours.
Actually, it is sometimes quite uplifting to go through Visual Basic code forums to see just how powerful Blitz3D is compared to it (or at least easier to do something decent). Have a look at some of their 'Block-Rockin code' and think to yourself 'they're having a laugh, surely?'. There is some interesting stuff in there though - you just have to trawl through it for hours.