Chessmaster is a XBL game that is true to my heart. My father taught how to play chess in the early 1980’s; chess helped my father pass time during Vietnam. My father used to always say, “Joel” chess is a mental game that require you to think several steps ahead of your next play. The thought of a game like this perplexed me. Who would want to play a game like this? I learned how to play chess in an hour but it would take a life time to master. I continued playing with my father and brother til I became focused and methodical. I could spring traps with my knight and pick off Pawns as they cross the Mason-Dixon line. Needless to say the knight was my favorite piece because you never see it coming. Fast-Forward 20year and XBL has given 360 owners the latest version Chessmasters LIVE. Whether in 2D or 3D this chess game can be played at your pace. Games can literally span a day,week or even months. The tutorial for Rook-ies helps the novice become as formidable as a pro; by choreographing moves for you. The AI is superb, I’ve played against an aggressive AI that had me so intimidated it felt very personal. The AI relentlessly taking my (Pawns and Bishops) with unapologetic fury. I’ve also played against an AI opponent who did nothing but defend. The smug AI son-a-fa-b$t*^ seemed to be playing for a tie instead of playing to win. Chessmaster Live has several different modes. The Puzzle mode in Chessmaster is the mode I grew accustom to love. Puzzle mode throws you into a situation like ” Find a check-Mate in one move”, “Find the fork” or “avoid checkmate.” The puzzles are incredible varying from simple to complex. The game will correct your mistakes while leaving you baffled because an out is right in front of you. A player must absolutely know the movement of every active piece on the board. You also need to be clear chess terms and rules. I have wasted hours playing this game online. This XBL gem is only 800 Microsoft point. So jump in!!!