Best Chess applications for PCs

Sort:
grubs4chess

Sorry all. This topic has probably been beat to death already, but I did a search and did not see any discussions on the topic. I am interested on a chess application (for a beginner) with a good engine other than the one for free here online. I am trying to find some educational tool(s). I have been trying to use the computer here on chess.com to show me the best move in games played against the computer. The one online here, typically will blunder if you follow it's hints and also makes some really repetitive moves very often ending right back where the piece was originally. That seems a little strange, but whatever. On several games where I made most of the initial moves which lead to both sides being fully developed in good positions. Neither side down any material. That is the point where I am weak proceeding with making an attack which begins the fireworks of exchanges. When I do decide how I want to proceed, I use the hint button in an effort to see if my move and the engine's recommendation are the same. In some cases it agrees with me, but a lot of other cases, it does not. If they are not, I follow the hint move. If I continue to let the hints guide me, White loses eventually after a weird game of a hundred seemingly senseless moves, Black will eventually win. Then, I go to analyze the game and see how in the world White lost, it say White made blunders and mistakes, while Black did not. Is this typical with the engines playing against themselves? I Just thought I would ask for opinions on other software that may be better and hopefully much faster than the one here. I may be wishing for something that does not exist. Too new to know better. So be it if so. Thanks in advance for any comments, links, or other constructive criticism. See you on the board some day when I get better. Best Regards. dlg 

recklass

Well, the biggest thing to be aware of is that the level you are playing against really matters. My biggest advice would be not to use the Hint button here. It's going to assume that you are as good a player as the level you set the computer to play at. The chess engine at levels 1-4 makes a lot of blunders, though less at each level. I'm not sure it is the best teaching engine.

For the PC there are other options. If you want to spend some bucks, Fritz 15 is very good, has several different analysis and teaching modes. It can use many different UCI chess engines, including one of the best Open Source engines: Stockfish.

There are free apps available, but realize that how good they are at helping you learn will vary quite a lot. Most can be set to play at various levels many will provide hints for moves.

Remember, getting a hint is not nearly as good as explaining why that hint might be a good move. That takes experience, and perhaps cracking open a good book or getting a chess coach to learn.

 

grubs4chess

Thanks recklass. Your points are great and well put. I was using the hint button to try and learn, but you are right. If I do not understand why it makes a move, I learn nothing except that the computer is sometimes smarter than me. I play on level 10. But if I use my moves, I get the heck beat out of me every time. Lower levels are too stupid and let me win. I checked out Fritz quickly and they offer free play online as well. I will check it out right now and more given time. I am sure the online version is not as full featured as the purchased version. I am not sure what you mean bucks? We talking under $100? or over? I am retired and on a pretty tight budget, but if it is within reason, and would be a helpful tool over a book, I would be willing to make a purchase. I have never been a book worm. I just can't read fast enough for my brain, but I do love to watch instructional videos on YouTube and here. I love Jerry's live game recordings he publishes. Even his bad games when he blunders his Q. You got to love a guy that will publish those. I have watched many hours there and his 15 video series for beginners. Also, many others are good. And, I will continue. I am not sure who Jerry is exactly, but he seems to be associated with this site and worthwhile for me at least, to watch. He uses Stockfish and goes over his games which is very interesting. Thanks again for the input. I hope others find it useful as well. dlg

grubs4chess

I already like Fritz online. Way cool. Thanks.