Can anyone tell me how exactly to use shredder to analyze my games?  Does it work something similar to the analysis on this site? Any info would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks

Depending on what version you have it should be better.  The site's strength is at 2500 shredder I believe is 2800+.

Now I don't know what the analysis will look like, but I'm pretty sure Shredder is stronger.

Ooops, sorry.

You should have an option like engine, analysis or tools that would let you analyze your games.  That's the way most engines work, but I don't own shredder so I'm nto sure.

Ok...I put in a PGN of a very short game, that got resigned last night.  and this is basically what it spit out....anyone care to give me an idea of what it means?

I mean i have a vague understanding of the score part (the -1.85 etc) but what's the rest mean?

thanks

Fritz does the same thing.  It is giving an evaluation after each ply (each move by each play so half a move) then the number is the time, although for Shredder to take 13.2seconds to come decide that e5 is a +.31 evaluation seems really long.

Although with the space in the nuber maybe its the ply count then the amount of time.  Now that I think about this that makes much more sense.  Have you tried the help file under game analysis, some programs have pretty louse instruction manual.

Alright:

7. d4  -12.26/17 0s

[7. Qd3 -3.66/13 8s]

This can be interpreted that the move 7. d4 was serious blunder giving black and advantage of 12.26 pawns, analyzed to 17 ply which took 0 seconds.

Shredder recommends that white should have played 7. Qd3 which would have only given black a 3.66 pawn advantage, analyzed to 13 ply which took 8 seconds. 

it should be score, then ply, then think time.

A good way to use an engine to improve is to look for strong swings, like blunders, and try to weed them out. You can check out what the engine offers up as a preferable move, and look at the board and see how it differs from the move that was played in the game. I like to use Fritz to see how 'clean' my games are and really try to fine tune my game. Just because I may win a game, it doesn't mean the it was a well played game. I like to try and get as few 'misses' in my game notes as possible. When I do though, it is nice to get that extra idea presented to me. Perhaps I missed a nuance in a certain pawn formation, or maybe I missed a strong sac based on a visual block (a common problem!). If you would like any more help on chess improvement, or with implimenting a chess engine into your training, please message me and I can perhaps help with my own experiences in the area.

chessmaster can analyse a game a even speak the reasons

i just wish you could change the engine

This is good advice.  You should only use the engine to check major shifts in the evaluation, and/or a move that you just might not understand.  I use the Shredder 11 interface and the Shredder 11 engine.  (I love them both).

I let Shredder "think" on a move for a minimum of 3 minutes, usually a little more.  Then you can just inser the best version into the game notes and then go back and play through that new variation and think about IT and try to figure out why Shredder thinks it is better.

To use this analysis feature go to:

Mode

Select Analysis (top of mode menu..NOT analyze game or analyze position...just Analysis)

Shredder will begin to analyze the current move.  You can toggle through the moves if they are not really in question until you get to a move that you need Shredder to take a look at.  Then let Shredder hang and think on that move for at least 3 minutes, or even longer. 

After the allotted time just hit ctrl and insert at the same time and Shredder will insert the best variation into the game notes. 

As I said before it is really important to go through and study the variations that Shredder gives you.  Annotate those variations as well on your own.

I hope this helps!  Shredder is a great no frills interface that really allows the user to get to work! Shredder is also great for practicing Endgame positions!