Same as dillo starting problem. Gnu Chess can't find "libXp.so.6".
This file should be included in
2.8 os in the wiki.
[EDIT:]
iLiad's os 2.9 likes Gnu Chess again.
Please copy the file "libXp.so.6" in the
attached zip file to the subdirectory "lib" in your Gnu Chess directory.
[EDITII:]gnu chess screenshot with 2.9 icons in toolbar.