Yeah, the ChessBase Light seems like the way to go. I also have CB Light and I like it a lot. It has most of your necessary functions and the best part is that it is FREE.
I see no real need to pay for one of the professional chess database programs.
I asked this question elsewhere on the board, but perhaps the second time's a charm.
Does anyone use Chess Assistant. If so, how does it compare to Chessbase9. Also, does anyone know of any in depth tutorials for either of these database programs?
There are lots of articles here about Chessbase 9. Make sure to look at the "T-notes" in the left hand menu as well. Even if articles are about earlier versions of Chessbase, they are still relevant and useful.
For Chess Assistant, you could try following the Chess OK columns at ChessCafe. They started last year and the archived columns are here.
Hope this helps.
I use Chessbase 9 daily. You can search for master games that reached the same opening position yours did, or that reached similar ending positions. You can lookup millions of tournament games, create rich graphical annotations, print out chess diagrams, analyze with your engines, swap games with others, etc. And there's an option to update your database as new games are played. It's stuff I didn't think I needed before I got it as a gift, but now can't live without. :)
I haven't checked out Chessbase Light 2007, but make sure it's able to load at least 50,000 games... if it loads less than that, you may find the freeware program SCID to more useful. Also, in addition to the database software make sure you find a PGN file with 10,000 games or so in each of your favorite openings or the database software itself won't be that useful. The full Chessbase comes with 3.5 million games, but 50,000 targeted games should work fine.
There are lots of articles here about Chessbase 9. Make sure to look at the "T-notes" in the left hand menu as well. Even if articles are about earlier versions of Chessbase, they are still relevant and useful.
For Chess Assistant, you could try following the Chess OK columns at ChessCafe. They started last year and the archived columns are here.
Hope this helps.
Thanks. I haven't decided which of these programs to really delve into. Conventional wisdom seems to support Chessbase. However, there are Grandmasters who use Chess Assistant. Also, Chess Assistant is cheaper and, and this might be the deal maker, it comes with a comprehensive manual in ENGLISH!!!
What is a chess database program? -- pthaloblue
Software that stores your chess games, and those of others, and allows you to search those games and generate useful statistics.
I'm just beginning to understand the usefulness of chess database programs myself. In addition to being able to pull statistical information out of your, or someone else's, games, one of the interesting things that I've begun to do is to go through my games and then at a certain position, search a huge database of millions of games for games with that same position. That way, I can see how much better players, often Grandmasters, played out those same positions.
I cannot live without my chessbase 9 also. And the best chess database around. It is my faviourite for the chess meadia feature it has.
I have a My chess life 1 and 2 by V Korchinoi and various others.
The 3.5 million chess games in maga base 2007 with a lot annotated gives the games that more exiciteting to see what lines there is in the games.
yes without doubt the best. And yes I have seen chess assistant but chessbase 9 wins for me.
sorry, i'm very interest as my frie nd keeps telling me to use chess . coms database
I'M EMBARRASSED TO SAY I DON'T KNOW HOW TO BEGIN TO USE ONE AND HOW TOO
I'M PLAYING A GAME AND HE SAYS IT NOT CHEATING AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE IT TO HELP MY GAME.
I PLAY CHESS, BUT I'M JUST TRYING TO GET INTO THE USING OF SOFTWARE TO IMPROVE MY CHESS
MY OTHER FRIEND JUST RECOMMENDED TO GET TWO ITEMS RUIGHT NOW BEING PERSONAL CHESS TRAINOR AND FRITZ 11, ARE EITH ONE OF THESE A DATA BASE, HOW ABOUT CHESS ASSISTANT 9.1?
THA NKS TONY (ANTNE003)
Fritz 11 comes with a database that contains one million games. Chess Assistant is a full fledged database program, as is Chess Base 9--each has those that prefer theirs over the competition.
You also can access online, absolutely free, the Chess Base database http://www.chesslive.de and the more selective New in Chess database http://www.newinchess.com/NICBase/Default.aspx?PageID=400
Partial use of http://www.chessgames.com/ is free, but full access requires membership.
Very wise for such a spring chicken! 
Very wise for such a spring chicken!
I have an old soul.
Does anyone use a chess database program and what do you think of them?
I'm thinking of trying the free ChessBase Light 2007 to see what it's like.