The big changes
- New Openings section
- New Commented Endgames section
- Integrated chess engine (Crafty) to play through problems, or to play a game against
- Updated interface
- Small database of games (not commented)
The price is $49.90 US; $19.90 upgrade from PCT 2.0 ($9.90 if you purchased PCT 2.0 in 2007). It's possible that if you wait, the price will be discounted; PCT 2.0 used a permanent sale as a marketing gimmick.
First impressions
The tactics, strategy, and endgame modules still form the core of the program, and they seem very similar to what was in PCT 2.0. The number of problems in all three modules is identical in PCT 2.0 and PCT 2007; the first few tactics problems themselves seem identical in the two versions, but I've noticed changes to the strategy problems.
The integrated engine is nice to have when you don't understand a solution.
In the openings module, you pick the opening, the variation, and the color; then the opening is treated as if it were a tactics problem -- you make the moves for one side. Comments about the position are displayed after some of the moves. The feature works well, but I don't know how much I'll use it -- when I get serious about opening study, I'll probably use Bookup or Chess Position Trainer.
The commented endgames module contains endgame problems with explanatory text added for key moves. The coverage is broad: there are 178 problems, covering basic mates, pawn endings, minor pieces, rooks, and piece vs. piece endings. I haven't used it enough to comment on the quality of the instruction; it may serve as a substitute for a first book on endgames.
Some issues
- Portuguese pokes through at several points
- Some button text is misaligned
- This version requires Microsoft-style "activation" after you've registered; if you haven't activated your registered copy within 7 days, it will revert to the trial version. I was able to activate the software on both my laptop and my desktop; still, if this company goes out of business, I probably won't be able to move the software to a new computer.
- The new interface assumes that it will be run maximized; I found no way to resize the board, and the board size doesn't change with the window size. I can't make the board as large as it was in PCT 2.0 on my 1280x1024 monitor.
The first two issues should be simple to fix. The last two issues are probably considered features.
In conclusion
It's too soon for a verdict. My feeling so far is that it's a nice upgrade; it looks good, and I like having an integrated engine. I'm not sure how much actual chess benefit you'll get over PCT 2.0, unless you'll make use of the commented endgames module.
If you're interested, I recommend that you ignore my blather, download the trial version and give it a try.
http://www.personalchesstrainer.com/ (the web site's been updated, too)
Assistant Board:
Openings:
Commented Endgames:
10 comments:
wonderrrrfullll stttufffff!!!! bravo. thank you. warm regards, david
Hi there and welcome. Now I know where to go with my Ct-art questions. You may want to consider purchasing Fritz 10 it comes with a one year of subscription to play at playchess.com. I do this every year and am able to analyze my games directly after playing.
Hi guys, thanks! Good to be here.
Takchess, I got Fritz 10 as a Christmas present. Do you have any trouble getting G/30 or slower games on Playchess?
I knew you had Fritz 10 when you put up one of the "visual plan" diagrams. I love that feature!
I haven't been playing online much because "I'm not good enough", which is completely missing the point, I know. I'm not going to get any better as long as I'm held back by this insecurity, pride, or whatever it is.
Ya' gotta lose a LOT of games to get better. I started out rated 950 at ICC a couple of years ago, and would get my butt kicked constantly. One of my depressed posts is here.
At the very least, I go over my games (blundercheck mode) with Fritz to find the main mistakes I made. There is nothing quite as good as seeing mistakes in the context of actual games for getting the patterns to stick in memory.
When I told my coach I didn't play much, partly for fear of losing, he said he has the same fears, but reminds himself it is just a bloody game, that losing is just not a big deal. It's not an IQ test, it's largely a test of how much you've learned, and one of the best ways to learn is to play and lose!
Thanks for pointing out that post. It must have been painful to write, but it's very encouraging in an "I'm not the only one" sense. Great comments, too.
Welcome and good luck on your quest! Great blog...thanks for pointing out that PCT 2007 has been released :)
Ron
Greetings Abend. Thanks for the great overview of PCT 07. Is the Portuguese issue only particular to your installment, or is it a bug throughout all the copies? Ct-art is currently the only piece of Convekta software I have, but I'll definitely give this a try with the link you provided. Also, thanks for pointing out that CCE is the same as Renko's chessbase CD (which I have, and yeah, it's a pain that the program doesn't track progress like Ct-art). To echo a bit of Tak and Bluedevil, yeah, get on playchess and play; experience really is the best teacher. Best -CC
Hi Keystor, hi Cratercat.
Cratercat, I can't say for sure, but I assume that the Portuguese error occurs in all copies. It doesn't interfere with my use of the program; as it's just one or two dialog boxes, it's more of a fit-and-finish issue. I'm guessing this bug will be fixed in an early patch.
Yes, I downloaded the trial version last night and got the same occasional Portuguese text. Overall though, a very nice, well-rounded product. BTW- don't know if you're a tournament player, but I noticed you live in SF. There's a Swiss-styled tournament coming up on Apr.21st hosted by the SF Mechanics Chess Club. I plan on being there (I'm from the San Jose area). Here is some link info. if interested: http://www.chessclub.org/Konig.html & also http://www.chessclub.org/ (main page). CC
Yeah, the Mechanics' Institute is near my work. I joined to get access to the library -- check out their collection of chess books! MI Library Catalog: Chess.
I haven't played in a tournament yet. I was thinking of entering the next Tuesday Night Marathon to get a rating: Tuesday Night Marathon Standings.
I won't make it to the Konig tournament, but thanks for the info; maybe I'll see you at the next one.
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