April 6, 2005

The Gateway SAT Advantage (*** out of four) presents a structured approach to increasing your scores in the SAT exams. It is not necessary to have a computer to use this course, since it will play on a DVD attached to a TV as well as a DVD in a computer. Gateway SAT Advantage includes two DVDs containing three hours of video presentations by Dr. Kuni Beasley, a college professor who has been researching test-taking techniques for the past 12 years; the program also includes a 98-page companion booklet that reviews and builds on the points in the videos.

Beasley starts by discussing general test-taking principles, such as familiarizing yourself with the test, the test structure and the best time to take the tests. He then goes on to review specifics of the new SAT test structure and offers a preview of the kinds of questions to be expected. The next set of lectures deals with details in preparing for math, writing, reading and "last minute" items, such as what to eat the night before the exam.

Rules and acronyms abound in the videos and the booklet. For example, in the math prep Beasley uses rules such as the Bikini rule for fractions, the Plug & Chug rule or the Paw of Averages rule; in the reading prep he uses the TOM CAT acronym (Tone, Object, Meaning, Check, Accept, Try) to help analyze questions. He also addresses some types of wrong answers, sorting them into Bonehead, Landmine, Dufus and Sucker categories and how to identify them.

The videos and companion booklet are chock full of useful info on HOW to get better scores in the SAT, and it seems reasonable to expect that, if followed, students will better their scores. The course does not include any curriculum review matter.

The videos mimic a classroom lecture, with slides used to outline or demonstrate Beasley’s points. The lack of any kind of interactive involvement makes it hard to stay interested, but the videos fortunately are broken up into bite-size chapters that make study and review easier. Overall, the didactic presentation in the booklet and the lecture style of the videos will require considerable motivation on the part of the student and/or much encouragement by parents and/or teachers.

Fritz 8 Deluxe (***) is serious chess software. The playing engine in the program is the very same that tied World Champion Garry Kasparov in the televised 2003 New York competition, so that gives you some idea of what you’ll be up against if you play against your computer full force.

For game play, you can choose from a variety of chess board presentations: a simple 2-D layout, a 3-D layout with zoom and rotate capabilities or a more complex 3-D layout set in the "Spanish Room." During game play, if you have Chat turned on, you’ll be treated to a variety of comments by your computer opponent--some humorous, some derogatory, or, occasionally, helpful. All games you play will be recorded so you can study and replay games. In some modes you can even take back a move. You can select which display panes will be included on screen: Clock, Notations, Main Engine, Evaluation and others. Choose one of the 16 chess engines available in the program to play against, or select two engines and watch the computer play itself.

For the more involved chess player, a strength of the program is its database of more than 500,000 games--all searchable for specific games, openings, themes (middle games), tactics, strategy or endgames.

The interface design may be familiar and/or helpful to seasoned players, but beginners will be overwhelmed by the lists of moves, possible moves and more. Fortunately for the novice, there are playing modes that will help to improve your play, such as training mode. You can also increase the amount of help you receive with Hints, Suggested Moves, Display of Direct Threats, Kibitz or Expected Move, all of which are interesting in that the computer, based on the play so far, shows you what would be the expected next move. In addition, you can "dumb-down" your computer opponent in the handicap mode to improve your confidence. You can choose from handicap configurations such as Reckless, Desperado, Moron, Steam-roller or Dumb--or create a custom handicap. Or play the Friend mode, in which the computer automatically adjusts to your playing strengths.

The program is not designed to teach you to play chess as much as it is designed to teach you to play chess better. So if you’ve never played before, this program is not the place to start. But if you want to better your game, be challenged, and play any time day or night, then I doubt you’ll be disappointed. The program comes with a free one-year membership to Playchess.com, a Web site devoted to chess, with tournaments, training, teachers, news and more (a $24.95 value). Included with the program is a Kasparov video: Queen’s Gambit, opening strategies and the FIDE Rules of Chess.

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