CM9k Opening Training Evaluation

[Gammadon]

Can anyone give me information on the level of detail that CM9k gives for opening training? I am looking for more than just move lists...but rather in depth explanation as to the ideas and principles used in the openings. I want to understand the openings, not just memorize moves. Any description of CM9k's features would be greatly appreciated.

[Gammadon]

Can anyone give me information on the level of detail that CM9k gives for opening training? I am looking for more than just move lists...but rather in depth explanation as to the ideas and principles used in the openings. I want to understand the openings, not just memorize moves. Any description of CM9k's features would be greatly appreciated.

[darthmix]

Basically you get a multiple choice quiz-format opening course that deals with the most common openings. An average quiz question might go like: "After 1. e4 e5 2. f4 what is black's best reply?" and then you have to pick the best move from two choices. If you pick the right one, Bruce Pandolfini reads you a paragraph of explanation about to why it's right; if you get it wrong, he talks instead about the problems with the move you chose.

It's helpful, but one minor gripe I have is the way it's divided. One whole section will deal with nothing but "white's fourth move" in a bunch of different openings. So you really can't follow just one opening line and learn about all the different variations, which is annoying.