chess products uncovered...
CHESS MAGNET SCHOOL
*****
Chess Magnet School is a great way for students from around the world to improve
their chess. They make it fun and easy for students and coaches! Students promote to levels as they learn more
and more chess knowledge and improve their play. Coaches are able to monitor the progress of their students and can
assign specific tasks if they see a student that needs specific help.
Cost: Prices vary with discounts if coaches sign up their students
and additional discount for USCF members.
Main Module = Less than $30/year (with plans for 3 and 6 months as well)
INTERNATIONAL CHESS SCHOOL
****
The International Chess School offers a different approach to chess learning.
Their online program is comprehensive, well thought out and designed to help you think like a strong player. The goal
is to help chess players become their best in one year. The program is headed by Grandmaster Andrei Istratescu, ELO
rating of 2631. Students can read the program online or download in adobe format to save for later study. There
are tests available to help you track your progress. We tried the self-directed program and found the staff to
be very helpful and quick to respond to questions. If you are a motivated learner, rated approximately 1200+ and
want to have rapid improvement, this program will help you see things you may have been missing. If
you're not a self-motivated learner and need more direction...
They also offer the "special class" at a cost of 190/month. They closely
supervise these students and give more one-on-one, including feedback on your games. Applications to
the chess school can be made on their website.
Cost:
Main Module = $24/mo
Main Module + Openings $39/mo
Special Class $190/mo
JON COBY'S CHESS VARIANTS - DECA CHESS, HYPER CHESS & 3D CHESS
*****
For several years now, our club has invited Jon Coby to join us for "Chess
Oddity Day!" It's a ridiculous amount of fun! Kids love chess variants because they're exciting, fun and
new. Players will find the new pieces Jon has designed absolutely intriguing. 3D chess is a mind numbing
experience because not only do pieces move in the normal way, they move up and down 8 layers of chess boards! Gives
a whole new meaning to board vision! We've tried all of Jon's sets and they are meticulously detailed and easy to learn
and play. I highly recommend these unusual and different chess set variations. If you live in the Pacific Northwest
and would like to be invited to our next "Chess Oddity Day" just email kathrynrosetaylor@gmail.com we'd love to have you join us!
Cost: Varies
CONVEKTA, CHESS TACTICS FOR BEGINNERS
*****
A five star program for a terrific price! Convekta hits a home run with their
Chess Tactics for Beginners. A great program for beginning players (ELO 900-1500) who want to improve their tactics
and strengthen their middle game. The program includes positions from practical games, endgame studies as well
as training examples. 1300 tactical problems that help you find the best move. What makes this program unique
is that it offers hints if you make the wrong move, which is so much better than trying to solve chess puzzles in a book!
Exercises are arranged in five levels of difficulty. Statistics and tests are
available, allowing players and coaches to chart their progress.
Cost: $26
System Requirements: 16 Mb RAM, Hard Disk 30 Mb of free
disk space, Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP, CD-ROM
SYNHEME, 52 CHESS OPENING VARIATIONS PLAYING CARDS - INCLUDING THE SICILIAN
DEFENSE
**
I find the idea of chess concepts on playing cards interesting. I suppose,if
chess players wanted to play a card game, they'd want to use these cards. Even if they don't read the cards cover to
cover, some of the patterns and information would sink into the subconscious... at least that's my thought. While
I think the opening information is a bit much for playing cards, the idea of putting tactics on playing cards is one I find
very appealing. Especially for kids! Upon visiting the website, I see that nothing like this is available. At
any rate, the cards would make a great stocking stuffer for any chess nut. I'm not sure how practical they are
for really learning opening play, there's nothing like a good book for that sort of thing... or simply trying things
out over the board.
Cost: $8.99
