Deadchef wrote:

Hello... I'm new here and relatively new to chess. I have a bunch of
questions regarding the myriad of available software. A friend of mine
gave me a program called Chess Mentor deluxe which is not a chessplaying
program. I like it, however

I'm looking for something to store my games
from ICC/OTB tournaments as well as getting a chess program to analyze
the positions for me and offer move ideas.

FRITZ should be sufficient...


There are tons of programs to choose from. I have looked at

Fritz 9
Chessbase
Chess Assistant

The thing is I cannot tell what sets them apart from each other. Ive
also downloaded SCID, however I have no idea how to use it.

Since you are new to chess, you may want to defer looking into
dedicated database programs.


Does Fritz 9 have what I need?

Yes.

What do chessbase/chessassistant do
that Fritz 9 cannot?
What is the purpose of all of these big game databases? 1 million
games and such. There is no way to look through every one of those
games.

These encyclopaedic features are useful to advanced players,
especially those who get a high out of excruciatingly detailed
analysis and classification of opening systems/lines.

I'm just learning how to study this game so any help will be
greatly appreciated.

Use FRITZ to analyze your _own_ games first, including those
against the computer (if any). This should improve your tactical
skills. As for opening, middle-game and end-game theory, just
go through _one_ book per game phase (i.e., 3 books in all) to
familiarize yourself with standard concepts, terminology and
the like.


Thanks and sorry for the noob questions.


I hope this helps.

Major Cat