My algorithem choice was alphabeta and it is pretty slow probably due to the fact that I am still learning all the ins and outs of this kind of programming. Once I learn about how to write a good alphabeta, I will then move to something more interesting like MTD(f).

To work out the blocking pieces, you just run along the list of moves and check the square represented against the board, which can be passed to the function as a reference. Since the board is stored internally as a 8x8 multi-dim array, it is pretty easy to see if there is something there and of what color. I have a function called isOccupied to check and isColor to tell me the color.

Of course, this could all be negated by using bitboards but I am not comfortable enough with the idea yet to try it.