All,
There is a lot of traffic through this user group at the moment. Most of which
does not seem to target or fully appreciate what a chess program/engine is
meant to do. I, like many others, and specifically, Tyson and Alex, have
written about the objectives of an engine. It should be used for analysis,
theory-based preparation, for openings and latest current lines played by the
top players, and usefully, for checking tactics and blunder-analysis.
When then thinking about chess programs and what they can do, you should ask
yourself about the fruitfulness of the effort you are exerting into the usage
of one. Setting up a position is in the main much quicker or more productive
for a player on a standard board. Indeed, this will promote and encourage you
to analyse the position better and prevents the computer from saving you time,
effort and critically, denying you the practice you need to develop your chess
strength.
There is a certain usefulness in looking at puzzles, targeted positions and I
would argue that many examples of these can be found via other means. There is
no substitute though, none so great, than actual practice over-the-board,
whether that be via leagues, tournaments, correspondence, friendlies or just
with a mate over a beer. The more games you play, the more you will grasp
things, if you take time to consider, contemplate, discuss, debate and learn!
As written many, many times before, remember, chess programs/engines are only
one "tool" in a vast range of things a chess player should adopt.
So, to conclude, all the material and resources are out there for visually
impaired players. Fritz/Shredder, many versions are accessible and the majority
of "engines" can be loaded into any interface. Databases are accessible,
www.chessdb.com
is also an online resource for up-to-date database retrieval and opening theory
is more than available
www.chesspublishing.com
is just one of many such excellent sites.
Now, focus on what is useful, what will develop you and how best to utilise
your time!
Take it easy
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alexander L. Barrasso
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 10:14 PM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [usbca_chess] Re: Is Fritz Accessible?
Mark, Anthony,
I have managed the ribbons using the Window-Eyes cursor, which is equivalent to
the JAWS cursor. I agree that menus would be easier to navigate. I cannot
remember whether I could not find version 11 when I purchased the program or I
simply opted for V12. I have no experience with V13, so cannot comment on
differences between 12 and 13. I have been told that 12 is the last accessible
version, but it sounds like 13 (or parts of it) might be accessible.
Now to your question Anthony. Fritz is not an app for a smartphone. It is a
full-blown chess playing/analysis program available commercially for Windows.
I got mine from the ChessBase site, but Amazon and other major retailors
probably still carry it. You can play against the computer, set up positions,
research positions in the database and do much more with it.
Alex
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of anthony borg
Sent: December 20, 2015 1:05 PM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [usbca_chess] Re: Is Fritz Accessible?
Hi alex
I like to play chess very much and this is the first time that I've heard about
this app fritz.
Can you please explain to me some much more about it?
Best wishes,
Anthony borg from malta.
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alexander L. Barrasso
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2015 9:11 AM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [usbca_chess] Re: Is Fritz Accessible?
I have been using Fritz for a couple of years now. I have version 12, which I
believe is the last "accessible" version. I certainly do not claim to have
mastered the program. Most of what I know I gleaned from the BCA website
(which has a section on chess programs), from trial and error, and from
conversations with Chris Ross. Once you modify some settings, a great deal of
the program is accessible with either JAWS or Window-Eyes if you have the
patience to work with it. You can play games, save and analyze your own games,
ask the program to find the "best" move in a given position, add games to the
database, research positions in the database and set up any given position.
Additional features may also be accessible, but I think this list covers the
vast majority of what most of us would want to do. I am not in a position to
comment on the accessibility of Fritz versus other commercially-available
programs such as Shredder, since I have not used others.
Now to the specific question the lady asked Jay. I think the answer depends on
what her son intends to use the program for. If he is looking for an engine
against which to play games and he is not a class B or above player, I would
argue that KChess is perhaps the best option. It is easy to use and
sufficiently strong to challenge even players above expert strength. But if,
on the other hand, he is a serious player who is competing in tournaments,
wants to research positions, and has both the time and patience to manipulate
the program with a screen reader, than Fritz may be right for him.
One final note on accessibility of Fritz. Based on everything I have heard,
JAWS works better with it than Window-Eyes out of the box. I myself use
Window-Eyes, and my ability to use the program has been significantly enhanced
by a Window-Eyes app written for the program. If anyone out there wants to use
Fritz with Window-Eyes, I would be happy to put you in touch with the author of
the app.
Hope all this is useful.
Happy Holidays to all.
Alex
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jay Leventhal
Sent: December 18, 2015 12:45 AM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [usbca_chess] Is Fritz Accessible?
Hi Everyone,
I just received a request from a woman asking if she should buy the Fritz chess
program for her son. Is anyone using it with a screen reader? Is it easy to use?
She also asked about KChess Elite, which obviously is accessible.
Thanks,
Jay
