my first pick... chessmaster!
Chess master
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I should have asked this question in THIS thread:
Has anyone used ChessMaster (any version from 1000 through XI) for opening preparation?
And I mean for establishing opening repertoire for white AND black. 
Sep 4, 2010
0
#24
I've always used CM to build my Openings arsenal. Their descriptions are helpful and easy to understand. I would stick to a couple of specific openings and try them out in games then once I understood them and learned them well enough, I'd pick a couple of different ones and do the same. It does help. Then I got van der Sterren's Fundamental Chess Openings book and never looked back.
NickYoung5 wrote:
Prakchess wrote:
Ive never played the chessMaster prog, but DeepFritz is a good program, ive had it an the database is great... but my question is , how do you get it to a setting where its not to strong and your learning?
I'm not sure about earlier versions but in Fritz12 look on the "Training" tab. There is a handicap setting there. If you select "Rated Game" from that tab you will have a chance to set Fritz's rating (down to around 1,000). For "Friend Mode" you can set its handicap in terms of pawn points (e.g. +200 means it's giving you the equivalent of 2 pawns handicap)
Ey... Thanks...
ChessMarkstheSpot wrote:
Nick, that is where I am now. Last week I was at the high 300s, like 380, now, in less than a full week, down to 226. I should be less than 200 by the weekend if I keep playing like I have been. Fritz really is a great program
I agree, i wish i would have known how to work it.... but i have been useing it...
NickYoung5 wrote:
ChessMarkstheSpot wrote:
Yeah I got the CD and it is THE best purchase I've ever made, well, my g/f bought it for me. Honestly, I want to put it in a bank vault that's how precious that CD is to me LOL
Just make sure you don't forget about the g/f now :-)
LOL
Back in ChessMaster 10, did anyone try the different human player personalities that could be configured for the chess computer? I remember seeing personalities for Kasparov and Topalov with opening book configurations on the Internet.
Any thoughts on how fun or useless those were?
Sep 6, 2010
0
#29
chessroboto - yes, the extra personalities like Topalov/Kasparov are very helpful. Kasparov is dominating, as figured, but the download also includes a lot more players as well. When I opened the program up I was surprised at all the new faces. The first thing I did was have Kasparov and Fischer go at it in a 60 minutes/player match. It was a very tough match but Kasparov beat him. I run a chess league for CM 10 and Kasparov right now is the man to beat. IMHO, it was well worth the download
I didn't read all the answers here, so you might have been already told , but I saw it at a Half Priced Book store a while back. Didn't buy it though.
Which one did you not buy? The ChessMaster program or the add-ons?
ChessMarkstheSpot wrote:
chessroboto - yes, the extra personalities like Topalov/Kasparov are very helpful. Kasparov is dominating, as figured, but the download also includes a lot more players as well. When I opened the program up I was surprised at all the new faces. The first thing I did was have Kasparov and Fischer go at it in a 60 minutes/player match. It was a very tough match but Kasparov beat him. I run a chess league for CM 10 and Kasparov right now is the man to beat. IMHO, it was well worth the download
Where can I download this at?
Right here is where I got it, I assume this is the same stuff that Robo was talking about:
http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/760105752/m/5081052236
Great resource! Staight from the source. Legit and probably 100% virus free. 
What about CMXI? Any great add-ons for it except for a patch?
Sep 8, 2010
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#35
the personalities and what not are also compatible with CM 11. You can use whatever sets you downloaded for CM 10 in 11.
Are there more custom-made opening moves for other personalities or did Ubisoft stop with Kasparov and Topalov?
Sep 8, 2010
0
#37
The Kasparov/Topalov personalities are all fan-created based on countless hours of analysis. But there are new opening books as well that go with them.
Good to know. Thanks. 
I've loved that series for years and I still use it for my CPU chess league that I have, but moving to Fritz was one of the best choices I've ever made when it comes to chess.