Chess Software

Hi,

I'm relatively new to Chess software and I am looking for some help in finding the right chess software for me. I bought Fritz10 and I am surprised to find it a really difficult programme to use. I am generally fairly computer literate but I find Fritz really frustrating. Even doing the most basic things like starting a new game seem hard work.

What I want to be able to do with the software is :

Input and analyse games that I have played with my friends

Learn openings

Play chess against the computer.

Can anyone offer me some advice and help in selecting the appropriate software.

Thanks Bruce

Chessmaster Series from UBISOFT

Read the manual for Fritz (you may need a magnifying glass).

Also read some of the T-Notes by Steve Lopez. ChessBaseUSA asks that you sign-in; ChessBase offers more open access.

You have the best available software for the tasks you want to accomplish; you simply need to spend some time learning to use it.

I have used Chessmaster for twenty years. It served well at these tasks until I bought Fritz. The primary reason I still use Chessmaster is so I can offer expert advice to children that I coach that have it. The last game I analyzed with Chessmaster was part of a project to document why Chessmaster analysis is poor compared to Fritz.

First you must be a oljd 50 year old fart like me to not have used chess solftware an i started about 15 years ago.Fritz 7/3/9/10/11/5.32/6/ i have them all are good stable programs you just have to take time to learn how best to use them.Now if you are a new weak player then up thru american class B level  then if you have win xp on your computer find a old copy of chessmaster 9000 its all you will need good tutorials an a 2700 top end with a lot of good weaker levels an styles to practice against.If you have a newer vista or the newest one out then buy chessmaster gm edition.The one negative is to me chessmaster online play is a joke,FOR ONLINE play play here or at FICS or Chess Assistant Club all free to play on an very good.if money is a problem then download icc dasher play fee for one month but you get to keep the interface which comes with a good adjustable chess computer engine based on the latest crafty chess engine.For a data base download SCID 4.0 a good free database then download some pgn games it also comes with a strong toga chess engine.Also if your new check out Nagaski 5.12 a good adjustable free chess playing program.you will find all these free programs at this sites free download section.

Input and analyse games that I have played with my friends

File > New > Long Game

Engine > Switch off engine

Click and drag the pieces. When you are finished, File > Save game as (a window pops open for you to enter players names, location, etc.)

Trying to input moves with the engine running is the most common error for new users, and can be frustration.

Learn openings

Tools > Training > Opening Training

Another option (and wholly lacking in Chessmaster): Window > Panes > Extra Book Pane. Have the book pane open while playing through a previously played game will teach you alternative moves as long as you are following book.

Play chess against the computer

File > New > Blitz game (or "handicap and fun" or "sparring" or "rated game" or "friend mode" or "long game")

Hi,

Thanks for your replies especially Ziryab.  I think I just need some very basic instruction to get me started. I shall persevere and come on here and ask if I get stuck.

Kind Regards

Bruce

Yes thanks Ziryab; very helpful, might be back for more!

Glad to be of help. Concerning comparisons of Fritz, et al. and Chessmaster, have a look at "Chessmaster versus Fritz: Analysis," which I've just posted.

As i know its what ever floats your boat but for the life of me i have a hard time seeing how a lot of players love engine vers engine chess games.I only play against them for practice as a strong program will find holes in your game.Fritz 12 or 11 is worth it as it comes with a year of free online chess play an along with ICC its the best online playing sites .However for someone starting out with chess then chessmaster has the best tutorials off all programs i know of,an theres lots of online servers as you will find some close to icc or playchess which comes with fritz.just finished my every sunday 5 min 21 game match with my friend cecil he won 13-8.I asked how he get so good he tells me when he was in the phillipines as a young man if he won in the morning he had money for lunch if he won after lunch hes got money for dinner an if he won his late night game in the park he had money for breakfest.He is 52 me 50 we been playing almost every sunday fo 18 years now.Irecomend lots of speed chess it gives you a chance to learn to play by feel an intuation as knowing how to play a position gives you the edge.