This listing is for Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition for Windows PC on DVD-ROM, published by Ubisoft. This particular UK release was distributed through Focus Multimedia / Focus Essential and carries EAN 5031366017741 and part number ESS774.
Chessmaster Grandmaster Edition is both a PC chess game and an extensive chess-learning program, designed for beginners as well as more experienced players. Alongside normal computer chess play, it includes structured lessons, training material, analysis tools, famous historic games and tutorials intended to help players improve their openings, tactics, strategy and general understanding of chess.
A major feature of this edition is its connection with Josh Waitzkin. His The Art of Learning material forms an important part of the training programme, while Grandmaster Larry Christiansen also contributes instructional chess commentary. This makes the software particularly interesting to anyone looking for a Josh Waitzkin chess course, chess tutor software, chess training program or classic Chessmaster PC game.
Josh Waitzkin became one of America's best-known young chess players after winning his first national championship as a child. He went on to become an eight-time National Chess Champion in his youth and earned the title of International Master.
His early life was the subject of Fred Waitzkin's book Searching for Bobby Fischer, which was adapted into the well-known 1993 film of the same name. Josh later wrote The Art of Learning, drawing on his experiences in chess and martial arts to explore methods of learning, performance and mastery.
Waitzkin had a long association with the Chessmaster computer game series, and Grandmaster Edition incorporates his teaching directly into the software. His tutorials allow users to work through important moments from his chess career while learning principles that extend beyond individual moves into calculation, decision-making and competitive strategy.
The software provides a substantial collection of material for anyone wanting to learn chess or improve their chess game. The Chess Academy offers lessons covering fundamentals through more advanced concepts, while historic games can be studied to see how strong players developed attacks, defended difficult positions and converted advantages.
Grandmaster Edition includes approximately 900 historic chess games for study, multiple chess-board presentations and a selection of chess variants. The original programme also offered multiplayer games over a local network or internet connection, together with rated and unrated games, tournaments and other competitive options.
The back cover of this edition highlights ten luxury chess sets and teaching suitable for both novice and advanced players. It therefore works as both a traditional computer chess opponent and a more comprehensive interactive chess tutor.
Chessmaster was one of the longest-running and best-known computer chess series, appearing across numerous generations of home computers and game systems. Grandmaster Edition, released in 2007, was a late entry in the series and is also commonly referred to as Chessmaster 11.
For collectors of older PC software, it represents the era when boxed and DVD-ROM Windows chess games combined strong computer opponents with large interactive teaching libraries. The combination of Ubisoft's Chessmaster software and Josh Waitzkin's instruction gives this edition particular appeal to chess players, retro PC collectors and readers of The Art of Learning.
This software was originally designed for Windows XP and Windows Vista. The original requirements include a DirectX 9.0c-compatible graphics system, DVD-ROM drive, keyboard and mouse.
As this is older PC software, compatibility with Windows 10, Windows 11 or other modern operating systems is not guaranteed. Online services and internet multiplayer functionality may also have changed or been discontinued since the original release. Buyers intending to use the software on a newer computer should check compatibility before purchasing.
Very good condition.
The DVD-ROM disc is clean and looks very well preserved. The case and printed cover are also in very good condition, with only light signs of storage and handling. The Focus Multimedia support leaflet shown in the photographs is included.
Installation and compatibility with modern versions of Windows have not been tested.
Please see all photographs provided for the exact cosmetic condition. The item pictured is the item you will receive.
Game: Chessmaster: Grandmaster Edition
Series: Chessmaster
Platform: PC / Windows
Media: DVD-ROM
Original Release Year: 2007
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Bucharest / Ubisoft SRL
Distributor: Focus Multimedia Limited
Edition: Grandmaster Edition
Genre: Chess / Board Game / Strategy
Rating: PEGI 3
Part Number: ESS774
EAN: 5031366017741
Chessmaster PC games and classic chess software • Josh Waitzkin and The Art of Learning • Searching for Bobby Fischer • chess training and chess tutor programs • chess strategy and tactics • Ubisoft PC games • vintage Windows XP and Vista software • physical PC DVD-ROM games • retro computer chess
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description and show the exact item you will receive.