QUICK STAR T
To play a game of chess right away, without reading the entire manual first, simply follow these Quick Start steps!
Open the battery
1
compartment at the back
of the computer by sliding
it in the direction of the
arrow. Insert 3 “AA” (Type
AM3/R6) batteries into the
computer, making sure
that you observe the
correct polarity. Reinstall
the battery door. (Details
at Section 1.1)
Press GO/STOP to turn
2
the game on. If the
computer does not
respond, press a paper
clip or similar sharp object
into the hole marked ACL
in the base of the unit as
described in Section 4.1.
Set up the chess pieces in
3
the initial starting position
for a new game, with
the White pieces
closest to you.
3 x AA/AM3/R6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
ABCDEFGH
Enter moves by executing
5
them on the board,
pressing the chess pieces
down gently on the ‘from’
and ‘to’ squares for each
move.
6
As soon as the computer
makes a move, that move
is shown in the display
window. Press the
computer’s piece lightly
onto the indicated ‘from’
and ‘to’ squares to
complete the computer’s
move. That’s all there is to
it!
Make your next move as
described above. Press
GO/STOP at any time to
turn the computer off.
Enjoy your game!
PRESS
E7:E5
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ENGLISH
PRESS
Press the NEW GAME key
4
to reset the computer for a
new game of chess.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK START
KEYS AND FEATURES
INTRODUCTION
1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER
1.1 Battery Installation
1.2 Making Moves
1.3 The Computer’s Move
1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back!
1.5 Check, Mate, or Draw!
1.6 Start a New Game
1.7 Change Levels
1.8 Openings Coach
2. ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES
2.1 Chess Clocks
2.2 Capturing and Special Moves
2.3 Illegal Moves
2.4 Interrupting the Computer’s Search
2.5 Changing Sides with the Computer
2.6 Getting Hints from the Computer
2.7 The Computer Plays Against Itself
2.8 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down
2.9 Openings Library
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Note: Computer will
automatically switch off to
conserve power if no key is
pressed for about 20
minutes when computer is
not thinking (see Section
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2.8)
3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES
3.1 Levels of Play
3.2 Fun Levels
3.3 Casual Levels
3.4 Blitz Levels
3.5 Bronstein Levels
3.6 Bonus Timer Levels
3.7 Tournament Levels
3.8 Fixed Depth Levels
3.9 Tactical Level
3.10 Teach Modes
3.11 Selecting Levels and Teach Modes
3.12 Openings Coach Mode
3.13 Verify Mode. Check Piece Positions!
3.14 Non Auto Mode
4. TECHNICAL DETAILS
4.1 The ACL Function
4.2 Care and Maintenance
4.3 Technical Specifications
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
1
KEYS AND FEATURES
1. LCD Display Window: The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is
used to show moves, game information, and chess clocks
for both players. Most of the symbols it uses are obvious,
but a full list is shown in Figure 1.
2 Piece Symbol Keys &(Kings), %(Queen), $(Rook),
#(Bishop), @(Knight), !(Pawn): The Piece Symbol keys
are used to verify positions and to select the different
Teach modes, and some pieces are used for underpromotion of pawns.
3 Game Keys
a. GO/STOP key: Press to turn the computer on. Press
again to turn the computer off. The current game is
retained in memory for up to 600 hours.
b. NEW GAME key: Press to reset the computer for a new
game of chess.
c. OPENINGS COACH key: Press to enter Openings
Coach mode and train on recognized opening gambits
and responses.
d. LEVEL key: Press to enter Level mode to adjust the
level of play to the complexity and type of game you
desire. Also used to select the Teach modes.
e. TAKE BACK key: Press to take back the last individual
move made. You may take back up to 14 individual
moves. (An individual move is a move for one side.)
f. NON AUTO key: Press to enter Non Auto mode, which
allows moves to be entered manually - the computer
monitors the game, but makes no moves.
g. PLAY key: Press to exchange sides with the computer.
Also you may press while the computer is thinking to
force it to move, or during your own move to get a
suggestion from the computer.
h. SOUND key: Pressing the key causes the sound feature
to cycle through its three levels of operation. You can
tell which condition you have selected by the number of
high tone beeps you hear:
SOUND LEVEL SIGNAL EMITTED WHEN IT IS SELECTED
Sound and Coach 3 high tones
Sound only 2 high tones
Silent. 1 high tone
With Coach selected, the computer
will evaluate your move immediately
it is completed, and emit two low
tones if it is considered bad. With
Sound selected, the buzzer ‘beeps’
to show that the computer is
responding to your actions. The
meanings of the various ‘beeps’ are
shown in Figure 1.
4 Sensory Chessboard: Each
square has a highly sensitive sensor
that registers piece movement.
Squares are identified by file
(letters) and rank (numbers).
5 ACL (Reset): In the base of the unit
is a recessed reset switch. It is
used to eliminate static discharge
after inserting a new set of
batteries.
6 Battery Compartment: The
batteries are housed in the base of
the unit. The computer uses 3 “AA”
(Type AM3/R6) alkaline batteries.
7 Piece Storage Area: Handy
storage compartment for your chess
pieces.
Figure 1. Display Symbols and Sounds
SYMBOLS
1 ............ 1 A .............A k .... King
2 ............ 2 B ............. b q .... Queen
3 ............ 3 c ............ C r .... Rook
4 ............ 4 D ............ D b .... Bishop
5 ............ 5 E .............E n .... Knight
6 ............ 6 F .............F p .... Pawn
7 ............ 7 G ............ G Sb ... Standard
8 ............ 8 H ............ H
9 ............ 9
0 ............ 0
PM............ Indicates player to move.
S............... Indicates black to move.
ch
- ....... Steady colon indicates that figures are
:
ch
:
ch:
EnD
EnDZ ....... Draw
te: .......... Teach mode
oZ:3 ....... Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
oz:3 ....... Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
-
o
:3 ....... Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
o-:3 ....... Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
1 high tone ......Acknowledge operation of any key or
1 low tone .......Error – wrong move or wrong key pressed
2 low tones......Warning from Coach
3 high tones ....New game or Sound and coach set
3 low tones......In games against the clock, time has
Minutes and Seconds
- ....... Flashing colon indicates that figures are
Hours and Minutes
--
..... Black in check
-
....... Checkmate – black wins
computer plays both sides
computer plays white
computer plays black
computer plays neither
SOUNDS
sensory square
run out
E7:E5
board
1
2
5
647
3
2
INTRODUCTION
This electronic chess board is a powerful computer that will play chess with you at whatever
level of complexity you choose, or if you prefer, you can play a game with a friend and the
computer will act as referee. The huge range of levels of play (64) combined with the extended
teach modes (11) will satisfy anyone with an interest in chess, including young and old. There
are 768 combinations altogether. The teach modes and openings coaches are superb learning
features at any level of play, and the various modes of timed competition will please the inter mediate player .
3 x AA/AM3/R6
ENGLISH
1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER
Battery Installation
1. Your chess computer runs on 3 “AA” (AM3/R6) batteries. For longer battery life (up to 600
hours), use fresh alkaline batteries. Slide back the cover in the back of the case and insert the
batteries as shown in Figure 1-1. Reinstall the cover and press GO/STOP to turn the computer
on. If the computer does not respond, use a paper clip or other sharp object to press into the
hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second to reset the computer. After the
battery is inser ted or ACL is pressed, the computer runs a self-test. 3 ‘beeps’ indicate that the
test is OK; a buzz or silence indicates a problem and you should check it with your local
distributor.
Note that putting in new batteries or pressing ACL will reset the computer and its memory,
losing any game that it might contain.
Making Moves
2. Follow these steps to start a game.
a. If necessary press GO/STOP to turn the computer on.
b. Set up the chess pieces in their starting positions with the White pieces nearest to you, as
shown in Figure 1-2, and press NEW GAME. The computer will indicate on the display that
you should play a White piece
00:00
PM
Note that pressing NEW GAME will cancel Teach mode or Openings Coach if either is
selected, or switch off the Non Auto function.
c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to move until you hear a ‘beep’
(see Figure Fig 1-3). The computer’s sensory board registers your move, and the display
shows on the left side the ‘from’ square that was pressed
E2:zz
d. Take the piece and lightly press it down on the square you want to move to. A second
‘beep’ sounds and the computer briefly shows the ‘to’ square on the right side of the display
E2:E4
As soon as your move is finished, if you have Sound and Coach selected, the display will
show Cocch while it evaluates your move. Two low tones are emitted if the move is
considered bad.
e. Then it is the computer’s turn, and the computer starts thinking about its move. However, in
the early stages of a game the computer’s response is often virtually instantaneous,
because it is playing moves already stored in its openings library (see Section 2.9).
The Computer’s Move
3. When the computer is ready, it ‘beeps’ and shows the ‘from’ and ‘to’ coordinates of its move
in the display, as shown in Figure 1.4. For an example, (see Figures1-5a and b). Press the
indicated piece down on its ‘from’ square (E7, in this case), until you hear a ‘beep’ and the ‘from’
side of the display changes to show the color and symbol for that piece. (Figure 1 shows the
symbols.)
Next press that same piece down on the second square in the display – the square the computer wants to move to (E5 here). Once you press E5, the display clears and you have
completed the computer’s move! The display then indicates again that it is your move.
Change Your Mind? Take Back!
4. If you change your mind about a move, you can take it back. Press TAKE BACK while it is
still your turn to move. The display shows the ‘to’ square. Press the piece down on that square.
You now see the piece symbol and the square that piece came from. Press the piece down on
the ‘from’ square to finish the take-back. If the move taken back was a capture, the computer
reminds you to put the captured piece back on the board by displaying the piece type and its
square for you. Press this piece down on the indicated square. To take back another move,
press TAKE BACK again. You can take back for up to 14 individual moves (or 7 moves for each
side), allowing you to experiment and try out various “What If?” approaches. To continue the
game, either make your next move or press PLAY to have the computer make it for you.
Figures 1-6a and b show an example of taking back the Knight move from G8 to F6. After
Fig. 1-1
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Fig. 1-2
PRESS
PRESS
Fig. 1-3
E7:E5
Fig. 1-4
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Fig. 1-5a
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Fig. 1-5b
3
pressing TAKE BACK, the display shows F6, the square the Knight moved to (Figure 1-6a).
Press down on F6, and the display changes to show the piece color and symbol (Black Knight)
and the square that piece came from (Figure 1-6b). Press the Knight back down on G8.
Note that en passant captures cannot be replayed if the take back of its previous move was
not allowed.
Check, Mate, or Draw!
5. When a King is in check, the display shows the check symbol (alternately with the clock
display if the clock is running). When the game ends in checkmate, draw by stalemate, draw by
immediate 3 fold repetition or draw by 50 move rule, the End symbol is displayed. These symbols
are shown in Figure 1.
Start a New Game
6. Press NEW GAME to start a new game at any time, using the currently selected level and
the previous setting of the sound feature. Since pressing NEW GAME clears your current game
from the computer’s memory, be very careful not to press this key by mistake.
Change Levels
7. Your chess computer offers you 64 levels of play, each of which corresponds to one of the
64 board squares. Together with the eleven built-in Extended Teach modes, you have a choice of
768 level settings. Press LEVEL to enter Level mode, and the current level is displayed (eg the
Level equivalent to board square A3 shows L:A3 alternately with Fun3. To change the level,
simply press a board square, and that level will show in the display. Press LEVEL again to exit
Level mode. For more information on the playing levels, see Section 3.
Openings Coach
8. Your computer has 16 openings sequences such as the “Italian Opening” or the “Queen’s
Gambit” for you to learn. Press OPENINGS COACH and then press one of the squares from A1
to B8 to select one of the openings. Press the square again to choose how much help you get
from the computer, and then press OPENINGS COACH again to start practicing or to test your
knowledge. More details are in Paragraph 3.12.
2 ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES
2.1 Chess Clocks
Built in chess clocks keep track of the time for you and also for the computer’s side, with a
four-digit display showing the total elapsed time or the remaining time for each player alternately
when it is his turn. After you have entered the computer’s move the display shows your chess
clock until a key or square is pressed. However, it keeps tally of your time until the ‘to’ square is
pressed. After you make your move, the display immediately switches to the computer’s clock
while it thinks, until it indicates that it is ready to move.
However, the computer may instead display Conch after your move while it analyzes whether
you made a good or a bad move. If it thinks your move is not good, it sounds two low tones.
For the first hour of the game or the remaining time is less than a hour, the display will show
MINUTES:SECONDS, with a steady colon. If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour, or the
remaining time exceeds one hour, the display will show HOURS:MINUTES, and the colon
becomes a flashing colon while the clock is showing.
Notes: The clock stops if you verify the level, if you verify the board, or if you turn the
computer off. In each of these cases, however, the times are retained in memory, and the
clock display resumes when play is continued.
The clock resets if you change level or press a square while in Level Mode.
When your King is in check, the display shows check alternately with the chess clock.
If you are playing in a level which is against the clock, the clock counts down from your
selected time to show time remaining. When the first clock reaches zero, there will be three
low tone ‘beeps’ to signal that time has run out. The clock will then begin counting time up
from zero. In the levels where time is not part of the competition, the clock counts upwards
to show the total elapsed time.
If you take back while playing against the clock, the clock does not reverse for each take
back. It simply stops until you start making a move again.)
--
:F6
Fig. 1-6a
-
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Fig. 1-6b
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Fig. 2-2
2.2 Capturing and Special Moves
a. CAPTURES: To capture, press down lightly on the piece you want to move, take the cap-
tured piece off the board, and press your piece on the square of the captured piece.
b. EN PASSANT: In an en passant capture, the computer reminds you to remove the
captured pawn from the board by displaying the pawn’s location. Press down on the
captured pawn before removing it from the board. See Figure 2-1a, b and c.
c. PAWN PROMOTION AND UNDER-PROMOTION: When you promote a pawn, first press
your pawn down on its ‘from’ square, as usual. The computer displays your ‘from’ square
and the Queen symbol (alternately with the clock display). As soon as you press your pawn
down on the ‘to’ square, it automatically becomes a Queen. Remember to change your
piece on the board! If you wish to under-promote your pawn to Rook, Bishop, or Knight,
then press the appropriate Piece Symbol key in between pressing the ‘from’ and ‘to’
squares. When the computer promotes a pawn, it will show the ‘from’ and ‘to’ square as
4
usual. After you press its ‘from’ square, the display
indicates the piece type that the pawn will be promoted
to by showing the piece symbol and the ‘to’ square.
Press down on the ‘to’ square with the indicated new
piece to complete the computer’s promotion move.
d. CASTLING: The computer automatically recognizes
castling after the King is moved. After you have
pressed the King down on its ‘from’ and ‘to’ squares,
the computer displays the Rook’s ‘from’ square. Press
down on this square. The computer then displays the
Rook symbol, along with the square the Rook should
move to. Press down on the Rook’s ‘to’ square to
complete the move (see Figure 2-2).
2.3 Illegal Moves
Your computer will never accept an illegal move. If you
attempt an illegal move, the computer gives a low tone error
‘beep’ and the display keeps showing the ‘from’ square.
Press on that square to clear the illegal move; then move
again.
Also, if you should move the computer’s piece incorrectly
you will also hear an error ‘beep’. This can happen if you
move the wrong piece or move a piece to the wrong square.
Check the display and move again.
If you press a piece and the ‘from’ square shows in the
display, but you decide not to make that move, press that
same square once again to cancel. Be careful not to make
mistakes when the sound is off, as you will not be able to
hear the error ‘beeps’.
2.4 Interrupting the Computer’s Search
To interrupt the computer while it is thinking, press PLAY,
and the computer will play the best move it has found so far.
This can be most useful in games at a high level of play,
when an exhaustive search for the best move can be quite
time consuming.
2.5 Changing Sides with the Computer
To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when it is
your turn. The computer will make the next move for your
side. Change sides as often as you wish!
2.6 Getting Hints from the Computer
If you need help, you can have the computer show you
what it would do in your position! Press PLAY on your turn,
and the computer will make the next move for you.
To keep this move as your own, make the
displayed move on the board, press PLAY again
and the computer will make its next move; then
continue the game by making your own next move.
If you do not want to use the computer’s move, first
make the displayed move on the board, and then
take it back. Once you have cleared the move in
this way, you can make your own move.
. If the current board position is in its openings library,
library
the computer plays a response to that position from its
collection of moves, instead of thinking about the move.
3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES
3.1 Levels of Play
With 768 level settings to choose from (including the
Extended Teach modes), you can learn and grow with this
chess computer! As shown in the charts of playing levels in
the following paragraphs, each level corresponds to one of
the 64 board squares. The basic levels are categorized into
8 groups intended to suit users of different abilities:
• Fun Levels: A1 to A8. For the early beginner. A1 is
easiest.
• Casual Levels: B1 to C8. For games not against the
clock. Full range of difficulty from easy (B1) to
extremely challenging (C8). When you first power up
the computer B4 will be the selected level.
• Blitz: D1 to D8. Also known as “Sudden Death”.
Game must be concluded within the selected time.
• Bronstein: E1 to E4. The game must be concluded
within the selected time, which is then increased by an
amount to compensate for each move. The
compensation is the actual time used or the allowed
time, whichever is shor ter.
• Bonus Timer: E5 to E8. The game must be
concluded within the selected time, which is increased
by a prescribed amount to compensate for each move
before the move is made.
• Tournament: F1 to F8. A certain number of moves
must be made within the given amount of time.
• Fixed Depth: G1 to G8. Computer skill is limited by
not being able to look ahead more than the selected
number of moves.
• Tactical: H1 to H8. Computer skill is limited by not
being able to look ahead more than the selected
number of moves, and by not evaluating strategic
advantage.
When you set the level, bear in mind that when the
computer has more time to think about its moves, it gets
stronger and plays better – just like a human player!
Sharpen your chess skill – as you beat the computer on
each level, graduate to the next. Keep challenging yourself
and learn more about the game!
CHOOSE A LEVEL FROM THE 64 BOARD SQUARES
H16
H8
8
H15
H7
7
B8
B7
B16
B15
I8
I16
I7
I15
A8
A7
ENGLISH
A16
A15
2.7 The Computer Plays Against Itself
To watch the computer play a game against itself,
press PLAY for every move. Study its playing
strategies to learn more about chess!
2.8 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down
You may interrupt a game by pressing GO/STOP
to turn the computer off. The computer will
“remember” your position for up to 600 hours (with
fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch on again,
continue where you left off!
If you do not press a key or make a move within
about 20 minutes when the computer is not
thinking, the computer will switch off to conserve
power, and will retain the game in memory. Press
GO/STOP to resume the unfinished game.
2.9 Openings Library
At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply
is usually instantaneous because the computer is
playing moves which are stored in its
openings
H14
H6
6
H13
H5
5
H12
H4
4
B6
B5
B4
B14
B13
B12
I6
I14
I5
I13
I4
I12
A6
A5
A4
BLITZ
H11
H3
3
FUN LEVELS
H10
H2
2
H1
1
H9
ABCDEFGH
5
B3
B2
B11
B10
I3
I2
CASUAL LEVELS
B1
B9
I1
I11
TOURNAMENT
I10
I9
BRONSTEIN BONUS TIMER
A3
FIXED DEPTH
A2
A1
A14
A13
A12
A11
TACTICAL
A10
A9
3.2 Fun Levels
Selection of any of the squares from A1 to A8 will give
you the fun levels. In this range the computer does not make
an exhaustive search for the best available move. It
disregards scores, and in addition the program makes use of
randomizers which cause the computer to occasionally make
a move that is not the best of those it has found. This
introduces an interesting variability in the computer’s
responses, and sometimes it will seem to make quite human
errors of judgement. A1 is the lowest skill level, and A8 is
somewhat higher.
3.3 Casual Levels
When casual levels are selected, you are controlling the
skill level of the computer by limiting the average amount of
time it has to select its move. As the skill level is increased,
the computer will think ahead progressively more deeply, and
as a consequence, play a more skillful game.
When one of these levels is selected from the B or C files
of squares, the display will alternate every second between
the level selection and the average response line of the
computer. Your choice is shown below:
Chessboard Square Time per Move Display
B1 .................... 1 sec .......... L:B1/00:01
B2 .................... 2 sec .......... L:B2/00:02
B3 .................... 3 sec .......... L:B3/00:03
B4 .................... 5 sec .......... L:B4/00:05
B5 ................... 10 sec ......... L:B5/00:10
B6 ................... 15 sec ......... L:B6/00:15
B7 ................... 20 sec ......... L:B7/00:20
B8 ................... 30 sec ......... L:B8/00:30
C1...................45 sec ......... L:c1/00:45
C2....................1 min .......... L:c2/01:00
C3.................... 2 min .......... L:c3/02:00
C4.................... 3 min .......... L:c4/03:00
C5.................... 4 min .......... L:c5/04:00
C6.................... 5 min .......... L:c6/05:00
C7................... 10 m i n ......... L:c7/10:00
C8................... 15 m i n ......... L:c8/15:00
3.4 Blitz Levels
The levels in the D file of squares are the Blitz levels. If
you wish to play speed chess, or “instant death”, you can
select from a range of times which are allowed for the game
to be completed. You may choose between a 5 minute
“pressure cooker” of a game to a more relaxed 1
1
/
hours.
2
When you select one of these squares, the display will
alternate every second between the name of the square you
have selected, and the corresponding time limit for the game.
Chessboard Square Time per Move Display
D1.................... 5 min .......... L:D1/05:00
D2................... 10 m i n ......... L:D2/10:00
D3................... 15 m i n ......... L:D3/15:00
D4................... 25 m i n ......... L:D4/25:00
D5................... 30 m i n ......... L:D5/30:00
D6................... 45 m i n ......... L:D6/45:00
D7................... 60 m i n .......... L:D7/1:00
D8................... 90 m i n .......... L:D8/1:30
3.5 Bronstein Levels
By selecting a square from E1 to E4 on the chess board,
you can select a time limit for the game following the
Bronstein system. A basic time is selected for the game, and
an increment of a few seconds is then added to that time
every time a move is made. The increment is either the free
time shown in the table below, or the actual time taken to
move, whichever is shorter. Your choice is shown in the
table. When you choose one of these levels, the display
cycles through three different pieces of information, each of
which is shown for 1 second. For example, if you chose E2
you would see:
• The selected square L:E2 and then ....
• The base time in minutes 10:00 and then ....
• The free time in seconds 00:05
Chessboard Time for Free Time Display
Square Game per Move
E1 .......... 5 min ........ 3 se c .... L:E1/05:00/00:03
E2 ......... 10 min ....... 5 s e c .... L:E2/10:00/00:05
E3 ......... 15 min ...... 10 s e c ... L:E3/15:00/00:10
E4 ......... 20 min ...... 10 s e c ... L:E4/20:00/00:10
3.6 Bonus Timer Levels
Selection of a square in the range E5 to E8 gives the
Bonus Timer Levels. This is similar to the Bronstein Levels,
except that the time increment is always 2 seconds, and it is
added to the time before the move is made.
Chessboard Time for Free Time Display
Square Game per Move
E5 .......... 3 min ........ 2 se c .... L:E5/03:00/00:02
E6 ......... 10 min ....... 2 s e c .... L:E6/10:00/00:02
E7 ......... 20 min ....... 2 s e c .... L:E7/20:00/00:02
E8 ......... 50 min ....... 2 s e c .... L:E8/50:00/00:02
3.7 Tournament Levels
The file of F squares provides 8 tournament levels. When
one of these is selected, you and the computer are each
required to make a prescribed number of moves within a
given amount of time. For example, if you select F3 you will
be required to make 40 moves within 2 hours under the
Primary Time Control. If the game is not finished within that
time, the Secondary Time Control period will begin, and you
will be required to make 20 moves within 1 hour. And if this
secondary period does not produce a result, it is repeated
until a conclusion is reached.
In accordance with tournament regulations, any time
remaining at completion of the moves of the Primary Time
Control is carried forward and added to the time allowed for
the Secondary Time Control. For example, if you selected
level F3 and completed the first 40 moves in just one hour,
you would be allowed 2 hours for the next 20 moves. Surplus
time, if there is any, is carr ied forward and accumulated in
this way throughout the game.
When you select one of these tournament levels, the
display will cycle through three items of information, each of
which shows for a second. For example, if square F4 is
selected, the display will show:
• The selected square L:F4 and then ....
• The number of moves
in the Primary Time Control 40 and then ....
• The duration of the Primary
Time Control 2:00
Chess
board
Square
F1 30 30 min 30 30 min
F2 30
F3 40 2 hr 20 1 hr
F4 40 2 hr remain 1 hr
F5 40
F6 45
F7 50
F8 60 1 hr 30 30 min
Primary Secondary
Time Control Time Control
Moves Time Moves Time
1 h r
30 min 30/1:30
2 hr
30min 40/2:30
1 hr
30 min 45/1:30
2 hr
30 min 50/2:30
remain 1 hr
16 1 hr
15 30 min
20 1 hr
Display
L:F1/
30/0:30
L:F2/
L:F3/
40/2:00
L:F4/
40/2:00
L:F5/
L:F6/
L:F7/
L:F8/
60/1:00
3.8 Fixed Depth Levels
The fixed depth levels in file G limit the skill of the
computer, not by the time to search for its next play, but by
6
the number of moves ahead. At the lower levels it behaves
more like a novice player. At the lowest level, G1, where the
computer looks ahead only one individual move, it really
does not anticipate the game at all, and could even miss a
mate that you could make in one more move. At the other
end of the scale the computer will review all the possibilities
within the next 8 individual moves (G8).
In this case the display alternates every second between
the level you have selected, and how many individual moves
(ply) ahead the computer searches:
• The selected square L:G5 and then ....
• The number of individual
moves ahead 5PLy
3.9 Tactical Level
Tactical levels are found in the last file of squares, ‘H’ file.
These levels also limit how many individual moves ahead the
computer looks, but in this case the computer does not
evaluate strategic advantages, and looks only for material
gain such as checkmate or draws. Again, the number of
individual moves ahead that the computer reviews is
equivalent to the chessboard square - H1 is one individual
move ahead; H8 is 8 moves ahead.
The display alternates every second between the level
you have selected, and how many individual moves (ply)
ahead the computer searches, in similar fashion to the Fixed
Depth levels.
• The selected square L:H8 and then.....
• The number of individual
moves ahead 8PLy
3.10 Teach Modes
Your chess computer contains eleven built-in Extended
Teach modes. This feature allows you to learn basic moves
and master the tactics of the pieces, one at a time. For each
individual Teach mode the only pieces on the board will be
Kings and Pawns, or Kings and Pawns and one or two
selected piece types. This allows beginners to concentrate
on one or two pieces at a time, without losing focus and
being distracted by other pieces on the board. More
developed players can use this feature to practice playing
with selected combinations of pieces.
Note the following, in relation to the Levels and Teach
modes:
If NEW GAME is pressed during any game, the computer
will quit the Teach mode and switch back to the standard (32
pieces), with the current level still in effect.
If you press LEVEL and you then decide not to change
the current playing level or Teach mode, simply press LEVEL
again, and the current status will remain as it is.
You may select a new level at any time during your turn.
However, the clock will be reset.
If you press more than 2 Piece Symbol keys during a
Teach mode selection, only the last 2 symbol selections will
be valid when you exit Level Mode.
If you accidentally press any piece symbol key in Level
mode, you will lose the current game after exiting Level
mode. To continue with the current game, press the square
corresponding to the current level of play, before exiting
Level mode. However, the clock will have been reset.)
3.11 Selecting Levels and Teach Modes
Press LEVEL to enter Level mode, and the current level is
displayed (eg Level A3 shows as L:A3 alternating with
Fun3, which is the level selected by pressing board square
A3). To change the level, simply press a board square, and
the new level alternating with the level details will show in the
display. Press LEVEL again to exit Level mode.
Note the following key sequences and effects:
LEVEL, LEVEL No change. Previous level
remains selected
LEVEL, Square, LEVEL New level selected, clock
resets
LEVEL, Piece Symbol, Starting position of selected
LEVEL Teach mode is set at previ
ously selected level.
LEVEL, Square, Starting position of selected
Piece Symbol, LEVEL Teach mode is set at new
level
LEVEL, Piece Symbol, New level is set, previous
Square, LEVEL Teach mode selection
canceled, existing game
retained
To select Teach mode, press LEVEL. The display will
show the skill level, as indicated by the equivalent chess
board square, alternating with the level details. To select a
Teach mode press the one or two appropriate Piece Symbol
keys (%, $, #, @ or !) that you want to use. The display will
then show the selected pieces. For example, if you wish to
play with Kings, Bishops, Knights, and Pawns, after pressing
LEVEL, you will press and # and @ . The display will show
your selection. Then press LEVEL to exit Level mode and
enter your selection into the computer and begin your game.
Since the King is always required for the game, you do not
need to select this piece for the Teach mode, and in fact
pressing & is the way you select a normal, 32 piece game.
Note that NonAuto is automatically canceled whenever
a teach mode is selected on the existing level mode.
The eleven teach modes and normal game are indicated
by the following displays:
Teach Mode Display
Kings and Pawns ........................................te:zp
Kings, Knights and Pawns..........................te:zn
Kings, Bishops and Pawns .........................te:zb
Kings, Rooks and Pawns............................te:zr
Kings, Queens and Pawns ......................... te:zq
Kings, Knights, Bishops and Pawns...........te:nb
Kings, Knights, Rooks and Pawns..............te:nr
Kings, Knights, Queens and Pawns ...........te:nq
Kings, Bishops, Rooks and Pawns.............te:br
Kings, Bishops, Queens and Pawns ..........te:bq
Kings, Rooks, Queens and Pawns .............te:rq
All Pieces (normal game) ...........................te:sb
3.12 Openings Coach Mode
The computer has 16 different openings sequences in
memory, which are played through so that you may learn
them. Press OPENINGS COACH and when first selected,
the computer will ‘beep’ and the display will flash
oZ:
You can then choose which opening game you wish to
review by pressing one of the squares from A1 to B8 Figure
3-1 lists the available openings. For example, to select the
third openings coach, press square A3, and oZ:3 will be
flashing in the display. This confirms that the third openings
coach has been selected and the two bars indicate that the
computer will display moves for both sides, so that you can
watch and learn. Press the same square again and the
display will change to oz:3, which indicates that the
computer will play the white side and let you work out the
moves for black. Another press on the square changes the
bar on the right to show that the computer will play black
while you play white, and a further press will remove the bars
altogether, which means that the computer will leave all the
moves to you while it monitors you for correctness. Press
OPENINGS COACH again, and the display will indicate that
you should move. While you are playing you can press
PLAY to ask the computer to remind you of the next move.
Every time you make a correct move, the computer will
confirm the move with a single ‘beep’, but if you are wrong, it
makes a double ‘beep’ and keeps the ‘from’ square showing
on the display. Press the correct ‘to’ square to end the move
or the ‘from’ square to cancel it. At the end of the opening
sequence you may continue and play the game if you wish.
ENGLISH
7
The clock is not used during this mode and NonAuto, when
selected, is only in effect after the opening moves are
finished.
Note that the method chosen for playing the Openings
Coach is retained in memory until batteries are
replaced of ACL is pressed.
Figure 3-1 Moves in Openings Coach
Square Name Moves
A1
Italian Opening
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1c4, f8c5
Two Knights Defense
A2
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1c4, g8f6
Spanish Opening
A3
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1b5, a7a6, b5a4, g8f6,
e1g1, b7b5
Sicilian Defense
A4
e2e4, c7c5, g1f3, d7d6,
d2d4, c5d4, f3d4, g8f6,
b1c3
French Defense
A5
Caro-Kann Defense
A6
e2e4, e7e6, d2d4, d7d5
e2e4, c7c6, d2d4, d7d5,
b1c3, d5e4
Scandinavian Defense
A7
e2e4, d7d5, e4d5, d8d5,
b1c3, d5a5
Alekhine’s Defense
A8
Queen’s Gambit
B1
e2e4, g8f6, e4e5, f6d5
d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, e7e6,
b1c3, g8f6, c1g5, f8e7
Queen’s Gambit Accepted
B2
Nimzo-Indian Defense
B3
d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, d5c4
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
b1c3, f8b4
Queen’s Indian Defense
B4
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
g1f3, b7b6
King’s Indian Defense
B5
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
b1c3, f8g7, e2e4, d7d6
Gruenfeld Defense
B6
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
b1c3, d7d5
B7
Dutch Defense
d2d4, f7f5, c2c4, g8f6,
b1c3, e7e6
English Opening
B8
c2c4, e7e5, b1c3, g8f6,
g1f3
When you want to get back to playing a normal game, just
press NEW GAME, and you will be returned to the standard
board.
3.13 Verify Mode. Check Piece Positions!
If the pieces get knocked over, or you think any of them
have been put in the wrong places, you can get the computer
to run a check for you. Just press the Piece Symbol key for
the piece you are questioning. The computer will show you
the symbol for the color and piece type, along with the
square on which it should be placed. Pressing the key again
shows the position of the next piece of that type, and so on
until all such pieces that should be on the board have been
shown. The display shows white pieces first, and then the
black pieces. When there are no more pieces of that type to
report, the display reverts to showing the side to move, and
sounds two ‘beeps’ to get your attention. An example of the
sequence of displays is shown in Figure 3-1.
Key Press Display Shows Meanings
Press ™ first time
Press ™ second time
Press ™ third time
Press ™ fourth time
zn:B1
Zn:B8
n:F6
zn:zz
(beep, beep)
White Knight on B1
Black Knight on B8
black Knight on F6
no more Knight,
white-to-move
This example indicates that one of the white knights has
been captured, and it is now white to play.
To verify other pieces, repeat the same steps using the
other Piece Symbol keys. When you are finished, simply
make your next move. Meanwhile the clock has been
temporarily stopped. The computer automatically exits Verify
Mode if no piece symbol key is pressed within about 5
seconds.
3.14 Non Auto Mode
Normally, the computer automatically answers with a
countermove whenever you enter a move. If you press NON
AUTO the computer responds with a ‘beep’ and you can then
enter all the moves for both sides, one by one, without
allowing the computer to answer! This special feature can be
used in a number of different ways:
• Play through master chess games. It is interesting to
press PLAY to see what the computer would do in any
position!
• Study opening book lines by entering them manually.
• Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting
as referee to check the legality of all moves and keep
track of the time for both sides! If you need help with a
move, simply press PLAY and the computer will make
the next move. After the move, Non Auto mode
remains in effect, and you can continue your game!
• Replay to any board position for further study.
To exit Non Auto mode and return to normal play, press
NON AUTO once again, and a double ‘beep’ verifies that the
mode has been canceled.
Note that Non Auto mode is also automatically can-
celed whenever you press NEW GAME or select a
Teach mode on exiting Level mode.
4 TECHNICAL DET AILS
4.1 The ACL Function
Computers can sometimes “lock up” due to static
discharge or other electrical disturbances. If this should
happen, take out the batteries and use a pin or a similar
sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base
of the unit for at least one second. This resets the computer.
4.2 Care and Maintenance
Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and
should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to
extreme temperatures or moisture. Be sure to remove the
batteries before cleaning the unit. Do not use chemicals
agents or liquids to clean your unit, as they may damage the
plastic.
Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they
can leak and damage the computer. Please also note the
following regarding the use of batteries.
alkaline or zinc carbon batteries. Do not mix different
types of batteries or new and used batteries. Do not
recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the
recommended batteries or equivalent. Be sure to
observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries.
Worn out batteries should be removed from the unit
promptly. Do not short circuit the supply terminals.
4.3 Technical Specifications
Clock F requency: 4.2MHz
Keys: 14
LCD Display: Viewing area 30 x 13 mm
Sound: Piezo-electric buzzer
Batteries: 3 AA/AM3/R6 (1.5V) cells
Battery Life: 600 hrs for new alkaline batteries
Dimensions: 314 X 252 X 34 mm
Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the
interest of progress.
Warning: Use only
8
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOMS
Computer doesn’t react or
“freezes” during a game
Display is dim
Computer will not play a move
Computer will not accept your
move
The computer seems to be
making illegal moves
The computer is silent
POSSIBLE CAUSES
• Batteries not inserted properly
• Batteries are weak or bad
• Static discharge has caused a lockup
• Batteries are weak
• Non Auto mode activated
• High level of play is set – computer still
thinking
• Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will
your move leave your King in check? Did
you move the Rook first to initiate castling?
Are you moving to an illegal square?
• The computer is thinking
• You have entered the computer’s last move
incorrectly (pressed the wrong squares)
• The computer has made one of the special
moves such as en passant, castle, or pawn
promotion
• Your board position is incorrect
• The Sound key has been pressed to turn
the sound off
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
• Re-install batteries as shown in 1.1
• Replace batteries
• Use ACL reset as described in 4.1
• Replace batteries
• Press Non-Auto to de-select
• You may force the computer to make a move by
pressing PLAY
• A low tone indicates you are making an error.
Check the chess rules. Use Take Back to
reconstruct the last move
• To interrupt the computer, press PLAY
• Check the displayed move. Press the correct
square to complete the move
• Check the rules
• Verify the board as described in 3.13
• Press SOUND
ENGLISH
9
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