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worth the price

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: February 28, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Although using the CD to start the program everytime is a minor inconvenience, the program does what it claims. It is an improvement over earlier editions.

Top-rate interface, copious tutorials by chess masters... for less than twenty bucks!?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: January 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Chessmaster 10 has a better designed, more polished graphical user interface than any current Chessbase product, including Fritz. Add copious educational and training materials that cover openings, middlegame, and even chess psychology, and you have a veritable bargain.

I do prefer Fritz's game commentary after analyzing moves and the fact that it can read other chess file formats beyond *.pgn. Still, Chessmaster 10 is a better value, period. It will comment your games and read out loud the moves and comments to you.

Some folks are picky about the chess engine, but others have well said that its playing strength is more than enough to take care of 99.7% of the chess-playing population. Unless you're training for an IM or GM norm, you should have enough of a challenge with Chessmaster 10's engine.

Some of Chessbase's products have been published through Viva Media. A couple of years ago I purchased one of the $9.99 Fritz versions, which included Fritz 7 and the newer 3D chess board. I very much enjoy it still (it is mildly buggy in that it will crash every now and then), but Chessmaster 10's realistic sets, including a tournament board with House of Staunton pieces, is a joy to play with. Also, my children enjoy the fairy set's funny sounds and animations... and so do I, I must admit!

For those who complain about the fact the the program will require an original CD to operate, please get over that fact that you just have to pay $19.99 plus tax for an effort that is worth way much more. A couple of the lessons in Chessmaster 10 presented by actual chess masters are worth more than that.

Very nice software for any chess player!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: November 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I like this software, as it provides many ways to improve your game.
Either by review after the game, or during the game blunder alerts. Even using the PGN of a played game from other software, or online game.

Tutorials are comprehensive, and usually well explained. Divided into skill level.

AI opponents are vast, and suitable for any level of play. You should be able to match against a few of them.

Great program (after the initial setup)

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: January 16, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I love this game, although the initial setup was just a bit aggrevating. The program crashed whenever I tried to access the Openings option in the Academy section. I finally figured out that my screen resolution was set too high (1680 x 1050). After lowering my screen resolution to 1280 x 1024 or lower, everything worked just fine. Troubleshooting this took me quite a bit of time and aggrevation, but it is a simple solution and, in the end, the program worked fine. I am an average chess player, but I continue to learn from this program, especially the Josh Waitzkin academy. I recommend this program to anyone wanting to learn about chess, no matter their skill level.

Worthless Crap

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 9 / 16
Date: February 25, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Bought this Chess game 3 disc set. Installs just fine, but will not play. Most useless 3 disc Chess set ever. McReady had a better chess game in " The Thing". It's not my XP computer, It's this peice of crap chess game that won't work.

Most exciting development in chess software yet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 11
Date: December 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I can understand the ruckus about the copy protection problems (although it is very easy to download a cd fix so you do not have to use the CD to play the game), and even the occasional technical problem, but dismissing the game because of this is a serious mistake. This is the most beautifully rendered chess software yet. It is so beautiful that it makes the entire playing experience much more pleasurable. The 3d graphics are astounding. The natural language advice (and analysis) with an actual synthetic (and amazingly natural sounding) voice almost brought tears to my eyes, I learn something new every game thanks to this!. You could tell the game was going to be something remarkable since the beginning intro. Please, do not let the misguided reviews impede you from experiencing this remarkable software (the best ever, by far), you will not be disappointed!.

I play it more than Fritz

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 9
Date: February 19, 2005
Author: Amazon User

After playing Fritz 8 for a year, before that, playing Chess Master 9000, 6000, Power Chess, and Chess Master 3000. Chess Master 10th addition is now my favorite chess program. There are many improvements over the 9000 version. I must admit, it took a while for the modern look of the game to grow on me, my first impression was not so good. I like the look of fritz with the large 2D playing board area. Chess Master has a new and improved ranked game play, with many AI opponent to choose form. It even recommends an AI player based on your rating/performance in ranked play. The online play is much, much, much better than the 9000 version. The interactive training and drills are excellent, and improved... though some are the same as previous versions. Under training mode, you can even play simultaneous games against AI opponents. This is a lot of fun. The kids section is vastly improved. I really like this game, as you can see... however, I recommend downloading the demo from the chessmaster website before making your purchase. You will have 8 hours of game play, plenty of time to see if you like it, and if it will run on your computer. Oh, I have Fritz 8 Deluxe now as well... and I still play Chess Master 10th edition all the time. Unless I'm away form home, then I play Chess Tiger on my PalmOne Zire.

Buy A Chess Computer or Another Software

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: June 25, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I have been a user of various Chessmaster packages for Windows and Mac for many many years. Recently, they have been a disappointment, using copy protection that inhibits legitimate users from enjoying the game.
Using a notebook computer on batteries? Better play a fast game before the constantly-running CD wears down the power.
Don't like hunting for the CD everytime you play? You'll have to.
Get irritated if Chessmaster stops other programs from running? That is totally inexusable and downright rude.
I'm sure there's a great chess engine in there, but who cares, the software is worthless.

CHESSMASTER 10TH EDITION IS GREAT !

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: January 26, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I learned to play very basic chess as a kid. While I have not really tried all there is out there in chess programs, I can truly say this program is fun, educational, and very much worth it ! As far as any problems with running the program or installation, I've had ZERO ISSUES.
For my own comparison, I just bought Deep Fritz grandmaster deluxe. So far I've had some issues learning to navigate the program and feel comfortable. The fact I didn't receive a manual in the box didn't help. However, amazon is sending me a new copy, so hopefully I'll get the manual and be able to write about a comparison.

Great Overall Chess Program

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: December 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Simple, easy to use, variety of "human opponents" at all skill levels,budget priced for everyone. Overall a great value! Beats playing on the Internet as you can customize your chess matches.

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