Chess Program Review Archive

The name of this tutorial software from Convekta gives the impression that it is meant to be a sequel to their "Chess School" program that was published in 1999. However, this new title is based on material from a different author, Soviet Master Nikolay Zhuravlev ^*. As I understand it, this material is based on a reworked version of his book "Step by step". It is probably safe to say that most people reading this review do not have this book in their library.

This program has two modes in which it attempts to teach a variety of chess topics. The first is called "Essential Chess Knowledge", and it covers 55 topics from the opening to the endgame. For each topic, the user is presented with a minimum of six illustrative examples followed by a number of test positions. The former contains a lot of explanatory text for the user to read. The examples and positions are organized by themes, of which endgame positions constitute a large part. For instance there is material on all the common mates of various pieces against the king, (K+Q, K+R, etc), plus material on B+N, which can be tricky to learn. There is a section on mating (or not) with the two knights (extra material is necessary on the board). There is also material on basic pawn endgames, including the rule of the square and pawn breakthroughs. Key squares and the opposition are discussed too. Generally speaking, the endgame topics covered in this section are similar to those covered in "Pandolfini’s Endgame Course".

There is a fairly large section on tactics, although I would like to have seen some material organized by common mating patterns. Every one probably has their own preferences here though Most of the common tactical devices are discussed (double attack, pins, etc.) along with a few that are not always seen in this kind of program (windmill, invasion of a square, etc).

Opening play, mobilization, the center, and pawn structure (Cohn-Rubinstein 1909, is one example that I like) are discussed. Overall, the material on pawn play and structures is a bit more in depth than other programs I have seen (like the Tasc tutors, for instance).

Utilizing a material and positional advantage is covered in one of the later sections. This is something that is unique to this kind of program, and is sometimes not covered well by other training programs. There is a discussion on using advantages in space, time, extra and passed pawns, and taking advantage of/and the poor positioning of an opponents piece (mostly endgame positions here). This section is ideal for people that have trouble "bringing home the point"

The second mode of the program pits the user against the built-in playing program in a variety of carefully designed test positions, some of which you will recognize from books you have read. For problems that involve mate, the user is told to accomplish the mate in the fewest number of moves. The correct mating sequence is shown if the user fails. Colored squares and arrows are used in some of the positions for illustrative purposes. The topics used in this part of the program are much the same as in the first mode, except that endgame positions are the focus.

Of course, like all Convekta training programs, the user is given an ELO rating, based on his/her performance on the exercises. Separate scores and statistics are kept for each user of the program (so many people can use it, like in a school or club situation). This has always been a strong point of their software, and Advanced Chess School carries on the tradition.

There was a minor problem that I found with some of the training positions in which you play against the computer. Sometimes the proposed solution does not always match the response of the chess engine. So some exercises are marked wrong simply because the number of moves played is in excess of the correct solution, even though you could not play the shortest move sequence (because of the moves that the engine played). The program is also missing material on the Lucena and Philidor positions. I find this somewhat curious – will Convekta offer a separate CD on R+P endgames?.

Even in light of the above concerns, the program is a very good purchase. Convekta has, through a process of evolution, arrived at a very good format for improving one’s game. Well-annotated examples coupled with the ability to play out key positions against a weakened engine are a good combination.

Users can find additional information on the program at www.chessassisant.com.

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