Rybka 4 / Fritz 12

Alright, so I've never really used a program like Rybka or Fritz but I was hoping to hear from people who have. Is it worth the money? What can it do besides evaluate positions? Can it really teach me anything?

I've looked at some features on websites selling it (Rybka 4) but as far as I could tell it only evaluates positions. I mean, I understand that accurate evaluation of a position (as well as possible continuations) is a good tool, but I can't imagine I would learn a quarter of what I do from Chess Mentor here at chess.com from just that, although I realize I may just not know how to properly use it (why im asking for information).

While I've got your attention, what's the difference between Rybka 4 and Deep Rybka 4 (besides about $60)? Everything I've read says that the only difference is that Deep Rybka 4 can use multiple processors. I would imagine that that makes it faster, but is it really worth double the price?

Thanks in advance.

I own Fritz 12 and it teaches as much as you have time to learn. Regarding Rybka, there is a free and legal version called Rybka 2.2n2. It works just fine with Fritz 12. Also, you can get many other very high quality engines for analysis that are free and legal as well, i.e., Stockfish and Crafty -  my two favorites.

Fritz 12 comes with it's own engine analysis as well, and although the pawn evaluations are on the high side, i.e., +1.0 instead of +0.50, the continuations are plenty strong for everyone but perhaps a titled player (Master) who needs precise evaluations.To those guys, a 1/10th of a pawn means something with how precise they must play to compete.

Rybka 2.2n2 is more precise than Fritz 12 regarding weighing how much of an advantage one side may have, however, the continuations I get from both engines are equally good.

I believe deep rybka is the multiprocessor version.

It's worth it to someone who's paid all the extra money for a multi-processor computer.  Getting the regular version would essentially waste your extra processors.  I know the main reason I have a computer is because of chess engines and the opportunity for online chess.

And for sure serious players, i.e. professional players, will shell out the extra money, so why not double the price .  A pro with one program on one computer would be hard to find anyway... these guys don't only use multi processors but multiple computers as well.  They probably think of the extra $60 as a relatively small price to pay heh.

 Rybka4/fritz12 is the latest chess engine:-Without it now with you I boldly think that you are not yet a good chess player i.e rating less than 1800. Every good chess players are dependent on chess programs nowadays.

Benefits:-

1. You can master the opening by yourself.

2. You can play against opponent the strength of world champion.

3. You can see old games from database.

4. Most importantly you can analyse and ask hints in a complicated position.

These are just some few of many benefits. I strongly recommend you not to think twice just buy it and enter the world of chess. Good luck!