Fritz 10, released in November 2006, is a superb chess playing PC software with an integrated chess instruction, and online chess play interface.

Here are some of the new features: Enha nced and improved chess engine developed especially for the 2006 Kramnik vs Fritz match; extended openings book; updated database; dynamic graphic tips for attack and defence; improved graphics and move entry on the 2D board; new high resolution 3D piece sets in classical wood; live display of the thinking process on the chessboard; more efficient position analysis. New chess server features: additional ranking lists, full rankings for all players, filters for challengers with bad Internet connections, new and simple video conference function, bullet lists in the engine room, animated global weather display, direct link to Google Earth

It is only available on DVD and requires a DVD drive for play. Nearly all modern computers have a DVD drive. ChessBase figures that if you don't have one, you'll get one eventually and they only accommodate the DVD format. For those that don't know, DVD's are the equivalent of about 7 CD's.

Let's jump right into the review with the installation sequence...

The test computer is a P4 3.0Ghz, 512RAM running XP Pro SP2

UPDATE 11/16/06: Weather conditions back to normal and business operations running smoothly again.

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Severe winds of 85mph have turned out the lights for thousands in Northwest Washington. Shipping is temporarily on hold. Part of our office is closed as well so few phone calls will be answered during this time. Continue to use the website as normal and expect email correspondence to be answered as well.

We hope to be back up and running on 11/16 though it may be longer.

You may continue to place your orders online and contact us via the online ticketing system any time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

Raphael Neff
President
The Chess House

Fritz 10 is eagerly anticipated by so many of you. I will be reviewing this latest release and posting my thoughts about the new version and whether I think it's worth the money for this upgrade. At this point I think it is! Bottom line is, it covers your playchess.com subscription right off the bat, and you get the chess program touted as the best in the world. From what I hear so far, Fritz 10 truly is a lot better. I can't wait to check it when the review copy arrives in a few days. We will be shipping very soon. At the time of this post it's almost in stock and if you happen to preorder it before it gets here, you'll save $4.50 off the normal sale price.

For most players, a product that is very strong and yet able to play at a weak level, or a specific rating level when asked of it, is crucial. Nobody wants to be beat by a monster of a chess program each and every time. We're going to look closely at the playing levels. There are rumours of it playing over 3000 rating strength. Compared to what is the question. Running on what machine. That's very exciting for those that like to tweak their customized monster of a computer to turn Fritz into their very own playing program. Indeed, the varied computer performance of people's machines alone lends to a vastly difference playing style that can't be duplicated except in rare circumstances.

I would like to hear from current owner's of Fritz products as to what playing style they predominantly experience. Is it agressive, positional, attacking, defensive, human-like? Who does Fritz play like?

Stay tuned for a review of Fritz 10. You can also order Fritz online any time here.