frustrated

Definitely, Chessmaster program is best for learning. If you want to get better, buy it asap.

The reason it's good for learning is it contains `preprogrammed' skill levels, that focus specifically on different tactical, strategic themes and openings.

You will, for example play an opponent that is very adept at sacrificing and opening lines.

Other opponents will play very defensive and set up pawn barriers, etc. There are dozens of skill levels, so you'll be able to play opponents that you can beat, but still have to work hard against.

As for your original complaint of `hitting a wall', or `getting worse'. Dude, you just started playing very recently. Consistency will come with more knowledge. Right now there are too many gaps in your knowledge to be consistent.

That's another reason to train with Chessmaster. You will play several games against the same opponent until you `get wise' to a particular tactics and strategy.

Take a break from playing whenever you feel like it. Lev Albert has said that it takes a while for the brain to `connect the dots' after studying and playing. Then, you'll get to the next increment level.

Hope this helps.