Shredder Classic 5

I didn't play chess for ages, so I am not sure do I even remember the rules ;)

BTW, it'd be nice if they would port some of the latest features from the Win version to the Mac one...

Although I prefer GO (WeiChi), I still like chess and want to improve my play. There is a good collection of links to Chess programs for Mac at http://www.dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Recreation/Board_Games/Chess/Macintosh/ and some useful comments at http://www.atpm.com/7.02/chess.shtml The Shredder developer also helped produce the UCI --- thank you.

I've played with it during the week-end and am finally ready to buy: it's a very solid app!

I have never heard of this but I am interested in buying.Cannot wait to try it out!

This was reviewed by chessreviews.com about 3 years ago (the PC version), and according to them: "[…] I currently use Shredder for 90% of my analysis tasks, and it is my "first choice" engine. This is not simply because Shredder is strong. I think more importantly, I've yet to see the engine do anything that is really stupid, and the engine plays very patiently and consistently. […]" The interface is often praised as well. I personally find the interface clean and easy to use, but looks dated and could be improved significantly for the Mac. The current PC version seems to be richer in features (although it costs the same). The Mac version lacks an automatic update system, for instance. As far as I know, for the Mac, the only strong competitor to Shredder would be Sigma Chess using the HIARCS engine. At $20 is not a bad deal, but I wish Mac users could get the full feature set available on PCs and an interface worthy of the Mac platform.

My family’s chess-aficionado has long complained of the predictability of the AIs in the chess games he has played. This one sounds like it may actually hold some interest for him…

I have tried Shredder Classic for mac once before and have liked it. I have been waiting a long time to find the "right" time to buy it - and this seems like it - this is a great deal. It seems to be the only big chess software program that allows mac users as well - Go Shredder!

The price is fantastic! For Mac is one of Top of Chess!!!! Strong Elo and Very Good Interface. For appassionated.

The demo version can only open 2000 games in a database. Can the payed version open more, lets say 8000 or 12000 games? Manual says it have no limit in database size and site don't mention this restriction in the demo version. so?

Have heard of this program before but never tried it. User interface is nice

Very nice! Much, much better playing engine and more pleasing visuals than the little chess game coming with OSX. If I dont win a license, I will buy one, at this price its a steal.

This looks fantastic! Will have to give it a try and if I don't win, I may have to buy it!

If you're a chess player, this is a must-have - the engine behind it is currently one of the top 10 computer players. This version is not as fast as Shredder 11, nor can it make use of multiple processor cores like Deep Shredder 11; however, it should still challenge the average player. Should you need the extra power, it can be upgraded to the more advanced versions for the price difference between them. The only comparable software for Mac OS X is Sigma Chess, running either the commercial HIARCS Pro engine, or the free Fruit 2.3.1 engine.

The coaching and game analysis sound worthwhile. Up to a point, chess is good for a human-type mind. After playing chess through childhood and college, I discovered Go, another ancient board game which (along with lots of non-game activities) I grew to love more than chess -- try Go if you haven't (MacUpdate carries a good freeware implementation: Goban).

Pretty good for improving your game.

I also hadn't heard of this program until today. The interface looks very good, the play hints (e.g., suggesting taking back a bad move) are very useful for learning the game, and it seems to have a large database of play strategies. All in all, a good program for the novice (like myself) and the expert.

ok, so i actually cant see myself payig 20 bucks, but i'm trying, trying... besides, i know the things i waste money on....20 dollars shouldnt sound as high as it does

Tried it out. Looks good. This is sad that Vektor development has stopped...

Aw, man - I was doing good resisting the games until you posted this one. Going to have to check it out!