Kasparov Chessmate
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games, Chess software |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | The Learning Company, Garry Kasparov (consultant) |
| Products | Chess software |
| Owner | The Learning Company |
Kasparov Chessmate is a chess software application created by The Learning Company with input from chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who also features as the ultimate challenger in the "Kasparov Chess Club" tournament mode. Launched in 2003, this title is designed for both casual enthusiasts and serious competitors on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Palm OS systems.
The program includes two main single-player options: a fully adjustable game mode where users can modify the board layout, set time controls, select difficulty levels, and utilize an undo function; and the "Kasparov Chess Club," a tournament-style sequence where players confront AI adversaries of escalating skill. While it offers local multiplayer capabilities, it does not incorporate instructional or training modules commonly available in rival products such as the Chessmaster series. A notable commercial advantage is its ability to sync player ratings and tournament progress between PC and Palm devices.
Beyond consumer use, Kasparov Chessmate was customized for airline entertainment systems by DTI Software, broadening its presence within in-flight gaming services. The collaboration with Jamdat Mobile facilitated distribution on mobile platforms, reflecting the early 2000s surge in portable gaming solutions.