From opening move to checkmate in 35 moves. That was surprising, especially considering the length of time that had elapsed since last playing chess.

But Chessmaster 8000, the latest in a venerable line of programs from Mattel Interactive, has expanded the range of computer foes, allowing rusty old players, or new players, to move into the program at their own pace.

This program is, in a word, fantastic.

First, the program sports a new interface, making it easier to navigate through the various windows that you can open, and allowing game players to customize the layout of the program. It also features 16-bit graphics, a host of new opponents, a new engine which enables the program to play at the Grandmaster-level, new features aimed at kids, and a course in endgame dynamics by International Master Josh Waitzkin.

And if you are the type of player who is constantly looking for ways to improve your game, this product will allow you to set up drills that will help you improve every facet of your game. There are also thousands of new games in the database, which will allow the serious gamer to see how some of the top master games from 1999 and 2000 were played.

What makes this game so nice is the player interface. You can select from a two-dimensional board, or a three-dimensional board. On first inspection, though the 3D board looked much nicer, it was hard to determine just exactly where chess pieces were moving. This program solves that. There is also a window with a two-dimensional view of the board. It will give novice players hints about movement, or simply let you view the board from above. Rather handy, especially when looking for that 35th move that resulted in the checkmate.

The program opens with a question: You are given the color of the piece moving, the number of moves to checkmate, and you have to figure out the move or moves. It sounds easy unless your skills have been eroded by time.

From that point you are treated to a wonderful options package that will allow you to pick your particular style of pieces, your board, the strength of your opponent and how you want the game to proceed. Do you want hints, if stuck? The program will provide that. Do you want to play and try for a ranking? This program will allow you to do that too.

Kids can access a menu aimed specifically at them that will take them through the basics of the program, and teach them how to become proficient at the game. You can also access the classroom, a tournament hall, and a library and database of games.

You will find a wide range of players in the CMLive room, though most are serious players and will take novice players to task in a hurry. It is really better to improve your skills offline before venturing in that direction. Or, if you have a friend at the same level that also has the game, you can play over a LAN.

Chessmaster 8000 is a marvelous learning program that challenges players to think, reason, and plan ahead. The program has a terrific options package, solid graphics and sound. This is the program that you will want if you play chess or ever wanted to learn.

This program is rated for Everyone.

Install: Easy.  The minimum install is 66 megs, and the typical is just 144 megs of hard drive space. This program goes on quickly.

Gameplay: 7.5. There are many different ways to play this program and the games move very well from beginning to end. The only delay, if playing a computer opponent, comes from the contemplation of the gamer.

Graphics: 7. There are several options to change the look of this program, and though solid, there is nothing exceptional here.

Sound: 7.5. This program is rife with sound options, allowing you to change the sound of pieces moving, and setting up the narration in a manner you will enjoy.

Difficulty: 8.5. You can customize the level of the challenge, but you must remember that chess is a cerebral exercise, and you will find the competition, not only in-game but on the Internet, very good.

Concept: 7.5. Chessmaster 8000 has added some solid elements, such as wider range of opponents, and new chess pieces and boards, to jazz up a reliable teaching program.

Overall: 8.5. In the realm of board games that have made the transition to the computer, the Chessmaster series ranks as one of the nicest and most user-friendly programs to make the leap. Not only is it a solid teaching program, but it presents a terrific range of opponents and games. This is a wonderful program.