I share your passion for books and studying. In fact, I also enjoying studying as much, if not more, than actually playing.
I also own a few dedicated computers, some of them from the 1980s. Alas, unlike you, I don't use them much at all anymore. I recognize the many advantages of using today's chess engines and software (GUIs). It's hard not to ignore them.
I don't have to set up the pieces after every game.
At the click of a button I can get an engine's analysis of the current position, and to know what the top x number of moves are.
I have a databases of millions of master games at my disposal. I can load and play through these games, and jump to any position instantly.
I can copy and paste a position from a magazine or a websiteinto my GUI, faster than I can set up the pieces.
I can step through an annotated game's variations and lines, and then go back to the main variation at the click of a button.
I can load a database of quiz positions, and go through them much faster than if I had to set up each one by hand.
Etc.
I DO understand that some people have a harder time concentrating or "seeing" the board on a monitor, compared to an actual chess set. Fortunately for me, I don't have a problem with this. And yes, it is more fun to play a game on an actual set, but I leave that for my tournament games.
So no, I can't recommend a specific study plan for a Mephisto or any other dedicated computer. (Other than to do what you're probably already doing... playing over master games and making the moves on your computer, and seeing what it would play in various positions.)
If your goal is to improve, you will be able to improve much, much faster using today's software (engines and GUIs). You will be able to do more in less time.
Dedicated Chess Computer Study Advice
Thanks, MrEdCollins,
was it difficult getting used to using software?
Is there a particular one for Mac that does all that you describe?
It seems like I need to pull myself up to date. I would prefer more rapid improvement, via technology, than slowly going through books to get games.
In asking for a recommendation (Mac), please be specific. I would like to have access to analysis, training, GM games, etc.
Is there one "all in one" I should look for?
No problem.
Alas, I don't have a Mac, nor am I familiar with them (PC man here, since about 1992) so I can't recommend anything. In fact, I'd be lost on a Mac.
I own copies of just about every chess interface, including Arena (ugg) and Fritz and Shredder and Chessbase and all the rest. My favorite program of all of them is Scid vs. PC, and I understand there's a Mac version... I think. If so, I recommend that. In fact, I have a section on my website devoted to this GUI.
I also use among my many different chess engines, the latest version of Stockfish, which is as strong, if not stronger than any other engine. (And free.) I also understand Stockfish can be compiled to run on a Mac. But again, you're asking the wrong person for anything concerning a Mac.
No, it wasn't difficult for me to get used to chess software. Again, I've been using and working with and programming computers for about 22 years. (I was a also a COBOL programmer in the mid 1990s, working on a mainframe!) My friends usually come to me when they have any kind of a computer problem. They joke that I've already forgotten more than they will ever know.
I know not everyone is as comfortable around computers or learning how to use new software. But like anything else, it just takes time and practice and dedication. Having a good teacher by your side can prove invaluable. It also helps, of course, if you're enjoying yourself as you learn. If it's a chore or something you don't look forward to, than you've already lost the battle.
Too bad you're not in Southern California.
P.S. If you think I was joking about enjoying books, all of those books and magazines you see in my avatar are chess books! I own 560+ different books.
thanks, Ed.
I revived a few "mac chess computer software" threads and found that there has not been any new breakthroughs or new recommendations.
I am going to consider the Hiarcs for Mac program.
I am going to go at it bit by bit. Like you, I love my books. My chess library isn't as large as yours (though my personal library is pretty big), I do enjoy learning.
Here's to some productive years ahead of me!
Hello Peter, this is John Moyer again, I also have a mephisto chess computer. I have some software that you can out on your PC. I have Chessmaster 9000. It's has 2 data cd's that you install on your computer. It has tutorials; driils; puzz;es and even the beginner tutorials you can learn from. Iy has a library with all the chess openings. When you go in the game room you can click on set up personality. You can pick opponenents from a low rating all the way up to the chessmaster which is rated over 2700. Each opponent has its strengths and weaknesses. I think the latest version is 10000. It has Josh Waitzkin. Endgame course. Only thing is you have to have one of the disc in when you play it. I personally think it's stronger than the mephisto. I think they have it at amazon. Check it out. I've had mine for 10 years it'll give you a good chess game. Some opponents are a hand full.
Hiarcs chess explorer do a version for the mac.......it is famous for having the most realistic human play and has a great opening book. it's also very easy to use.......if you like using a real chess board you could just transfer the yours move from the pc to a chess board!
I have the Mephisto Milano from way back when. I set it at "analyze" where Magnus had a "mate in 22"... thus far, 12 hours later, it is up to + 2.83 and 14 ply.
I suppose I will let it run until it gets to 22 ply and hopefully spots the mate in 22.
It is amazing that an iPhone chess computer can spot it in less than...a second or so?
yet, I love the old school quality of yesteryear.
i don't like computers
I am in a similar study position, but am playing my games on my laptop, I play live games occasionally, but while in study-mode I usually use the freeware Lucas Chess or the $27.95 at Amazon Chess King Standard. Both produce pgn files for your games. Both do a tremendous job of finding errors in tactics, though they will not be able to tell you much about positional aspects of the game. For example, a queen's pawn opening may have transposed into a king's pawn Caro-Kann or French Defense without your realizing it and your strategy didn't change as required. Or you may not appreciate the pluses and minuses of moving a d or e pawn to the 5th rank.
That's where How to Reassess Your Chess and some of the pawn structure books like Soltis's Pawn Structure Chess can give you excellent insights.
If I want to play on a physical board. I set up a tournament size board (2.25" squares) with a 3.75" King set and simply enter the moves both on the actual board and on the computer.
I like and use HIARCS for the Mac. Primarily for the building opening explorer, managing a DB of my own games and using the analysis feature. I use Chess.com for tactics training, study plans and playing.
I am a 1200-1400 player.
I love chess books, and love study more than play.
I am studying tactics and playing through Master games, covering the next move, to develop intuition. I am adding in some "How to Reassess Your Chess" and Dan Heismann reading into the mix.
I love dedicated computers. I love moving actual pieces far more than lap top. I cannot afford something special like the Resurrection but perhaps a company will produce a very strong dedicated computer for us. The old Mephisto wooden boards are beautiful.
Using the Mephisto, I am trounced on the highest levels. Mine gets set by the level and I am up to beating 1500 once in a while, but not higher.
Can anyone recommend a plan of study, using a Mephisto? (I have Milano and Academy. (I have purchased a few more, over the years, for my kids, who love them). The Milano and Academy have nice functions but are not "strong" like today's programs.
Should I play at the high levels and record the games, replaying them to learn from errors? (this can be a bit demoralizing).
Or, should I use it to set up positions for general study? The "analyze" feature is not fast like today's systems.
Recently, a family member has been diagnosed with a form of early dementia, and me and my siblings are all concerned, as her doctor urged us (due to family hx) to exercise the brain. Chess is a wonderful means of brain exercise.
I'd like to combine my love of the dedicated Mephisto and desire to improve my play, to benefit my health (eventually find a local chess club to compete) and have lots of chess books.
Anyway to use the chess books with the dedicated computer?
Thank you in advance.