Author: Paul Massie
Date: 11:05:49 12/13/98
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On December 13, 1998 at 02:35:35, Lawrence S. Tamarkin wrote: >You have all those databases! Can you tell me how you rate the quality of the >Mega, compared to just having the Fritz5 database & a Chess Base Magazine going >back to issue 41? Would it be repititious to buy that? > >Also the Knut Neven database does not have any annotated games, right? > >Thanks for the info, > >mrslug - the inkompetent chess software addict! I'm afraid I do - you're not the only one with a weakness for software! The Neven database does not have any annotated games. One of the strongest points of the Mega database is the 30,000 (now 34,000 in Mega 99) annotated games. I find the overall quality of the Mega database to be the best - I don't think I have ever found a single mistake in it, and all the tournaments are carefully organized. The major problem is that there have been (at least up through Mega 98) major gaps in games not covered. As to what is needed, that has to be an individual decision. I personally want to have everything, so for me the Mega is important, along with another, more complete, database. I think if you have CBM back to issue 41 it probably wouldn't be cost-effective to buy the Mega, unless you really want the additional annotated games. Particularly for people on a budget, I'd recommend maintaining the CBM subscription, but using Knut's database instead of Mega. If I'd known about Knut's database 2-3 years ago when I first bought the Mega, I might not have done so, although I probably would have to get the additional annotated games. At this point, I probably won't upgrade from Mega 98 to 99, because I have the 30,000 annotated games from Mega 98 plus the CBM games, so with Knut's database for a primary source I don't see the need to spend that much money. For the person to whom money is no object, the person who needs all the annotated games and doesn't already have them, or the person who just needs every possible database, Mega is probably worth buying. For all the rest, I'd suggest Knut's database. Paul
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