If you like buying the latest Chess software… or are just beginning to study chess, one of the  most well know chess software names is Fritz. Fritz 10 is now available. Below is a quote of some of the new features:

New in FRITZ 10: enhanced and improved chess engine developed especially for the 2006 Kramnik vs Fritz match; extended openings book; updated database; dynamic graphic tips for attack and defence; improved graphics and move entry on the 2D board; new high resolution 3D piece sets in classical wood; live display of the thinking process on the chessboard; more efficient position analysis.

New chess server features: additional ranking lists, full rankings for all players, filters for challengers with bad Internet connections, new and simple video conference function, bullet lists in the engine room, animated global weather display, direct link to Google Earth.

I will probably end up purchasing this new version…. I just keep beating Fritz 9. Just Kidding . . . Fritz on its regular setting will kill me and 99% of chess players every time!  Chess programs are so strong that there really isn’t a need to purchase a newer version of the current commercial programs unless you want or need the new functionality of the software.

A nice feature of getting a New Fritz version… is another year of free play on the chessbase server (playchess.com). Of course, Fritz 9 will be (discounted) going on sale soon at many online retailers so you might be able to get a year of online play… for about half the price.