I think Chessmaster is the most user-friendly program. It's pretty much designed for you to play and learn against the computer.
Fritz and Rybka are stronger, which is useful if you're trying to prepare against a tactical opening, especially for top-level chess. These two engines use the same interface.
I have a Mac. So unfortunately, Chessmaster is my only option. I like their teaching program okay. Anything after the intermediate level, Chess Mentor on Chess.com is better.
When i just started playing again a few months ago after years of not playing i picked up chessmaster and really benefitted from the academy setup it had, going through the endgame theory section and checking out the narrated master games is extremely beneficial, the whole game is explained from the teachers perspective and it really helps you see how to develop the same ideas OTB.
I'd agree. I do like the narrated master games.
Chessmaster is best for learning.it's got tutorials,puzzles,many personalities to play with etc.the Chessmaster character itself is around 2600-2700 strength...more than enough for us patzers!
which program should i buy if i really want to learn chess not just play a powerful engine? fritz 12 rybka or chessmaster11. what are the pros and cons of buying the software.