PC Critic Reviews

If you’re into chess you’re into Fritz Chess 8 but even if you’re only a casual chess player or perhaps someone who hasn’t played in a long time I think you may be pleasantly surprised at just how much there is to be gotten out of this program.

To those who are just beginning, and in need of a strong tutorial, I recommend "Chessmaster." But for the advanced player, Fritz 8 Deluxeis far superior. Fritz contains stronger engines and a deeper database. For those students learning opening books, or looking for move analysis, it is ideal.

It is tailored to you - based on your input and actual play. Of course you can play above your actual ranking if you wish, but if you let it operate honestly, it will keep you at a comfortable level with subtle, incremental challenge as you progress. It really, really thinks.

For intermediate and expert chess players in search of a genuine challenge, the powerful, mature engine and deep analysis available here probably gives Fritz 8 the edge over its rivals. [Jan 2005, p.98]

While other titles may have a larger variety of chess boards to chose from, Fritz 8 offers some brain-twisting game play even on the lowest settings. There is also a strong online community who swear by this title, which is something not every chess title can offer.

Though visually the game is not exciting and navigation may hold you up a bit in the beginning, Fritz 8 Deluxe is everything a chess lover could want. You may never need to buy another chess program.

It's a supreme reproduction of the original strategy game, very easy to use and well worth the asking price for anyone interested in chess.

As a chess tool Fritz definitely has the edge but its presentation keeps it from being fully appreciated by all but the most persistent, attentive players.

Easily the best chess program for the seasoned chess player, and, if you can work through its occasionally clumsy interface, it may well be the best overall chess program for any pawn pusher.

The inclusion of a teaching system, Kasparov videos (which I could only access via media player), etc, is a nice touch, but the interface is awkward at best. This is probably the best chess engine out there right now.