By Dale Farris, Reviews Coordinator
Golden Triangle PC Club
December 2006

Game Overview

Viva-Media, the supreme children's software distributor, announces their newest chess game, Fritz & Chesster's CHESS For Winners.

Let's go! The Chess fair amusement park is in town! Chess is the name of the game at this fair. Pick up chess tips and skills as you ride on the bumper cars and Ferris wheel. Discover mini-games and more at every attraction. This unforgettable chess adventure is designed to advance young chess player's skills, move by move.

Play in the story and enjoy mini games that teach you chess knowledge. Polish up your chess strategy and tactics, opening, middle game and endgame and - use what you've learned to win!

You'll have a ton of fun while you learn more about the serious business of playing - and winning chess! Chess for Winners is Part 3 in the "Learn to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster" series of chess games for kids.

Chess for Winners is powered by Fritz, the world's #1 ranking chess software and provides training for advanced players.

Bonus

Enjoy 1 year free membership to www.playchess.com when you purchase this marvelous new chess game.

Features

Entertaining game that allows players to learn the basic rules of chess without overwhelming them
Play mini games like Capture Chess, Ferris Wheel Chess, and Blitz Chess
Opportunities to win toys
Ability to play against King Color, King Black, or even a friend
Explore chess tactics and strategies in an enjoyable and educational way
Introducing the chess clock
Thinking things through
Opening scheme
Tactics: diversion, interruption
Removing the defender
Recognizing mates
Types of check (blitz, capture)
Endgame training: rook vs. pawn
Key squares
Mating with knight and bishop

For chess players ages 8 and up

This new chess game is just super, and will stimulate the creativity of any budding young chess enthusiast, or anyone interested in learning how to play chess. Even adults new to the game of chess will thoroughly enjoy this fun approach to learning this fascinating game.

You come to play at a "chesstival" with Fritz, Chesster, and Bianca. You navigate your way through booths and games designed to train and develop your chess skills as you prepare for the ultimate test against the evil King Black. Powered by Fritz, the world's leading chess software, Chess for Winners is a fun and unique chess learning tool for players of all ages.

Viva Media's software can always be counted on for high quality software geared for the special interests and learning levels of children. With Fritz & Chesster's CHESS For Winners, they have added yet another marvelous chess game to their already strong lineup of superior chess learning tools. Chess for Winners is a super tool for learning the basics of chess and is just right for any child interested in learning how to play chess.

As many readers likely know, in the children's software business, programs that are supposedly created to simulate reality, or offer experiential, interactive learning, many times fail to make the grade. However, as any computer owner familiar with the award winning lineup of children's software from Viva-Media know, you can always depend on Viva-Media for top quality programs, regardless the targeted age group.

Despite the fun you will have, the game is of course built on serious matters, namely learning the basics of playing chess. This game provides an excellent, fun way for children to begin to learn all about the game of chess, preparing them for even more challenging chess games that can be introduced as the children grow.

About ChessBase, the Developer of Fritz

ChessBase was founded in 1986 and became the software providers to top players all over the world. Today, ChessBase is the proud sponsor of many national teams, including the US Women's Olympic Chess Team. ChessBase has been praised by the Washington Post as the "world's leading chess software company."

About Fritz

Fritz is the world's best chess software. Fritz is the strongest chess software on the market and has consistently ranked #1 on the International Computer Rating list for the last 5 years. "Deep Fritz is stronger than Deep Blue," says World Champion Vladimir Kramnik after his man vs. machine competition in 2002.

Fritz is the coach, companion, and training partner of top chess players all over the world. Garry Kasparov, the world's greatest chess player, called Fritz "my iron friend," in his book, My Great Predecessors.

Fritz is a creation of ChessBase, the world's leading chess software company, and Fritz has evolved through numerous versions since its birth in 1991.

Millions of copies of Fritz chess software have been sold in America and worldwide. In 1999, Fritz became the first chess software to ever be played in space when it entertained cosmonauts in the Mir space station. Fritz was also featured on ESPN during a nationally televised match against world  champion Garry Kasparov.

Age Group

Chess for Winners is a wonderful game for children ages 8 and up, as well as adults interested in learning the game. Kids around 8 years of age should be old enough to quickly master the game's unique, fun interface, and parents will have a great time working with their very young children who may be new to the game.

Again, Viva-Media presents a title that provides super value to public libraries as a wonderful title to be added to their collection. The game could be made available on workstations for children and their parents to play, or it could represent a super tool for use in Little Bookwork programs designed around the topic of chess.

Price

$29.99 (super bargain!)

Minimum System Configuration Requirements

Windows

P-II processor minimum
Windows ME, XP
32MB RAM (16MB free memory)
16-bit soundblaster compatible sound card
16x speed CD-Rom drive
Graphics card: resolution 800 X 600 pixels (16 bit color)

Installation and Setup

The game should install and set up with no problems.

About Viva Media, LLC

Viva Media, LLC is a privately owned New York company dedicated to publishing a wide array of interactive content of the highest standards. The company's collection of more than 40 multimedia titles tout more than 30 awards for excellence in publishing. Viva Media features the award winning line of Tivola Publishing CD-ROM games and the Viva range of titles including:

Viva Chess
Viva Astronomy
Viva Kids
Viva Adventure
Viva Music

Contact Information

John W. De Feo
Media Coordinator
Viva-Media
580 Broadway, Suite 604
New York, New York 10012
212-431-4420
FAX 212-431-4537
john@viva-media.com
www.viva-media.com

You can also order from other retailers or online vendors.