I'm sure this topic must have been covered, but my search could not pick it up, so apologies if it has.
I'm getting back into chess after a 20 year break, and am keen to pick up some software to make life a little easier. I'm not overly concerned with the strength of the engine, a basic chess program will thoroughly thrash me, but what programs are considered the best for teaching?
The obvious question is: What specifically are you trying to learn? Just saying that you want to get better at "chess" is nowhere near specific enough. There are a lot of programs (and other types of resource) out there that will help with one specific area. Do you want to work on tactics? Openings? Endgames? Positional understanding? There are different "best" options for each of these.
A GUI and an engine will be useful no matter what, and some of the (not free) ones have various instructive features built in, but targeted training will probably get you more bang for your buck, so pick what you're interested in focusing on and then we can offer better advice.
Or if you're not sure what to focus on, post a sample game, and we'll be able to get a quick idea of your relative strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps offer advice on where to focus your attention the most.
I'm sure this topic must have been covered, but my search could not pick it up, so apologies if it has.
I'm getting back into chess after a 20 year break, and am keen to pick up some software to make life a little easier. I'm not overly concerned with the strength of the engine, a basic chess program will thoroughly thrash me, but what programs are considered the best for teaching?
Any help appreciated.
There are so many resources online, but if you haven't played for so long, it helps to brush up on tactics, so I'd recommend the tactics training section of chesstempo or something similar, depending on your strength.
I tried a couple of games last night. I think I just need to play a little to get back in the saddle, and then take a deeper look. The idea of posting a game sounds good, thanks, but let me get the rust off first.
I've been playing a little, and rekindling my love for the game.
I've also discovered the enormous repository of YouTube videos, and am working through those looking for the decent ones. Any suggestions there would be welcome.
The Chessbase playing programs like fritz's opening tree is still my favorite way to study openings. But I found some thing similar for iPad this openings explorer app and there appear to be a few of these programs typically free with the ability to buy upgrades like the one i use is free if you don't need an engine as well just the tree. Problem with Chessbase is they don't offer a Mac version. For a complete subscription service I'd recommend chessclub.com. Just my take, Mike.
Hey guys I was just inquiring about what some of the good chess engines to use online are? I have ICC and their stockfish engine is CONSTANTLY freezing its really tilting to try and go over games with it. Free, preferably, but whatever actually works would be great!
