Hello-

I am new to Chessmaster and recently purchased "Chessmaster Grandmaster Edition". Is this the same as Chessmaster 11?

I am looking for an easy way to find and play some endgames. I found a download for Chessmaster 11 "endgame database generator", which describes a pretty involved program for creating an egdb (which I would then need to load into CM in some way?). I have 15 years experience programming on PC's, but find the egdb instructions intimidating: "It is a waste of time to try to run this in any directory other than the My Documents\Chessmaster 9000.... (directory CM created during the installation). So many questions: why are the versions so confusing? Is 9000 also 11 also Grandmaster? There are no "Chessmaster 9000" directories on my system despite having a full installation of Chessmaster. But I'm definitely interested in not wasting my time.

Thanks for any help or pointers toward getting some endgames running so I can practice against them.

Mike

Yes, they're the same. Chessmaster Grandmaster Edition is often called Chessmaster 11 because it followed Chessmaster 10th Edition (which in turn, followed Chessmaster 9000).

Keep in mind that the endgame database generator was created for Chessmaster 9000... however, it should work with later versions; you'll just have to change folder names.

So that there is no misunderstanding:


You DON'T CHANGE the folder names, you just put the endgame generator into a different folder (the path is different)

Any idea which folder it goes into? I don't see any Chessmaster folders under My Documents.

Try this folder:

C:\Program Files\Ubisoft\Chessmaster Grandmaster Edition\Data\EGDB

A word of caution: Make sure you back up things before you change them. That way you can restore everything in case of mistakes.

You can download the full 5 men tablebases here. It will take less time than if you create them.


3 and 4 men tablebases
http://www.humyo.com/F/517703-62998535

5 men tablebases
http://www.humyo.com/F/517703-62988949
http://www.humyo.com/F/33513-62872397



P.S.: You have to register (it's free) to download them.


P.P.S.: Google to find out what endgame tablebases are and what their purpose is. Because I don't think this is what you are looking for.

I think you are right ebutaljib! I'm really just looking for a way to play endgames in Chessmaster. Sorry for pointing this thread down the tablebase path.

Is there some way to practice end game play in Chessmaster (where the player plays against the computer)?

If not, is there another program that supports it?

quote:

Originally posted by ottenm:
Is there some way to practice end game play in Chessmaster (where the player plays against the computer)?

Sure. You can use 'Set Up Position' to create the endgame position, and then play it out from there.

Yes, you can set up any position you will and play it out.

Good way to practice is to set up a position where it is clear that one side is winning. Take the stronger side and play it out against the Chessmaster himself. He will give you the most tenacious defence and you will learn how to convert the advantage.


For example a while ago one of the user posted this position:

8/2q4k/B7/8/4N3/5PP1/6KP/R7 w - - 0 1

(copy the funny looking line and paste it into Chessmaster (edit--paste-Forsythe board position)

Set yourself as white and Chessmaster as black. Eventhough white is clearly winning, you may not suceed in winning this (depending on your strength). If this position is too easy for you, then remove one or two pawns and try to win.


You can set up any position you find interesting.

Converting a winning position, no matter who your opponent is, is a good way to learn. In my opinion. Thats because computer will defend tenaciously and will try to trick you in any possible way.


If the position is really winning for one side, then nobody is able to defend against it