Chessbase 9

Those of you that have it, do you think it was worth the money, or do you think a cheaper package like chessbase light or fritz would be better? Right now I am mostly interested in analyzing positions and a database with statistics.

Also what is the benefit of it having both the Crafty and Fritz engines.

I would personally advise you not to buy CB9 until you get ChessBase to confirm that CB10 will not be out in a year or so. Around this time last year you could get Fritz 9 at half price because Fritz 10 was knocking on the door. CBLight and F10 should do nicely particularly as F10 has sparring and training opportunities. It also comes with free Playchess access for a year so you can also play humans to find out if your improving.

Originally posted by mcreynolds
Right now I am mostly interested in analyzing positions and a database with statistics.

This it will give you in spades. I am ambivalent about the purchase because I rarely use it, and when I do use it (or opening explorer, chessgames.com, etc.) I feel like I'm not thinking and don't understand why I get into some of the positions I get into. If you have better mental discipline than I and will seriously research (more than 1 move statistics) it is worth it. If not, just use the free online resources.

Have it.Hardly ever use it.Not worth it's money,imo.

Ok thanks for the advice guys. Seems like it would be kind of overkill for where I am right now. I will probably end up doing something like z00t suggests.

You might try using ChessDB or Scid with Crafty. Similar functionality, and it's free.