Chessmaster 5500 vs Chessmaster 6000
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Chessmaster 5500 brings the timeless game of chess to the PC with a robust set of training tools and a powerful AI opponent. Whether you’re a beginner learning the rules or an experienced player sharpening tactics, the game offers a comprehensive experience for all skill levels. Featuring a rich library of lessons, customizable difficulty, and both single‑player and multiplayer modes, Chessmaster 5500 remains a classic choice for chess enthusiasts seeking depth and accessibility on a single platform.
Chessmaster 6000 brings a deep chess experience to both beginners and seasoned players, offering a robust AI opponent and a library of classic games. The game includes extensive tutorials, puzzles, and multiplayer modes to sharpen your skills. Designed for Windows and macOS, it combines classic board game strategy with modern training tools, making it a timeless resource for anyone looking to improve their chess game.
- Extensive tutorial system
- Wide range of AI difficulty
- Rich customization options
- Robust multiplayer support
- Extensive tutorial and training system
- Strong AI with multiple difficulty levels
- Rich library of historical games
- Cross‑platform support for PC and Mac
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited online community features
- Only available on PC
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited online matchmaking features
- No built‑in chess engine analysis beyond basic hints
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Chessmaster 5500
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Alternatives to Chessmaster 6000
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataChessmaster 5500 offers the lower price and broader AI difficulty range, making it the safer default; Chessmaster 6000 adds Mac support and a larger puzzle library at a higher cost.
Key differences
- •Price: $29.99 (5500) vs $49.99 (6000)
- •AI difficulty levels: 64 levels (5500) vs 30 levels (6000)
- •Platform support: PC only (5500) vs PC and Mac (6000)
- •Puzzle volume: daily adaptive puzzles (5500) vs thousands of puzzles (6000)
- •Release timing: 1997 (5500) vs 1998 (6000) – no functional impact
Pricing & value
5500 costs $20 less while offering comparable core features, giving better price‑to‑feature ratio.
Platform availability
6000 runs on both PC and Mac, whereas 5500 is PC‑only.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both provide AI opponents, tutorials, multiplayer and historical game replay; core chess experience is identical.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Each supports single‑player and real‑time multiplayer matches; features are equivalent.
Content & replayability
6000 advertises thousands of adaptive puzzles and a comprehensive tutorial system, slightly richer than 5500’s daily puzzles.
Difficulty & accessibility
5500 offers 64 AI levels versus 30 in 6000, giving finer gradations for skill progression.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics; no distinction in the provided facts.
Choose Chessmaster 5500 if…
Budget‑conscious players who want finer AI difficulty steps and play only on PC.
Choose Chessmaster 6000 if…
Mac users or those who prioritize a larger puzzle library and don’t mind the higher price.
Common questions
Is there a price advantage to choosing Chessmaster 5500?
Yes, 5500 is priced at $29.99, $20 less than Chessmaster 6000’s $49.99 MSRP.
Can I play Chessmaster 6000 on a Mac?
Yes, 6000 is released for both PC and Mac; 5500 is PC‑only.
Which version offers more AI difficulty levels?
Chessmaster 5500 provides 64 AI levels, while Chessmaster 6000 offers 30 levels.