Author: KarinsDad
Date: 06:04:25 03/11/99
Go up one level in this thread
On March 11, 1999 at 02:14:14, Micheal Cummings wrote: > >On March 11, 1999 at 00:30:01, Richard VonMau wrote: > >>Hi, I'm looking to buy my first (professional) chess program. I established a >>1493 rating 8 years ago and have not concentrated on playing until 6 months ago. >>I'm studying some books like "How to Reassess Your Chess", "Endgame Lab", >>"Comprehesive Chess Course" and "My Best Games 1908-1937 Alekhine" and using >>some shareware programs to play. >> I'll be joining a chess club next month because my night shift changes to >>dayshift (after 17 years I finally have enough seniority!) and I'll be able to >>attend the meetings. >> Anyway, my budget is no more than $100 (single income with 3 small children). >>I want the most helpful program for the buck. >> -Rebel 10 sounds good. Within budget, $60 >> -Hiarsc 7.0 sounds good too, at $100 limit. Is it twice as good as others? >> -Nimzo 99 is another nice one and within budget, $50. >> -Fritz 5.32 sounds great, right price at $50, could this be the one? >>There are others but ... well dont know if they're worth the cost. >>Which leads to another question: >> -ChessBase 7.0 looks good, really good but is well out of budget, $220. >> Should I save my money until I can afford CB7 basic (or even CB7 Mega $400+) >>and continue with the CB light, Rebel Decade, Arasan shareware/freeware's? >> Or get one of the above programs that is within budget now? >> Can someone with experience with chess programs give me some guidance? >>Thanks for the help, in advance. Richard > >I suggest Fritz 5.32 be the program you buy. But also for the kids and yourself >and it would keep you within the $100 limit I would also get Chessmaster 6000, >Your kids will like this program the best. As for joining a chess club. Unless >you have to get into one to play in tournaments or such, then I would give it a >miss. These programs play at Grandmaster level and will give you all the >challenge you need. > >But on the other hand chess clubs can be fun Richard, Micheal has been playing computer chess too much in a musty old room. Chess clubs are one of the best ways to go to meet new people, share ideas, and play people who are legitimately stronger or weaker than yourself (as opposed to programs that kinda sorta seem to wanta play good variant level chess). If you do join a club, be active about it. Don't just show up, play and then leave. Find out how things are going there, who the movers and shakers are, and be proactive. Unless you want to be a hermit and teach your kids that, there is a whole world (correspondence chess, internet chess, tournament chess, clubs, coffee houses) of chess out there to be explored. Real chess (as opposed to computer chess) is about psychology, nerves, willpower, inspiration, and more. Programs are fine to practice and work out ideas (and are almost required these days at master and above level), but the real challenge and thrill of chess is to play other people. As someone who took a hiatus from chess for 18 years, I sympathize with your situation of starting fresh. My advice: Have Fun!!! KarinsDad :)
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