Chess Game Preferences Not Working

The Chess game that came installed in my new Mac Air (2020, M1 Chip), Monterey Operating System 12.0.1, has never operated properly. Moving the preferences bar for level of difficulty doesn't change how the computer plays. Based on my lower level of skill, the computer is playing at a high level of skill.

The Chess program is version 3.18. The build no. is 410.4.1. The last copyright date is 2017, and it is by Apple.

There was a thread about this earlier, but no clear resolution of the problem. The thread eventually timed out due to lack of response.

There was never a response from Apple. Nor has there ever been an update for this program.

Has anyone solved this issue ?

Can a new copy of this program be downloaded ?

Please note that the source code for the program can be downloaded. Not sure how Apple handles revised versions of this code on their computers.

Thanks for any help.

Please note that the question about the device doesn't allow one to choose the Chess program, or Applications in general.