Is the software ChessMaster good for kids' self-teaching chess?

Dear All:

My kids are 11 and 9 years old. I would like to teach them play chess, but the resistance for them to learn from Dad is quite high, even though they do have some interest in it. So I am thinking getting the software ChessMaster for them. I have never used it, but I guess the software engine has many levels and it gives out the hints to the player. My plan is that I can assign "home work" to them, for example, win at least 2 games at such such level this week. I assume that any games that they have played are saved in the software for review.

The software is not cheap, around $100 or even more, depending on various versions. And to my surprise, the most versions of ChessMaster only works on old operating systems like Windows Vista, Windows XP or even older. Anyway, I do have Windows Vista computer. I just don't understand why the company is so lazy to upgrade it for the most current operating system. 

Aye, Chessmaster is quite hard to come by at a reasonable price now. I have 10th edition, and would certainly recommend it for training purposes. You could also consider Majestic Chess, which would perhaps be more engaging for kids. It's more like a graphically appealing role-playing game, with an 'adventure' mode that takes you through drills, puzzles and such, with various rewards for completion. It's certainly cheaper than CM, and you can try a demo first.

http://games.softpedia.com/get/Shareware-Games/Majestic-Chess.shtml

Chessmaster is a good software for kids. You can adjust the strength level. You can set it to play like a monkey.

I use it for 3 of my children. They enjoy being able to go at their own speeds and it keep sup with their progress. They each have made their own account and it works great. Hope this helps

I use Chessmaster to play and analyze my games. They have a very good analysis engine.

As for kids, I think the controls may be a little advanced...It took me a while and I'm an engineer!

If you could teach them how to work the many controls and functions, it will be of great use. After all, you cant use something you don't know how to use!