Pros: Highly customizable, active online community, many training modes, excellent game database, strong AI, help files

Cons: Not intuitive to set up without reading help files, much to learn, especially about options

The Bottom Line: Excellent program for all levels. Great at teaching novices to experts. A ton of options, great online community (includes one year subscription), and very fun.

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Pros: Exceptionally strong playing ability, complete line searches, no cheesy or excessive graphics (unlike Chessmaster)

Cons: User-unfriendly, poor tutorial. Like Chessmaster, easier playing levels hang pieces rather than neglect tactical combinations

The Bottom Line: A fine product for extreme playing strength and concrete game analysis, but there is better out there for an inexperienced player who wishes to progress to the club level.

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