Brian, I have Fritz 12 as well for almost a month now. It sets your default handicap to 250 when you first start out. The more games you lose, the higher it gets, therefore the computer "dummies down" so you can start mate attacks, tactical puzzles, easy captures, whatever. My handicap went all the way up to the mid 400s and I noticed I started drawing more games with a win thrown in here and there. Now, my handicap is down to 267 and it's getting harder.
Once you get into the negatives, that means you are improving and the program will begin to be relentless the lower you go. Don't worry about the help file and what it says about studying tactics when you get into the negative numbers. If you're in the negatives, you're playing well.
Once I get into the negatives, I'm going to start playing rated, but that's going to be a while from now. Just look at the way the program is playing and look for openings during every match you have against it. You should be able to notice certain things as the number fluctuates. Good luck.
I've just started playing chess and I picked up Fritz 12. I've been using the Training / Friend Mode. It keeps adjusting the players handicap as you play more and more games. I'm a bit confused about the handicap value. It appears the help file contradicts itself. from help... "Top players will indeed achieve a negative handicap. If after about six games the program sets your handicap to below –400 (= minus four pawns), you are advised to practice elementary chess tactics and to concentrate on avoiding material loss." I'm thinking, if a negative number indicates a top player, why would a handicap of -400 indicate you need to study elementary chess? Can anyone clarify the meaning of the handicap? Is a positive # better than a negative #?
Thanks,
confused newbie.