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Give the grey matter a workout
By James
Anthony
Way back, a long time ago
in the dark ages of the modern world – like about the 1970s
– a brilliant young chess player called Garry Kasparov hit
the 64-square world like a hurricane.
He swept all before him and is regarded as being the best chess
player of all time.
In the 1970s, I was not bad at chess and, at times, was pretty
good, although nowhere near the sort of standard needed to become
a really first-class player.
Still, I enjoyed the game but sport, career and computer games
eventually had me forgetting what is a wonderful game.
A chess computer game, Kasparov Chessmate, has rekindled my liking
for the mind sport and it is frustratingly engaging if you are the
slightest bit competitive.
Kasparov Chessmate offers people like me an easy-to-get-at chess
game that you can switch on when you want to sort of switch-off
from work, or are bored to death by rubbish TV programmes.
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Kasparov got hungry and gnawed
his index finger
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It is an easily accessible game – if you know the rules of
chess – and you can play the PC, or an online opponent –
within a few clicks.
This guy needs to practice against the computer before trying a
human opponent – due to the fact most serious chess players
would wipe the floor with me at the moment – but I am slowly
working my way up to average play.
The graphics are basic, but cool, and Kasparov Chessmate offers
tutorials and chess drills to improve your skill levels. You can
also move your games between PC and PDA.
Pick between 2D and 3D games – I like the modern, clean-cut
3D set – and just settle in with a cup of tea to regain that
feeling of a brain workout without too much pain.
Mind you, it is damn frustrating at times and the competitive side
of any player comes back faster than the skill level! Kasparov Chessmate
is a great way to get back into the ancient and challenging game
of chess.
Game: Kasparov Chessmate
Players: 1-2
Online: Yes
Developer: Mindscape
Distributor: Mindscape
Rating: 80%
(Ratings
Key/Explanation)
Kasparov Chessmate is on the shelves now.
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