Chessmaster 5000

Rating:
Summary: Excellent program, and you can't beat the price
Review: Chessmaster has an interesting marketing strategy with its older versions. The current version is 8000 or 8500, but 5000 and 5500 are still available at reduced prices. I am sure the current versions have significant advantages, but if you are strapped for cash or just want a low risk trial of the series, pick this up and save some money. You get a substantial program at a remarkable price.

I honestly don't think I have ever found a better value for any piece of software at this price level. The playing level can be adjusted from newcomer to expert. At the newcomer level, the program misses opportunities to take my pieces, and tends to move its king or queen out early in the game. This is probably a good level for developing confidence in a rank beginner. Two steps up from that, and my wife has trouble beating the computer. There are several levels even higher, and it looks like it can be customized to any level of play. You can even tune the style of play, or select a famous personality to play against. There are a series of tutorials which look very good. You can turn on a teaching mode which will highlight threatened pieces, pinned pieces, skewers, squares controlled by either side, etc.

On the downside, the user interface is looking a little old by today's standards, but at this price level I really can't complain.

Rating:
Summary: A Master of Entertainment & Learning
Review: If an excellent chess game is not enough, Chessmaster 5000 surpasses all with it teaching of the moves and strategy. You can learn from its programmed masters in combat or have lessons from the program itself taught to you. My son and I have learned more and at a higher rate than we could have by reading a book or playing against each other. Chessmaster is truly the best Chess software on the market!

Rating:
Summary: Easy way to practice chess.
Review: This game is fun, and you can practice chess at your skill level. The cool thing about it is the cabability to choose your chess pieces. Like spanish, mechanic, warrior ones, dinasaur, bug and a lot more.

Rating:
Summary: Easy way to practice chess.
Review: This game is fun, and you can practice chess at your skill level. The cool thing about it is the cabability to choose your chess pieces. Like spanish, mechanic, warrior ones, dinasaur, bug and a lot more.