Originally posted by PterodactylLooks interesting but I'd like an interactive trainer - I already have plenty of books.
If you enjoy CT-Art, you may also want to take a look at "Chess Lessons" by Artur Yusupov (ISBN 3-935748-07-8) http://www.chesscenter.com/shop/item4171.htm
Any other suggestions for decent chess software aimed at intermediates?
MDLM makes claims for his rating gain that cannot be substantiated. When he started his program, he had just finished barely enough games to have an established rating, and he had a provisional quick rating 200+ above his standard rating. His starting point, thus, looks like a deliberate effort to sandbag (in this case, I suspect, to help support his grandiose claims in the book he was writing already).
Michael de la Maza is a charlatan.
Of course, any tactics program that require blood sweating will lead to chess improvement. MDLM's system integrates some effective learning and training techniques. Rapid Chess Improvement might have been a terrific book. if it had been written with some humility, and had more explanation of the pedagogic principles employed and their rationale. Instead, he sets up his system by attacking the books and authors whose works are critical for most players that want to reach 2000, and all players who want to advance beyond that point.
Originally posted by estonian3I just downloaded demo of that program (CT art) and it seems promising but interface looks old and a bit confusing plus what the hell means that 5x5 chess board? I do not like that.
"Rapid Chess Improvement" by Michael De La Maza. Is the training method described in the book a great way to improve or bogus?
I've heard mixed reviews. The reason I'm asking is that I purchased the book but when i got to the third chapter I found out that I need a chess program called CT ART 3.0 to participate in his program. I haven't purchased C ...[text shortened]... f the program in the book is worth it. Otherwise I'll get the personal chess trainer 2.0.
Originally posted by wakchessdragonThe 5x5 board is just a tool they give you to simplify the position if you have given a few wrong answers, usually. You will get progressively more obvious hints, and eventually, the program will just show you the answer.
I just downloaded demo of that program (CT art) and it seems promising but interface looks old and a bit confusing plus what the hell means that 5x5 chess board? I do not like that.
I can't recommend CT-ART enough - it's simply a wonderful program for improving your tactics. As for MDLM, he found out that spending a ridiculous amount of time on an important chess concept - tactics - makes you a much better player...what are the odds? 🙂
Originally posted by WulebgrMore wisdom from a veteran. There isn’t any such thing as “rapid chess improvement.” But there is a lot of smart marketing promising it.
MDLM makes claims for his rating gain that cannot be substantiated. When he started his program, he had just finished barely enough games to have an established rating, and he had a provisional quick rating 200+ above his standard rating. His starting point, thus, looks like a deliberate effort to sandbag (in this case, I suspect, to help support his grandio ...[text shortened]... or most players that want to reach 2000, and all players who want to advance beyond that point.