ChessBase Reader is intended to help you improve your skills as a chess player. The program is characterized by its support of a long array of formats, which includes PGN, a widely used text-based format.
The program has a nice and modern interface. Its main window lets you explore the game database on your hard disk as well as opening the disc-based FritzTrainer lessons, part of a well-known chess training series. There is another window, which is basically a chess board and allows using different layouts to meet your needs and preferences.
Probably, the program’s most acclaimed asset is the possibility of playing chess video lessons that are synchronized with the board. Likewise, it lets you visualize games directly from a web page. It is also great that it supports multiple Kitbitzer engines. However, it comes with only one default engine (Fritz 11 SE); so, should you need others, you will need to download them from playchess.com engine cloud. Also, it is very likely that you appreciate the chance to keep books, including notations, tables, training sessions, and score sheets.
To conclude, ChessBase Reader is probably the best software solution of its type available. What is more, it can be downloaded and installed absolutely free of charge. Therefore, if you are into chess, you should not miss the opportunity of at least trying this software piece.
Pros
- Ample format support
- Supports playback of various video formats
- Video lessons synchronized with the board
- Nice and neat interface
- Allows downloading additional engines
- Allows visualizing web-based lessons
Cons
- Only one engine available by default
Bro i love it
Very helpful.
I already have it once and was more than satisfied with it. I lost my laptop and only now have managed to produce another 1, so I'll be with chess reader again! Thank you very much!