There are many, many software programs that can be loaded into your computer, your handheld, or these days, your cell phone that will allow you to play chess against a machine. Most software is Windows-based, but there is plenty out there for Macintosh and DOS enthusiasts. The USCF has a large collection of chess software available through the Web site 1-800-388-KING (5464).

Chessmaster

At this writing, Chessmaster has just released the 9000 version of chess software program. This is probably one of the best products in terms of features (what it offers) and benefits (what it does) and price. Load Chessmaster onto your computer and you can begin to play immediately. You can even play interactively with someone else via the Internet or e-mail. It also features online help, a training module, and analysis.

Computer software that plays chess can be an exceptionally good training tool. Or it can be just plain fun (or just plain frustrating, depending on the level you set the software to play at). Most available packages have something of everything: a database of games, the ability to play you or itself, the ability to analyze each move and give the results of its analysis. You can probably learn more sitting at your computer for a couple hours than you ever could simply reading a chess book. It's that interactive part that is such a wonderful coaching device.

Focus

Other software modules include programs that focus specifically on tutorials, or on games played by grandmasters with their notes so you can study their moves. And others offer specific opening, middlegame, and endgame sequences, as well as specific strategies and tactics such as the Dragon and Najdorf variations of the Sicilian Defense. Many computer software programs have an extensive library of games, and allow you to download other, newer games to your computer.