[maximus]

Originally Posted by Marlof Bregonje

and I will install Pocket Grandmaster on my Smartphone as soon as I get one.

Playing chess on smartphone = Eye Injury

[maximus]

Originally Posted by Marlof Bregonje

and I will install Pocket Grandmaster on my Smartphone as soon as I get one.

Playing chess on smartphone = Eye Injury

[Maritime]

Thanks Andy for your timely review. I just picked up a new HP 1945 this past week to replace my ancient (3 years) HP 540. I've been having fun with the new hardware and finding programs now to put on it. One of the first programs I have been looking for is a good chess program.
Just yesterday I downloaded PocketGrandmaster 2.1 and found it to be very nice, but a little confusing in some of the functions. I haven't had a chance to really read through the Help yet, but overall I think it is a good program. As a result of your review I took a look a Fritz 2.0 for PPC and it also looks good. It seems to have the same general functions as PocketGrandmaster 2.1 so I wanted to know what the real differences might be between the two programs.
I may also want to get another program for my regular PC and to begin to participate in Playchess.com. Would it make sense to get Fritz 8 for the PC and Fritz 2.0 for the PPC? Or does it really matter?

As a side note I've also become aware of and interested in PGN files and how they can be used for learning. Can you suggest a source for files and a way to best use them? I see the PPC as a great coaching tool and would like to use PGN files to help out.

Cheers

[Godsongz]

A little OT but, is there any PPC software for managing a chess club? Setting up crosstables, tracking win/loss, tracking points, etc... for 20-30 players? My wife and I run a small club for elementary/junior high students at my kids school.

[rhmorrison]

You didn't mention ChessGenius which I believe is after Fritz 2 the strongest PocketPC chess program. It only costs $ 25 and UPDATES are FREE (unlike PocketFritz). I have been very happy with the program and it plays a much stronger game than I do.

[Andy Sjostrom]

Originally Posted by Maritime

I may also want to get another program for my regular PC and to begin to participate in Playchess.com. Would it make sense to get Fritz 8 for the PC and Fritz 2.0 for the PPC? Or does it really matter? As a side note I've also become aware of and interested in PGN files and how they can be used for learning. Can you suggest a source for files and a way to best use them? I see the PPC as a great coaching tool and would like to use PGN files to help out.

My own very subjective feeling is that having Fritz 8 and Pocket Fritz 2.0 is a good idea. The interfaces are similar even with PlayChess.com. I also subjectively like the awesome reputation "Fritz" has in the entire chess community. Before you settle on Fritz 8, be sure to check out the latest version of Shredder (also to be found on ChessBase.com). The two engines fight for the no 1 spot right now.

Regarding PGN files. Check out:

http://www.very-best.de/Download.htm
http://www.chessgames.com/

Two awesome sites!

[Andy Sjostrom]

Originally Posted by rhmorrison

You didn't mention ChessGenius which I believe is after Fritz 2 the strongest PocketPC chess program. It only costs $ 25 and UPDATES are FREE (unlike PocketFritz). I have been very happy with the program and it plays a much stronger game than I do.

Correct. I left out both Grandmaster and ChessGenius. What I really would like to do is to set up a tournament with Grandmaster, ChessGenius, Fritz 2.0 and Kasparov Chessmate! Maybe next time!

[Andy Sjostrom]

Originally Posted by Godsongz

A little OT but, is there any PPC software for managing a chess club? Setting up crosstables, tracking win/loss, tracking points, etc... for 20-30 players? My wife and I run a small club for elementary/junior high students at my kids school.

No, I haven't seen anything like that! What do you use today? Paper and pencil or a PC program?

[laurent.cristol]

Have you tried pocketchess (free):

http://www.eskimo.com/~scottlu/wince/ppcchess.html

[rhmorrison]

Originally Posted by laurent.cristol

Have you tried pocketchess (free):

http://www.eskimo.com/~scottlu/wince/ppcchess.html

PocketChess v1.1 plays a very WEAK GAME. If you want a free trial of a STRONG program download ChessGenius v1.4 and give it a try!

[Godsongz]

Originally Posted by Andy Sjostrom

No, I haven't seen anything like that! What do you use today? Paper and pencil or a PC program?

Yeah, analog ops: I started building an excel spreadsheet at the tale end of last year (the 1st year of the club) but have never finished it.