Chess Program Review Archive

Basic Principles of Chess Strategy Vol. I is part of a three CD series by Chessbase and Aleksey Bartashnikov. It is meant for those that already have a fair knowledge of the rules of the game along with basic tactics and endgames. The CD contains both an instructional database (kind of like a set of linked chess web pages), and a viewer for the instructional material on the CD (Chessbase lite).

I think that the CD is most suitable for players up to about 2000 ELO (a subjective estimate, your experience may vary). The instructional material comes in a single Chessbase database containing about 15 instructional articles (text and schematic positions), 10 quiz games (each containing many test positions), and 48 illustrative games. The quiz and illustrative games are annotated, with good use of colored squares and arrows. There is no multimedia present on the CD, but that will not be a big factor for most people.

Chessbase lite makes a good interface to training material since it allows mixing text, board diagrams, sound, movies and game scores together. A simple point and click system is then used to access all this linked material. Quiz positions are timed, and a running percentage score is kept. However, results are not tracked for multiple users (i.e. a single user is assumed). Those wishing further information about Chessbase lite should download a copy and see for themselves.

It shows that Dr. Bartashnikov has some experience with teaching children. I found that most explanations were clear and to the point. There is also a fair amount of encouragement given, and there are some little hints in the way certain questions are asked. In addition to being a good CD for many club players, this would also be a good choice for a reasonably advanced child (assuming he/she has some knowledge of tactics and endgames, and is sufficiently motivated).

The teaching material on the CD is pretty good. Mostly classic games are used, but there are a fair number of games from contemporary players as well. Because of the intended audience for these CDs, you won't find a lot of games heavy with variations. However, there are a lot of comments concerning the strategic and positional nature of the game in question.

Test games are initially conducted without the inclusion of very many variations. So the player first takes the test, and then is asked to review the same game, but this time annotated in depth. Speaking personally, I think that it would have been helpful to have the variations included when first taking the test. However, I can see the wisdom of the approach taken on the CD, since it forces you to review the game a second time. Thus it may help you re-enforce and retain what you've learned.

I encountered no bugs when working with the software. Because of the amount of material present, I think most people will be able to make it through the entire CD (i.e. there's not so much that you'll get overwhelmed). Potential buyers do need to be aware that this is intended to be part of a three CD set. As you can see from the description of the subject matter (at the bottom of this page), the emphasis is on the pawns and their usage. Dynamic factors are left to subsequent CDs in the series.

CHESS SETS FROM AMERICA'S LARGEST CHESS STORE
Chess USA is America's leading retailer of chess sets, chess pieces, chess boards, and more. In fact, for 30 years Your Move Chess & Games has been the leading retailer of all things chess! Not everyone can view the hundreds of chess sets we have on display in our New York Chess Store, which is why we strive to have the most detailed chess website anywhere on the internet. After All, with over 2,000 chess sets, chess boards, chess pieces, chess computers and more, we need to be detailed! No matter what you are looking for, from chess set or chess program, our knowledgable staff is ready to help.

Have a Chess Set already, and just need to freshen up on the rules? We've got them - just click here

Your Move Chess & Games, America's Largest Chess Set Store. It's Your Move!