Derrick
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This software essentially offers a complete chess solution. It supplies virtual opponents of any strength or playing style, while its online (and LAN) play options allow you to face real opponents.
Ever since the earliest computers, people have striven to apply them to the cerebral game of chess. The creation of competent chess programs has always been a challenge for programmers, and has generally been deemed an important step in the development of artificial intelligence. Chess computers have abounded for years, with Gary Kasparov being quite famous for endorsing a specific line.
Among other brands and names, Chessmaster stands out, having a long history dating back to the PC-XT, as well as some of its contemporaries, including the Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, Apple II, original Mac, and various Atari systems.
This latest version of Chessmaster brings you more than just a chess opponent. It actually provides an entire chess environment, not only giving you the chance to play the game, but also to improve your game. To that end, it is overflowing with tutorial material, much of it provided by International Chess Master, Josh Waitzkin.
There are two major ways to play Chessmaster against the AI: Training mode and Ranked mode. The former is chock-a-block with tutorial features, such as a blunder alert that warns you of seriously detrimental moves, hints and advice, and a variety of overlays that display things like safe zones (not threatened by your opponent) and danger zones (the converse).
The Training mode also allows you to take back moves, and while the selected time limit is observed, it is not enforced, ensuring a game is not lost due to time expiration. This game mode is great for when you want a bit of relaxed practice just to brush up on your game.
Ranked play provides strict enforcement of all rules: it enforces the time limit, and take-backs are not possible – you live with the consequences of your moves. In either mode, when setting up the game, you can set the nature of your opponent.
Here is where this game truly shines. Unlike many previous chess programs, this one allows you to face exactly the type of opponent that you want. There are a number of real player profiles programmed in, as well as the behaviour of a great many historical masters and grandmasters, each with a brief summary of play style (such as “early attacker”, or “indirect pressure on the centre”).
One of the available personalities is Josh Waitzkin at various ages and various points during his growth as a chess player. In addition, you can create your own opponent by designing its “personality” characteristics.
As well as the single-player elements, what makes this title a hit are the multiplayer features. Ranked and unranked games are available for both online and LAN play. Essentially, Chessmaster can replace your chessboard, your notation pads, and your chess books. It also grants you access to countless opponents, both virtual and real.
Ever since the earliest computers, people have striven to apply them to the cerebral game of chess. The creation of competent chess programs has always been a challenge for programmers, and has generally been deemed an important step in the development of artificial intelligence. Chess computers have abounded for years, with Gary Kasparov being quite famous for endorsing a specific line.
Among other brands and names, Chessmaster stands out, having a long history dating back to the PC-XT, as well as some of its contemporaries, including the Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga, Apple II, original Mac, and various Atari systems.
This latest version of Chessmaster brings you more than just a chess opponent. It actually provides an entire chess environment, not only giving you the chance to play the game, but also to improve your game. To that end, it is overflowing with tutorial material, much of it provided by International Chess Master, Josh Waitzkin.
There are two major ways to play Chessmaster against the AI: Training mode and Ranked mode. The former is chock-a-block with tutorial features, such as a blunder alert that warns you of seriously detrimental moves, hints and advice, and a variety of overlays that display things like safe zones (not threatened by your opponent) and danger zones (the converse).
The Training mode also allows you to take back moves, and while the selected time limit is observed, it is not enforced, ensuring a game is not lost due to time expiration. This game mode is great for when you want a bit of relaxed practice just to brush up on your game.
Ranked play provides strict enforcement of all rules: it enforces the time limit, and take-backs are not possible – you live with the consequences of your moves. In either mode, when setting up the game, you can set the nature of your opponent.
Here is where this game truly shines. Unlike many previous chess programs, this one allows you to face exactly the type of opponent that you want. There are a number of real player profiles programmed in, as well as the behaviour of a great many historical masters and grandmasters, each with a brief summary of play style (such as “early attacker”, or “indirect pressure on the centre”).
One of the available personalities is Josh Waitzkin at various ages and various points during his growth as a chess player. In addition, you can create your own opponent by designing its “personality” characteristics.
As well as the single-player elements, what makes this title a hit are the multiplayer features. Ranked and unranked games are available for both online and LAN play. Essentially, Chessmaster can replace your chessboard, your notation pads, and your chess books. It also grants you access to countless opponents, both virtual and real.