Chessmaster: The Art of Learning expands the scope of chess to include broader principles of learning. Josh Waitzkin's book "The Art of Learning" is designed to pave the road to successful long-term growth on and off the chessboard. The eight-time National Chess Champion and two-time martial arts World Champion puts users in his shoes in some of the most riveting and formative moments of his chess career, including the legendary climactic game from the book and film Searching for Bobby Fischer. Waitzkin then turns to the classics, introducing beginners to brilliant games from some of the most important players in the history of chess. In his most revealing commentary ever, Waitzkin not only teaches the beginning chess player the fundamentals of the game, but also humanizes the road to mastery.
Features:
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Josh Waitzkin training program
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Follow interactive advice from the master to perfect your play style
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Compete against advanced AI characters (24 ranging from easy to hard) or challenge other real players via local connection
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Classic chess with chess timers, quick hint, game review, take back move
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Create your own customizable profile where your progression is stored
Average Customer Review:
( 10 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 47 found the following review helpful:
Well designed and fun game no matter your skill level.Feb 27, 2008
By Gregory P. Brown
"basslines"
This is an extremely well put together game that combines solid and fun learning tools, fun practice modes and a smooth and simple interface which will provide fun for a long time. This is a must have for any chess fanatic if you own a PSP regardless of your skill level.
I am a strong USCF "A" player, play everyday and are rated about 1900 or 50 points above the "highest" level offered in the game, the Chessmaster himself, who in the game is rated 1850. In looking for a chess title, I looked at "Online Chess Kingdoms" a long time ago but didn't even want to waste my time with gimmicks, even though I want ANY chess game for the PSP. So I have been waiting patiently for a decent game since I bought my PSP and pre-ordered this about 6 weeks ago.
Although the learning part of the game is not for me, I can really see how this would help someone just starting out or someone who knows "how to move the pieces" but without any skill or strategy. They will learn here. The mini games are fun, even though I aced though them (call me obsessed) and I will still play them from time to time. Kids will LOVE them and the reactions Josh Waitzkin provides in games like "Fork My Fruit" where you attack fruit with your pieces. The variety of types of puzzles offered is on par with the desktop game and can sharpen an existing player's skill and provide fun practice for the improving player.
Mainly though, I will play regular chess against the top 3 rated opponents the game offers. It's really nice that the board is stretched from top to bottom and is as big as the PSP can provide, plus you can pick your chess set. Because of the title I was a bit leery that it wouldn't be strong enough for me and although not master strength (2200 and above USCF) the program is quite strong and I believe much stronger than 1850 USCF. I had to really concentrate to beat it once, and have lost all the rest. What that means to you is even if you are high expert or master level; you will still get a good battle from this program. It's nice to have that in something simple and easy (not a palm type application) that you can kill time with anywhere.
This is the perfect chess game for about 99% of the population and because no 2 games are ever alike, if you love chess, then this game will provide entertainment for you for a long time to come.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Great learning toolFeb 22, 2008
By Funky Winkerbean Wow, what a surprising game. First let's get past the requirements: yes you can play regular chess without the learning modes, either single player (against game controlled opponents) or against your friends. And yes, playing against the "computer" is awesome! Great range of skill levels on the computer opponents. Now the learning tools: an amazing suite of features is available here. From tutorials to videos to mini games such as checkmating in a single move and much more. The learning tools in this game are fun and far richer than any I've tried in a chess game to date.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Good but inconsistentSep 18, 2008
By William Barrett Simms
"MCSD"
The chess games are fun. If you need a chess game for your PSP, this is probably the best one out there. The lack of on-line play is sad though. The player "personalities" are very inconsistent. Some of the 900 players are tougher than the 1200s.
5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
The art of learning... JUST A LITTLE.Aug 19, 2009
By Mickey O'Neil
"Pikey"
I agree with the other 1-star review. This game is NOTHING compared to the PC version. There is NO art of LEARNING anything in this PSP version. If you know chess WELL or even if you know a LITTLE, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for you to LEARN from this game. Probably if you NEVER played chess it could help just a tiny bit. None of The ACADEMIES or ANNOTATED GAMES of the PC version exist in this one. Basically just a game where you can play chess in which you can choose the rank of your opponent, that's it. From that point of view, this is the best chess game for PSP, and that is... well I guess because it is the only one in the market.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Lots of fun, not for serious trainingSep 19, 2008
By Miguel Espinoza Estrada Like its other versions chessmaster is known for its personalities and adaptive game styles, in the psp version this is no different so right from the start you know what you're getting. In the psp it does bring something new, the mini games which are supposed to improve your level of play, however the approach I feel is not the right one, I was able to beat all the mini games to their max level within 24 hours and I didnt find the difficulty levels to be enough to actually improve one's game. To my liking it misses the opening training or endgame training, yet if you want a way to play wireless with your friends this is a good game.
The most difficult level could be considered as a 2000 elo rating player or around that
based on 10 reviews
( 10 customer reviews )
