So, assume you want "the best" and you're independently wealthy.  What software packages would you buy and why?

Arena is free and so is the Rybka 2.2n2 64-bit MP engine... which gets you to ~3000 ELO.  That's probably "good enough".

But "good enough" just isn't the best.  If you wanted to do the following:

1. Play against engines like Rybka, Naum, etc.

2. Analyze positions, games, etc.

3. Search through databases (free or purchased)

4. Play online against others (via FICS or some other server)

Which user interface program(s) would you purchase?

It seems like most people are opting for Aquarium or Fritz for their engine front end application and then Chessbase or Chess Assistant for their database application.

What is most important to me is an easy-to-use interface and seamless integration with the database application.

So... what would you choose?

- Wil

I'd probably go with chessbase 10 and rybka 3.

 So you can play chess inside of Chessbase using the Rybka 3 engine?

I'd probably buy a chess.com diamond membership and use ChessMentor and that covers 99% of what you listed. :D

I have considered to buy a Diamond membership beacuse of the Chess Mentor. Its fantastic. I sign up for a gold membership in November, and i see when i go into the upgrade-menu, that if i buy a Diamond membership i will get a discount(or i have a membership credit = 24USD or something) This means that my diamond membership will cost me around 70USD. Does that mean that my diamond membership will expire in November? Just wondering.

I also have a question to Wil_Bloodwort:

You are saying that Arena and Rybka 2.2n2 64-bit MP engine is free, and that i get a ELO-ranking around 3000. I would really like to get my hands on these programs. Were could i find it? Do you have a link?

 Yes.  You can download Arena bundled with Rybka 2.2n2 directly from http://www.PlayWithArena.com. And you can see the software ELO ratings here: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=arena+chess&aq=f&oq=

Maybe I should've added the qualification that I do NOT want to have to be any where near an internet connection to still play chess.  That means I want actual software that runs directly on my computer; without an internet connection.  The Chess.com memberships (from what I understand) don't allow you this freedom.  I already have a Chess.com membership and the Chess Mentor is great.  But this still doesn't solve the problems I asked about originally.

Wil_Bloodworth> So you can play chess inside of Chessbase using the Rybka 3 engine?

When you buy Rybka 3 from Chessbase, you get the Fritz interface. Unless you take extra steps to buy it solo, Rybka 3 comes with play / analysis software.

Given your "requirements", especially integration, easy-to-use, offline access, and online play ability Rybka 3 (w/ Fritz) + Chessbase 10 = $235 USD is a good fit.

Thank you.

- Wil

if money wasn't an issue, i'd buy them ALL and be done with it. why choose?

Good point.  But that's a real waste of time and money.  I don't want to buy them all and sit around reviewing software.  I want to buy the best package that will help me be the most productive and become a better chess player.