Best Chess Software - Chess against Computer

Ranked #1,002 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #10,943 overall

Chess Software - For Kings, Queens and Commons

Chess is easily the most enthralling sport that can challenge even the best of the best. It is calculated that the opening four moves in chess has 318,979,564,000 possible combinations. What can be more challenging even for the best of the super-computers or for the Grandmasters!? Till very recently, the best humans (Grandmasters in Chess) could easily beat the best computer software programs. With increasing processor speeds and number crunching prowess's, the software programmes are getting ever harder to beat.

Selected below are some of the best Chess software currently available in the market, which not only can challenge you against the computer but also would be able to teach you to become a better player at chess. You may select them for yourself or may want it as gifts to your children or friends for birthdays or for festive occasions like Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving and Easter etc. There are also a plethora of other chess related resources and learning tools that may be of interest to you or your kids. Enjoy your visit and best wishes!

Chess Pieces - Illuminated
From AllPosters.com

"The development of beauty in chess never depends on you alone. No matter how much imagination and creativity you invest, you still do not create beauty. Your opponent must react at the same highest level."

Vladimir Kramnik

Chess Champion Gary Kasparov Training for May Rematch with Smarter Version of IBM Computer

Fritz 13 Chess Playing Software Program plus Play Chess-Have Fun E-Book

Fritz 13 Chess Playing Software Program plus Play Chess-Have Fun E-Book (2 item Bundle)

Amazon Price: $59.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $69.95

How to use Fritz chess software

A first look at the new Fritz13 chess program! (Fritz Tip #0018)
by USCFSalesVideos | video info

10 ratings | 3,577 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Fritz 12 Chess Playing Software Program & Play Chess - Have Fun Fritz E-Book

Fritz 12 Chess Playing Software Program & Play Chess - Have Fun Fritz E-Book (2 item Bundle)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Customer Review:
I have owned a number of Fritz chess applications and this recent program, Fritz 12, has hit some high notes. The install is clean and easy. I comes with a huge database of games. The engine is incredibly strong yet you can fine tune the game to play levels all the way down to 1300 depending on your computer speed. There are a tremendous amount of options to use within the program and the one I like the most is the analysis option. After I play a tournament game at the club I like to run my game through the analysis option and see what I missed or how I screwed up! It can be verbose with witty comments or it can be straight forward chess notation with deep lines of analysis. It really lets you know beings as I am a 1600 level player, just how much you miss and what you need to look for in your games.
The database application for Fritz 12 is extensive and it great for training with old games and grandmaster level games.
Just an overall great program. This is a great buy and well worth the money.

FRITZ CHESS - GRANDMASTER CHALLENGE III

Fritz Chess - Grandmaster Challenge III

Amazon Price: $11.82 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Customer Review:
Chess was a mystery to me and Fritz Chess showed me the basic fundamentals and gave me the tools and confidence to probe deeper. The introactive play is almost human-like and invites me to take my game to deeper levels.

Classic Queen

Touch Chess

Touch Chess

Amazon Price: $19.98 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $24.99

Chessmaster

Chessmaster

Amazon Price: $58.92 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $19.99

Customer Review:
The problem I see with people debating the merits of this game generally revolve around motivation. If your sole motive is to use this game just to play chess, you will only get a fraction of the value out of it and might even be disappointed with it. The multiplayer function, offline, requires two people to pass the controller back and forth. While this is not a problem with me, some tend to consider it a hindrance. There are not many people that play online, so the "live" feature lacks attractiveness. This leaves you basically with just a chess game that you are able to play on the xbox, but not much else. If you play the game in this fashion, you are really only getting a superficial taste of what this game really has to offer.

If you, on the other hand, are a player that would like to develop his/her game significantly, then you will marvel at the extensive, nay, nearly overwhelming, tutorial features Chessmaster has to offer. This tutorial section, I believe, is the heart of the Chessmaster game. There is an "academy" taught by Josh Waitzkin himself. It is broken into sections covering the basics of movement, strategy, tactics, psychology, and endgame strategy. To show examples of each section, he annotates an incredible amount of games he played that reinforce the principles he is teaching. I have had this game for a week going through the academy and have not gotten through half of it. This academy is only a fraction of the tutorial section though. There are also the tutorials from previous Chessmaster installments, drills, and an infinite number(literally) of one move puzzles.

There is so much depth to this Chessmaster game that I feel I have not really done it justice in the review. The Josh Waitzkin academy is worth the $20 dollars alone. If you are striving to become a better chess player and looking for some direction, I couldn't give this game a higher recommendation.

Chessmate Electronic Handheld Chess Video Game

Chess Mate Electronic Chess Game

Amazon Price: $5.10 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Customer Review:
This little handheld chess game is very simple, hence the low price, but it works well. There are three levels, and though it may not have as many levels as some other electronic chess games, the different levels vary greatly in difficulty. I was able to beat level 1 fairly easily, but no such luck so far with the much more intelligent level 2, and I haven't even attempted level 3 yet. It has a clear screen (no backlight, but the images are sharp) and moving the pieces is fairly easy once you learn how and get used to it (it's not a touchscreen like some products). Overall, I think it is definitely worth the price if you are looking for something cheap and simple that works as expected.

White's Move

Excalibur Einstein LCD Chess Wizard Computer

Excalibur Einstein LCD Chess Wizard Computer

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $39.99

Customer Review:
No stylus or pieces to lose, several competitive levels, book openings, this little treat has much of the functionality of a much more expensive game. So how does it play? Well, you CAN beat it, but it puts up a pretty good fight!

Advanced Travel Chess Computer

Advanced Travel Chess Computer

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $69.95

Customer Review:
I bought this advanced travel chess computer about 2 years ago, and it still works great. That speaks to the durability. Just change the batteries about once or twice a year and it should keep going no problem.

It comes with extra pieces, and I still have them in a drawyer, and haven't lost any yet. I don't see how you'd lose a piece, unless it fell where you couldn't retrieve it. The lid snaps on tight. One thing about the bishops is they are a bit hard to tell from the pawn, for old eyes. So I notched the base of the bishops with a pen knife so they stand out more.

I'm about a 1300 to 1400 rated player. There are many levels to this game. I'm actually best matched at beginner level 6. There are plenty of higher levels that are much stronger that I can't win against at all. I'd guess this game could give a master a good run for the money. Maybe I'm not the position to say that for sure, but I've played against a master, and that's what this computer game feels like at the higher levels....

Intro to Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Computer

How to: Intro to Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Computer
by thechesshouse | video info

8 ratings | 7,455 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Expert Travel Electronic Chess Set Computer

Expert Travel Electronic Chess Set Computer

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Classic King

Chess Challenger

Chess Challenger

Amazon Price: $87.44 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Customer Review:
If you are looking for a good game to learn and challenge yourself, then this is worth a try. It is reasonably portable with a trap door in the bottom for the pieces. While it has the ability to run off batteries (C cells), the board works off of AC current. The instructions are good with an excellent quickstart section to get going right away. The pieces themselves are of a good size and finish. You do have to place small green felt disks on the bottom of each piece but the felt is supplied. For those who have played electronic stratego, it has the same action where to press down the piece you are going to move and then press it in its new location. I ordered mine from the Chess Store via Amazon. Nice set, nice company.

Saitek Mephisto Master Chess Computer

Saitek Mephisto Master Chess Computer

Amazon Price: $149.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $249.95

King Master III Chess

King Master III Chess

Amazon Price: $95.00 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $49.99

Customer Review:
This was a father's day present for my husband. At first he said it was not suited for him. He thought it was for kids. But once he started moving up in levels he can't put it down. He uses it almost everyday and he is very pleased with it. It works fine but he would have loved if it was not battery operated. Even though the batteries last a long time he would have preferred a power cord. Other than that he loves this product especially the compartment to hold the chess pieces.

Hand Holding Chess Piece in Front of Currency

Novag Star Aquamarine Chess Computer

Novag Star Aquamarine Chess Computer

Amazon Price: $119.95 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $139.95

Excalibur 712 Ivan II The Conqueror

Excalibur 712 Ivan II The Conqueror

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $59.99

Customer Review:
What I really like about this is that you actually handle the pieces instead of just working with a screen. Ivan speaks clearly. It is easy to use as well. I bought 3 for presents, 2 for young teenagers and one for my 78 yr old mother. Everyone loved it. I can't speak for durability since the gifts have only been opened in the last couple weeks. The game feels sturdy. It should last with normal use and care.

Saitek Mephisto Chess Challenger Computer

Saitek Mephisto Chess Challenger Computer

Amazon Price: $75.50 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $99.95

Chess Games on Amazon

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Voted the Best Chess Software (On Top!)

Mastering Chess on DVD, Vol. 22: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano Openings

Mastering Chess on DVD, Vol. 22: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano Openings

Over 2 hours of Chess Instruction on Chess DVD! Le more...1 point

333,000 Games (DVD)

333,000 Games (DVD)

This massive collection offers more game variety t more...1 point

Classic Wood Folding Chess Set

Classic Wood Folding Chess Set

15" X 15" folding inlaid wood chess boar more...1 point

StarCraft Battle Chest

StarCraft Battle Chest

Real-time strategy goes to new levels as three int more...0 points

Roman's Labs Chess: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano & ChessCentral's "Art of War" E-Book: (2 Item Bundle)

Roman's Labs Chess: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano & ChessCentral's "Art of War" E-Book: (2 Item Bundle)

Scotch Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4) and Giuoco more...0 points

Fritz Chess Training- French with 3.Nc3

Fritz Chess Training- French with 3.Nc3

FRENCH WITH NC3 The French Defense has a proven re more...0 points

Learn Chess by John Nunn

Learn Chess by John Nunn

Starting with the very basics, this book tells you more...0 points

Fritz 12 Chess Playing Software Program & Play Chess - Have Fun Fritz E-Book (2 item Bundle)

Fritz 12 Chess Playing Software Program & Play Chess - Have Fun Fritz E-Book (2 item Bundle)

Fritz remains the most popular chess program world more...0 points

Championship Chess [Download]

Championship Chess [Download]

Championship Chess presents the classic game of st more...0 points

Rybka 4 Chess Playing Software

Rybka 4 Chess Playing Software

For years Rybka has been the uncontested number on more...0 points

Ultimate Chess [Download]

Ultimate Chess [Download]

Become the ultimate chess champion! Master this an more...0 points

The Software Toolworks Star Wars Chess

The Software Toolworks Star Wars Chess

This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ s more...0 points

Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game

Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game

Turn the crank, rotate the gears, push the levers, more...0 points

Chess by Oak Systems Leisure Software

Chess by Oak Systems Leisure Software

The classic game of Chess is now available on your more...0 points

Chess Endgames 5: Endgame Principles - Activity & Initiative Chess Software

Chess Endgames 5: Endgame Principles - Activity & Initiative Chess Software

In this 5th Endgame Fritz Trainer DVD we turn to the more...0 points

Chess Explorer

Chess Explorer

Chess Explorer Electronic Chess SetEndorsed by For more...0 points

Total Chess Endings - Software on 2 CD-ROMs

Total Chess Endings - Software on 2 CD-ROMs

This all new Total Chess Endings CD package includes more...0 points

BRAIN GAMES: CHESS - ON HAND SOFTWARE (WIN 98ME2000XPVISTA)

BRAIN GAMES: CHESS - ON HAND SOFTWARE (WIN 98ME2000XPVISTA)

The Original Brain GameChess a competitive strateg more...0 points

Mastering Chess on DVD, Vol. 22: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano Openings

Mastering Chess on DVD, Vol. 22: The Easy Way to Play the Scotch and Giuoco Piano Openings

Over 2 hours of Chess Instruction on Chess DVD! Le more...0 points

Chess For Anyone Volume 2 - Tactics: Secrets of the Masters - Part One

Chess For Anyone Volume 2 - Tactics: Secrets of the Masters - Part One

Introducing CHESS4ANYONE's newest addition to its widely more...0 points

Kasparov Chessmate

Kasparov Chessmate

This software is BRAND NEW. Packaging may differ s more...0 points

Electronic Chess

Electronic Chess

20101029 Features: -Electronic chess.-Can be playe more...0 points

Chess Mate Electronic Chess Game

Chess Mate Electronic Chess Game

Here's a great way to get your Chess fix when no o more...0 points

No Stress Chess

No Stress Chess

With this revolutionary chess teacher, you'll be p more...0 points

ThinkFun Solitaire Chess

ThinkFun Solitaire Chess

You don't have to know the rules of chess to becom more...0 points

Kingmaster III Electronic Chess & Checkers Game

Kingmaster III Electronic Chess & Checkers Game

In the mood for a game of chess or checkers? Why n more...0 points

Chess Teacher

Chess Teacher

This Chess Teacher is a learning set for the begin more...0 points

Excalibur Electronics Einstein Chess Wizard

Excalibur Electronics Einstein Chess Wizard

Beat a wizard and become master of the game with t more...0 points

Family Classic Chess

Family Classic Chess

Chess: Family Classics Edition. Features heavy-duty more...0 points

cardinal glass chess and checkers 14

cardinal glass chess and checkers 14" board game

this elegant chess & checkers game is made out more...0 points

Talking Electronic Chess Master

Talking Electronic Chess Master

'Great Move!' Chess enthusiasts looking to challen more...0 points

2-In-1 Electronic Chess & Checkers

2-In-1 Electronic Chess & Checkers

2-In-1 Electronic Chess & Checkers, Internatio more...0 points

Electronic 3 in 1 Touch Chess, Checkers & Halma Handheld Game

Electronic 3 in 1 Touch Chess, Checkers & Halma Handheld Game

FEATURES: Super-compact unit that can be slipped i more...0 points

Talking Electronic Chess Academy Tabletop Tutor

Talking Electronic Chess Academy Tabletop Tutor

'I Will Teach You Chess!' An engaging introduction more...0 points

Excalibur Electronics

Excalibur Electronics "Games on the Go" Handheld Touch Screen Chess

Play this game of strategy and logic anywhere. 56 custom more...0 points

Touch Chess and Checkers

Touch Chess and Checkers

A portable chess match!This hand-held electronic game more...0 points

Einstein Electronic Touch Chess II

Einstein Electronic Touch Chess II

Innovation Eliminates the Bother of Buttons! This more...0 points

Ultimate Tournament Chess Set with NEW Silicone Chess Mat, Canvas Bag & Super Triple Weighted Chessmen with 4

Ultimate Tournament Chess Set with NEW Silicone Chess Mat, Canvas Bag & Super Triple Weighted Chessmen with 4" King and Excalibur Game Timer II, Electronic Chess Clock

We've taken our deluxe tournament chess set and ha more...0 points

Star Wars Episode I Electronic Galactic Chess

Star Wars Episode I Electronic Galactic Chess

Queen Amidala and her allies VS Trade Federation a more...0 points

Excalibur LCD Chess

Excalibur LCD Chess

Play the world's most advanced chess game that fit more...0 points

SciSys Turbo 16k Kasparov Computer Chess Table Top Game ~17 Level Chess Computer

SciSys Turbo 16k Kasparov Computer Chess Table Top Game ~17 Level Chess Computer

SciSys Turbo 16k Kasparov Computer Chess Table Top more...0 points

e-Chess Express

e-Chess Express

Challenge your mind to a game of chess!0 points

Links on and about Chess

Free Download Sites

Wiki - Chess
Chess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.
ELO Ratings
The Elo rating system is a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in two-player games such as chess. It is named after its creator Arpad Elo, a Hungarian-born American physics professor.
Chess Downloads
Downloadable Chess Games from Chess.com
Chess Position Trainer
Chess Opening Software and complete Chess Repertoires
Free Game Download
Computer versions of one of the world's most famous games. A great way to practice or compete!
Chessology
Free Chess Game: Download Program to Learn and Play Great Chess Today!
Brothersoft
Download Chess Game Software from brothersoft.com

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Chess News

Everest moment in chess: 'I won because I won'
Anand was speaking soon after defeating Boris Gelfand of Israel 2.5-1.5 in rapid chess tie-breaks at Moscow to win the world chess championship for the fifth time in his career. Speaking about the rapid tie-breaks, Anand said that there was very little ...
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Viswanathan Anand retained his title with a 2.5-1.5 scoreline against Israel's Boris Gelfand in a tense rapid chess tie-breaker at Moscow. displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the ...
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Richard Chen learned how to play chess when he was seven years old. His grandmother Huisang Wu taught him, to keep him busy. That's where the Ancaster boy won the national competition in his age category, beating other players in Grade 5 from across ...

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Your Majestic Moves and Strategic Strikes: In Words Please!

  • Shinkarom May 17, 2012 @ 6:07 am | delete
    Nice lens. I like that you have collected many information about chess devices like Ivan The Conqueror or Mephisto. I have read that such devices were very popular at 80s. Hmm, nostalgy...
  • cynthia-ann-leighton May 6, 2012 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    You mixed ads in well. As in relevant, good colors and all! Learning:-) Thanks!!
  • Leopold-Blatt Apr 20, 2012 @ 6:20 pm | delete
    "A High Five" I love the Fritz software.
  • TeamSTM Feb 29, 2012 @ 9:55 am | delete
    I have become a Chess Player within the last few years, I haven't beat the Computer yet but I have had a few Draws so far and I know I am getting better with each game! :)
  • cffutah Jan 14, 2012 @ 12:14 pm | delete
    the electronic chess game is my favorite.
  • batsinthebelfry Jan 14, 2012 @ 7:34 am | delete
    The problem with chess software is that it always beats me.
  • CruiseReady Jan 11, 2012 @ 7:22 am | delete
    My grandson love to play chess. I especially enjoyed your review of the Advanced Chess Travel Computer. That sounds like a good one.
  • blackspanielgallery Dec 19, 2011 @ 11:41 pm | delete
    Chess is an excellent way to develop logical thinking.
  • baby-strollers Dec 8, 2011 @ 12:13 pm | delete
    Well, this is a way for me to play - my wife just isn't interested in chess!
  • pawpaw911 Dec 6, 2011 @ 4:20 pm | delete
    I can't even beat most humans.
  • WildFacesGallery Nov 30, 2011 @ 7:04 pm | delete
    It's been many years since I played chess. I wonder just how bad the computer would tromple me. Nicely presented page on chess games.
  • Duane_Jackson Nov 30, 2011 @ 4:10 pm | delete
    Great reviews!
  • BeyondRoses Nov 30, 2011 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    Wow! How things have changed, now chess is played online like everything else. I remember the sets when my son was young, and got him a lovely marble set one Christmas. He played chess then, but does not play much now. He would play online though, as he is always doing some gaming there. Lots of good reviews for the chess software ... Love your intro!
  • Koupie Nov 30, 2011 @ 3:00 pm | delete
    Really good reviews of the chess software programs :)
  • JoshK47 Nov 30, 2011 @ 2:33 pm | delete
    Definitely love playing chess - though the computer has a tendency of making me feel like an idiot when I play it! :)

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karmicchristian

Hi, My name is Charles - author of the book Karma in Christianity. I write on theology, theophilosophy, personal development & healthy living. I welcome... more »

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