curious to know what chess programs the rest of the planet is using , i am on my third version of chessmater (10th) , i don't like having to use cd or keeping one handy as i have laptop and desktop and if the disc get damaged ubi is not very helpful .

Fritz 12 is one of the best chess software out right now. That's what I would recommend.

Fritz 12 may be the best but I think it is boring. I think chessmaster 11 is more fun and a complete game. you have different opponent to play against and a better Josh Waitzkin tutorial.

I would recommend chessmaster simple because of Josh Waitzkins tutorial.

it's true i like the functionality of the game , tutorials , rated and unrated games against different personalities. the disc refresh on 9 and now with 10 disc must be loaded before game will start  are my only  complaints. does fritz work the same way

If you want to play something that plays like a real person and not a computer, download the Shredder demo and try it..  

will check out both shredder and fritz .