There is a lovely chess game on my Windows Vista. As a matter of fact, it's a great learning resource for the beginner. The squares light up showing the possible squares to which all the pieces can move. Outside of that, it's good for the professional. It offers options such as playing against the computer or against another human, of course alternating the mouse.

It's called chess titans. Not sure if anyone here is familiar with it. It has about 10 different levels of playing. So far I have managed to win several games against the first level or 'level 0'. Level 1, I have been playing for a while but have been unable to match wits against level 1.

One post here which I read suggests not playing against computer chess. I do observe that computer chess Titans does follow a few openings moves typical of Sicilian, Karo Khan, French, King pawn and Alekhine.

Once, I used a software data base of 'EO' suggested openings and sequences. Each time I played a move on the computer chess game I consulted the software for best moves. I think I actually followed all the way to the end and did manage to checkmate Level 1 of chess Titans.

I've been playing chess titans quite a bit! The undo option is great for a beginner such as myself, as it allows me to see my mistakes. I only move up a level when I beat the computer a few times in a row as both white and black without using the undo button though. I am at level four right now.

I've played my brother on http://www.itsyourturn.com/ a couple of times but he hammered me, 20 to 30 moves and done (he has a phd in physics and has been playing chess for years.) Any other beginners here who play on itsyourturn? If so, my user name is spindaho (don't ask), hit me up for a game.

And sorry to self promote, but I set another chess game to music...I do have a masters in music and worked on my phd for several years so it's not like that silly youtube video with the electronic drum beat and one note at time (has any body else seen that?) I represent each move and possibilities for moves in counterpoint, it's kinda neat. The latest piece is called "Einstein vs. Oppenheimer 1933." and can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/tomrecchia

word.

Chess Titans is a decent program, considering it's free and it's from Windows.

If you don't mind the money, my recommendation would be to get ChessMaster. It's worth the $20 in it's tutorials alone.

I just destroyed chess titans on level 5 playing black. An annoying feature of the game is that the computer never resigns...i think it was officially over at move 20. Here are the moves...does anyone see a way I could have won sooner or played it better? And is it just me, or did the computer play a horrible game?

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. Nc3 d5 5. Qa4 Bd7 6. c5 b6 7. Nxd5 Nxd5 8.Bg5 Be7 9. h4 h6 10. f4 Nb4 11. e4 Bxa4 12. a3 Nc2+ 13.Kd2 Nxa1 14.h5 Nb3+
15. Ke1 hxf5 16. exd5 Qxd5 17. Be2 Nxd4 18.Rh3 Nxe2 19.Kxe2 Bb5+
20. Ke1 0-0-0 21. Nd4 Qxd4 22. Rd3 Qxd3 23. c6 Qd2#