CHESSMASTER 2100 If you're a PC user and play chess, the chances are excellent that you have at least heard of -- and quite possibly may own -- CHESSMASTER 2100 from The Software Toolworks. The program's popularity isn't hard to understand, considering it offers a plethora of features, plays a respectable game (even on an XT), and can usually be found selling for less than $50 (and occasionally under $25!) in most software stores. (This review is based on the IBM-PC version.) Probably the most appealing aspects of CM2100 are the many features accessible via six pull-down menus. You may specify a three-dimensional set, the ability to design your own pieces, a voice that announces the openings and provides running commentary during the course of the game, and a teaching mode. Each of the folowing six headings has its own menu: GAME (Save, Load, New Game, etc.); PLAY (choose a playing level, from "Newcomer" through "Championship"); ACTION (Switch sides, Take Back, Hint, Offer Draw, etc.); BOARD (standard Staunton pieces in either 2-D or 3-D); CHOICES (Sound, Commentary, Colors, etc.); and a WINDOW that appears on demand showing one of various functions, including recommended variation and CM2100's analysis of the current position. To accomodate a wide range of user abilities, navigation of the program is accomplished via six pull-down menus. However, in my opinion, the number of menus -- and the titles of each -- only serve as a source of confusion. I found it difficult to remember which features were listed on each menu, since only "Board" is self-explanatory. For instance, "Play" actually refers to the skill level (most other chess programs refer to it simply as "level"); "Choices" is a collection of sight and sound options; and "Game" is the file menu. Until I became familiar with the terminology and use of the features, I was spending as much time learning how to use the program as deciding on a move! The playing strength can be adjusted via numerous settings -- again, maybe too many. But curiously, only the "Championship" level need be selected for CM2100 to play its strongest game. There is a significant drawback to choosing that level, though: Most other features are disabled, including such mandatory conveniences as the "beep" when the program moves, and the ability to force a move when necessary. The majority of players will find CM2100's playing strength to be challenging. On my XT, playing it on "Championship" at three minutes per move, I would judge the program to be the equivalent of about a 1600 U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) over-the-board rating, slightly better than an average (1500 USCF) tournament chess player. CM2100 seems to be very time-sensitive. Although all programs (and humans, too!) play better the more time allotted per move, there seems to be a noticeably steep decline in the quality of CM2100's play when time is reduced. (I suspect the difference may be much less obvious on a PC AT, however.) Secondly, I did notice a definite difference in the program's play when set to the three-minutes-per-move "Championship" level, compared to selecting "Advance/Best Style/Deep Thinking" and gaining access to the vast array of features. It should also be mentioned that I experienced repeated problems in prompting CM2100 to make its move upon resumption of a saved game. CTRL-F would seem to instantly force it to make any legal move, regardless of quality. When I "switched sides" and took back moves (to get CM2100 to try again to make a move), the program would crash! The 14-page manual adequately explains each of the features, but does not contain a macro-key summary page. Included is a separate, 56-page addendum providing an explanation of the movement of chess pieces, the history of chess, 10 problems, and a description of each of the 110 "Classic" games that come loaded into the program. CM2100 runs on IBM PCs (XT/AT) and compatibles, including Tandy. It supports Hercules graphics or better, as well as mouse input. The game requires 512K of RAM, and is distributed on both 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" diskettes; there is no copy protection. Despite the fact that CM2100 is beginning to show its age a bit (I understand that the Software Toolworks people are currently working on an upgrade), it can still be a very satisfying program for most anyone who plays chess. I strongly suggest that the less experienced player give it a hard look, especially in light of the low price tag and the multitude of features it contains. CHESSMASTER 2100 is published and distributed by The Software Toolworks.