Chess Software

[Jonas Grumby]

I don't [have] any chess software and have been thinking about buying something. The last program I had was Chessmaster 5500, which I disliked so much (what a clunky interface!) that I gave it away.

What I'm looking for is:
- an opening database so I can see both opening "trees" and maybe even some kind of evaluation
- a game database so I can pull games by opening or some other more advanced search criteria (opening; result; player; rating?)
- a chess engine that I can set to a rating level (e.g. "1900 USCF") rather than some non-pegged label of strength like "strong player"
- other bells and whistles I don't know about?

I see I can get the basic Chessbase package at $130; it includes openings, Fritz & Crafty, and free membership to playchess.com for a year. That seems reasonable, but maybe it's also possible to just buy opening CDs and some other engine....

So what does everyone have? And what are the extras I haven't thought of that you really like?

I appreciate any comments you have before I go spend some money.

[Darth Tater]

Originally Posted by Jonas Grumby

I don't any chess software...

I don't any either.

[Jonas Grumby]

Bumped in the vague but probably-vain hope that someone will respond.

[Dick the Bruiser]

The newer Chessmasters are supposed to be a lot better than the 5500, My 7000 beats the crap outa me. You probably know this already.

Try some Chess-chat-discussion forum and see what those geeks recommend. If you hear of anything good, let me know.

[Black Flag]

Originally Posted by Jonas Grumby

Bumped in the vague but probably-vain hope that someone will respond.

If you'd ask about Chess Records, I might.

[RedSoxFan]

Originally Posted by Jonas Grumby

I don't [have] any chess software and have been thinking about buying something. The last program I had was Chessmaster 5500, which I disliked so much (what a clunky interface!) that I gave it away.

What I'm looking for is:
1) an opening database so I can see both opening "trees" and maybe even some kind of evaluation
2) a game database so I can pull games by opening or some other more advanced search criteria (opening; result; player; rating?)
3) a chess engine that I can set to a rating level (e.g. "1900 USCF") rather than some non-pegged label of strength like "strong player"
4) other bells and whistles I don't know about?

I see I can get the basic Chessbase package at $130; it includes openings, Fritz & Crafty, and free membership to playchess.com for a year. That seems reasonable, but maybe it's also possible to just buy opening CDs and some other engine....

So what does everyone have? And what are the extras I haven't thought of that you really like?

I appreciate any comments you have before I go spend some money.

I numbered your list above. Here's my take (and i should caveat that my CM version is 7000 and that there may be different chessbase versions that do different things).

1) I'm pretty sure chessbase can do that in some way or another. I know you can generate a report, whereby it will summarize all the games played from a certain position. CM can show you a tree but no evaluations, and the interface with it is kind of clunky.

2) Both can do that. Chessbase can search multiple databases and stuff, and I think for CM you can only search within its database that comes with the program.

3) I know CM has different players, and they probably have a "rating", so I think the answer is yes. Ratings not necessarily accurate however. I have no idea if chessbase can do that, I would tend to think not since its more for the very-advanced player as a analyzing tool, not a game opponent.

4) CM has lots of tutorials, but they're at a beginner level. CM probably has more graphics and sound options if you're into that.


In summary, if you're really into analyzing your games and improving, and you're already a decent player, then chessbase is definitely worth it. (by the way, where did you find it for sale for $130? It's listed at $165 on chessbaseusa.com). On the other hand CM is probably only around $30-$40, so really, its hard to go too wrong.

Anonymouse can tell you more about Fritz. It is primarily an opponent like CM, I don't know if it has a database tool like CM though. Fritz is better than CM in playing strength, though marginally, and doesn't have the bells and whistles that Fritz has, as far as I know.

I don't think there are any other commercial chess programs that would meet your needs.

By the way if you are a serious player you should also play on chessclub.com

[Klaymen]

I summarized Fritz somewhere before around here, I'll try again briefly.

There are two versions of Fritz 8, I got the less expensive version. I think it was $40-$50. The best thing to do is find some chess website that sells them and get a description of what they have and what you would be missing with the cheaper version, it suits me fine.

I don't think it goes by USCF ratings, perhaps ELO ratings whatever those are. You can:
1) Copy in a chess game and have it run its analysis to find the best move. It will show you as many of the best lines as you want to see along with the advantage of a player in 1/100's of a pawn.
2) Solve chess problems.
3) It has a database format but I don't make much use of it.
4) If has an opening book.
5) It can teach you lots of chess strategy.
6) You can adjust the skill level or let it adjust for you. I can compete vs Fritz if it plays about 1.5-2 pawns dumber than it is capable of (I don't know an exact rating though).
7) You can hook up two different engines (out of a choice of maybe 6-8) and watch them play a game and evaluate it.

I highly recommend Fritz, but I've never had CM before. Plus my Fritz just beat CM whatever 9000? in a game and looks to draw the other game.

[Jonas Grumby]

Originally Posted by RedSoxFan

(by the way, where did you find it for sale for $130? It's listed at $165 on chessbaseusa.com).

On the USCF website.

Originally Posted by RedSoxFan

Fritz is better than CM in playing strength, though marginally, and doesn't have the bells and whistles that Fritz has, as far as I know.

At our playing level it probably doesn't matter which is marginally better. They can all kick my heinie at some level.

Originally Posted by RedSoxFan

By the way if you are a serious player you should also play on chessclub.com

I play there as a guest. I like the USCL interface better, but either way I'm too cheap to pay for play.

Thanks for the answer!

[Jonas Grumby]

Actually, now that I read through the Chessbase specs, it doesn't appear that it actually plays chess. I think I'll go look into CM.

[RedSoxFan]

Originally Posted by Jonas Grumby

Actually, now that I read through the Chessbase specs, it doesn't appear that it actually plays chess. I think I'll go look into CM.

You could play it, in theory, by making your move, turning fritz on, and moving for it what it recommends. Though unless you can resize the window right, you'll see its analysis line and get hints about what you should play next You probably couldn't play against a weaker opponent though.

If you are just looking for an inexpensive computer opponent, try Gnu Chess, which is free.