SAITEK CHESS CHALLENGER User Manual

Chess Challenger

Instructions

Bedienungsanleitung

Mode d’emploi

Handleiding

QUICK START

To play a game right away, without reading the entire manual first, simply follow these Quick Start steps!

Plug in the AC adapter (supplied), or insert four

“C” (Type AM2/R14) batteries into the computer, making sure to observe the correct polarity.

When using the adapter (see Section 9), plug it into the wall and then into the unit.

Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on. If the

unit doesn’t respond, reset it as noted in Section 9.1.

Set up the chess pieces in the initial starting position

with the White pieces closest to you, as shown in this diagram.

To reset the computer for a NEW GAME of chess,

simultaneously press the

CLEAR and ENTER keys.

4 x C/AM2/R14

GO/STOP

ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ ው巀居巀居巀居巀居ው ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ ዋ屄层屄层屄层屄层ዋ ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ

NEW GAME

CLEAR ENTER

Enter moves by making them on the board,

pressing the pieces down gently on the from and to squares for each move. The board automatically senses which piece you are moving!

As soon as the computer makes a move, its move

is shown in the display window. Two board lights also come on, pointing to the row and column of the piece to be moved. Press the computer’s piece lightly onto the indicated from and to squares to complete the computer’s move. That’s it! Make your next move as described above. Enjoy your game!

Press GO/STOP at any time to turn the computer off. Your current position and game (up to 50 individual moves) will be stored in memory. When you switch back on again, you can continue right where you left off!

KEYS AND FEATURES

1.BATTERY COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Uses four “C”

(AM2/R14) alkaline batteries.

2.SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor that automatically registers piece movement. Certain squares can also be pressed within Level Mode and Option Mode to select levels and options.

3.PIECE STORAGE COMPARTMENT: In base of unit.

4.ADAPTER SOCKET: For AC-DC adapter.

5.DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves and move informa-

tion during a game. Also used for Level, Option, and Study Game selection, piece verification, position set-up, and more.

6.GAME KEYS

• GO/STOP: Press to turn the unit on and off.

• OPTION: Press to enter Option Mode; within Option Mode,

press to cycle through the main option groups.

• INFO: Press to enter Info Mode; within Info Mode, press to

cycle through the main info groups. Press during your move to request a hint.

• LEVEL: Press to enter Level Mode; within Level Mode,

press to skip over eight levels at a time. Also used to access the Extended Teach Modes.

• STUDIES: Press to enter Study Mode.

• TAKE BACK: Press to take back an individual move (a

move for either side). Take back up to a maximum of 50 individual moves.

• POSITION: Press to enter Position Mode.

•

</WHITE and BLACK/

one at a time in Level Mode, and press to cycle through options in Option Mode and Info Mode. Also used to select Study Games in Study Mode, and to select the color in Position Mode.

• CLEAR: Press simultaneously with ENTER to reset for a

NEW GAME. Press to exit Option, Verify, and Position

Modes. Press to clear Info Displays and cancel Clear Board requests in Position Mode. Press to cancel Study Mode (if you haven’t yet pressed ENTER), and press to cancel Level

> KEYS: Press to change levels

ABCDEFGH

Mode if you decide not to make changes (unless you have pressed board squares to change levels).

• ENTER: Press simultaneously with CLEAR to reset for a NEW GAME. Press to change sides with the computer, and press

while the computer is thinking to force it to move. Press to turn Option settings on and off, to select Bronstein Clock settings, and to exit Level Mode with your new level or Teach Mode game selected. Press to exit Study Mode with a new Study Game selected. Press to clear the board in Position Mode, then press again to confirm.

• PIECE SYMBOL KEYS: Used in Verify, Position, and Teach Modes. Also used for pawn promotions.

7. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge after inserting new batteries or adapter.

8. BOARD LIGHTS: Used to show game moves, take back moves, and verify/set up board positions.

GO/STOP

OPTION INFO

TAKE BACK POSITION CLEAR

LEVEL

/ WHITE BLACK / >ENTER

STUDIES

NEW GAME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START KEYS AND FEATURES INTRODUCTION

1. LET’S GET STARTED!

1.1 First, Install the Batteries or Adapter

1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How to Move!

1.3 Now It’s the Computer’s Turn

1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back

1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play Again

1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level

2. MORE FEATURES TO EXPLORE

2.1 Whose Move? Check the Display

2.2 Special Chess Moves

2.3 Illegal Moves

2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw

2.5 Interrupting the Computer’s Search

2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer

2.7 Built-In Openings

2.8 Thinking on the Opponent’s Time

2.9 Game Memory

3. THE PLAYING LEVELS

Setting a Playing Level

3.1 Normal Playing Levels (Squares A1-B7)

3.2 Infinite Level (Square B8)

3.3 Tournament Levels (Squares C1-C8)

3.4 Blitz Levels (Squares D1-D8)

3.5 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E8)

3.6 Mate Search Levels (Squares F1-F8)

3.7 Training Levels (Squares G1-G8)

3.8 Self-Adaptive Weak Levels (Squares H1-H8)

4. INFO MODE: WATCH THE COMPUTER THINK

Using Info Mode

4.1 Principal Variation

4.2 Search Information

4.3 Chess Clock Information

4.4 Move Count/Game Moves

4.5 Want a Hint? Just Ask!

5. OPTIONS FOR FUN AND VARIETY

Selecting Game Options

5.1 Operation Mode Options (Squares A1-H1)

5.2 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3)

5.3 Bronstein Clock Options (Square A4)

6. TEACH MODE: LEARN ABOUT TACTICS

Using the Teach Modes

7. STUDY MODE: TRY RATING YOURSELF

Understanding ELO Ratings Using Study Mode

8. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS

8.1 Verifying Positions

8.2 Changing and Setting Up Positions

9. TECHNICAL DETAILS

9.1 The ACL Function

9.2 Care and Maintenance

9.3 Technical Specifications

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

APPENDIX: 20 STUDY GAMES

INTRODUCTION

We’d like to welcome you to the exciting world of computer chess! Whether you’re just starting to learn about this great game or you’re already a seasoned player, using your new chess computer will give you the opportunity to discover so much more about chess than you ever thought possible! Take a look through this manual to get an overview of your computer’s capabilities—all the special features and modes, all the unique options and playing levels. And take advantage of them over time, one by one. You’ll have great fun—and you’ll never look at chess the same way again.

Your computer knows all the rules of chess—and it will never cheat. For those of you who haven’t played before, we have included a brief overview of the rules to get you started. For more detailed information, why not visit your local library, where you’re sure to find lots of interesting chess books.

1. LET’S GET STARTED!

1.1 First, Install the Batteries or Adapter

Your computer runs on four “C” (Type AM2/R14) batteries. Insert the batteries into the compartment in the base of the unit, making sure to observe the correct polarity. Use fresh alkaline batteries for longer battery life.

Please use only the adapter specified in Section 9.3. Using any other adapter could damage the computer and will invalidate your warranty. Please also read the precautionary information regarding adapter use in Section 9.2. When using an adapter, first plug it into a wall outlet, and then into your computer.

Important: To ensure that the computer’s memor y contents are not lost, keep good batteries installed in the unit even when you are using the AC-DC adapter.

Turn the computer on by pressing GO/STOP, and a beep will signal that the game is ready to play. If the computer fails to respond (static discharge may cause it to lock up), use a paper clip or another sharp object to press down into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This will reset the computer.

Tip: To conser ve energy and extend battery life, turn on the Auto Power Down option (see Section 5.1).

1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How to Move!

Okay, now it’s time to start a game! It’s so easy—just follow these steps:

a. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on, if you haven’t

already done so.

b. Press the CLEAR and ENTER keys together to reset

the computer for a NEW GAME of chess. Set up the pieces in their starting positions, with the White pieces nearest to you, as shown in the

Quick Start

c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you

want to move until you hear a beep and two board lights turn on to indicate that square. The sensory board will recognize your piece automatically. Don’t believe it? Just look at the display window, which is suddenly full of information—it shows your piece, along with the piece color and the square you just pressed!

d. Take that piece and gently press it down on the square

to which you are moving. You’ll hear a second beep as the computer confirms your move. That’s it—you’ve just made your first move of the game! Next, it’s Black’s turn—and the computer will make its first move.

You’ll notice that the computer often moves instantly at the beginning of a game, instead of taking time to think. This is because it is playing from memory, using a built-in “book” of opening moves (for more information, see Section 2.7).

1.3 Now It’s the Computer’s Turn

When the computer makes its move, it beeps and turns on two board lights indicating the square of the piece it wants to move. It also shows its full move in the display window. Check it out—you’ll see the from and to squares of the computer’s move, along with the color and type of piece it is moving. Press the indicated piece down on the from square until you hear a beep. The to square is now flashing in the display— move that same piece to the indicated to square and press it down to complete the computer’s move. And it’s your turn again…

notice that the chess piece symbols are displayed, one by one, counting “up” from pawn to King. This means the built-in chess clock is in normal mode, counting your elapsed time. If the Countdown Clock is activated, as noted in Section 5.1, the displayed symbols will reverse direction. You’ll find details on all the chess clock features in Section 4.3.

Notice that the from square is flashing in the display.

By the way, while you’re thinking about your next move,

ENGLISH

1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back

When you’re playing chess against this computer, nothing is “set in stone”—you can change your mind or decide to play a different move whenever you want. When it’s your turn to move, simply press TAKE BACK. The display shows the move to be taken back, with the original to square flashing and indicated by board lights. Press the piece down gently on the indicated square, and the computer shows you where that piece came from by flashing that display and using board lights to point to that square. Press the piece down on the from square to complete the take-back. Repeat this as often as you’d like, taking back up to 50 individual moves (or 25 moves for each side). To continue playing at any point, just make another move on the board.

After taking back a capture, the computer will make sure your board is still set up correctly by reminding you to put the captured piece back on the board! It does this by displaying the piece symbol and its location, along with a “+” symbol, and turning on the board lights for that square. Put the indicated piece back on the board and press that square to complete the take-back.

1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play Again

Whenever you finish a game (or if you give up on your current game), it’s easy to start over again! Reset the computer for a NEW GAME by pressing the CLEAR and ENTER keys together, and a series of beeps tells you the computer is ready. The same playing level will be in effect, but you can change it if you’d like, as explained in Section 3.

IMPORTANT: Resetting the computer for a new game clears your current game from the computer’s memory—be careful not to press these keys by mistake!

1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level!

When you first turn your computer on, it’s automatically set to Normal Playing Level A4 (five seconds a move). However, you have 64 different levels to choose from—you’ll want to try them all out! For descriptions of the playing levels and how to change levels, see Section 3.

2. MORE FEATURES TO EXPLORE

2.1 Whose Move? Check the Display

When the computer plays Black, it flashes a black square in the display while it is thinking. After it has moved, a white square shows that it is now White’s turn to move. You can tell at a glance if the computer is currently thinking, and which side is to move.

2.2 Special Chess Moves

Captures: To capture, press down on the piece you want

to move, remove the captured piece from the board, and press your piece down on the square of the captured piece. Captures are displayed as in E5•F4.

En Passant Captures: In this type of capture, the computer reminds you to remove the captured pawn by displaying the pawn’s position, along with a minus sign, and using two board lights to indicate that square. Press down on the captured pawn before removing it from the board.

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 uses the display and board lights to remind you to move the Rook. Press down on the Rook’s from and to squares to complete the move. Note that Kingside castling is displayed as 0-0, and Queenside castling as 0-0-0.

Pawn Promotions: When you promote a pawn, first make your move as usual, pressing your pawn down on its from and to squares. Next, press the Piece Symbol Key for your desired promotion piece (%, $, #, or @). The computer recognizes your new piece immediately, and begins thinking about its next move. Remember to change your piece on the

MAKING THE COMPUTER’S MOVE:

AN EXAMPLE!

ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ

After the computer moves, it’s up to you to make its move on the board! Here, the display indicates the computer wants to move its Black pawn (]!) from d7 to d5. Pick up the d7 pawn (indicated by the board lights) and press it down lightly on Square d7. The board lights now point to Square d5. Press the pawn down on Square d5 to complete the computer’s move. Now it’s your turn again!

board! When the computer promotes a pawn, the display shows both the pawn and the promoted piece. Don’t forget to replace the computer’s pawn with its new piece.

2.3 Illegal Moves

Your computer will never accept an illegal move! If you try to make one, you’ll hear a low double beep, and the board lights and display will simply continue to show the square the piece came from. Either move that same piece to another square, or press the piece back down on the original from square and move a different piece.

If you don’t make the computer’s move correctly, you’ll also get an error beep. This means you are either moving the wrong piece, or moving the computer’s piece to the wrong square. If the computer wants to move its pawn from C7 to C5, for example, and you press down on C7 and then C6, the display shows :C5 briefly, pointing out your error. The display then returns to showing the move again (C7-C5), and the computer expects you to press C5 to complete its move.

If you press down on a piece and the from square is displayed, but you decide not to make that move, simply press down on that same square again to cancel. Then make another move. If you change your mind after entering your whole move, take the move back as described in Section 1.4.

2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw

When a King is in check, the computer first displays its move as usual. After the move is made, CHECK flashes in the display for a few seconds, along with the checking move. The display then goes back to showing the clock.

If the computer discovers a forced mate against its opponent, it first displays its move as usual. After the move has been made on the board, the computer flashes a mate announcement along with the move for several seconds (e.g., =in2 for a mate in two moves). The display then goes back to showing the clock.

When a game ends in checkmate, the display flashes MATE (along with the mating move) for a short time after the move is made. The display then goes back to showing the clock.

The computer recognizes draws by stalemate, three-fold repetition, 50-move rule, and insufficient material. After a draw has occurred, the display flashes End, EnD:3, End:50, or End:In (along with the drawing move) for a brief time after

ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ ው巀居巀层巀居巀居ው ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ ዋ屄层屄居屄层屄层ዋ ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ

ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ ዐ屁屃屁巀屁屃屁屃ዐ ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ ዎ居巀居屃居巀居巀ዎ ው巀居巀层巀居巀居ው ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ ዋ屄层屄居屄层屄层ዋ ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ

the move has been made. The display then goes back to showing the clock.

2.5 Interrupting the Computer’s Search

Think the computer is taking too long to move? You can interrupt it any time! Simply press ENTER while the computer is thinking, and it will stop and play the best move it has found so far. This feature can be handy on the higher levels, where the computer can take a long time to move, and on the Infinite Level, where the computer thinks indefinitely unless you stop it.

On the Mate Search Levels, pressing ENTER won’t force the computer to make a move. Instead, the computer will sound an error beep and display ––––– to indicate that it was interrupted before it found a mate. To continue play, switch to another level.

2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer

To change sides with the computer, simply press ENTER when it’s your turn—and the computer will make the next move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish.

Note that if you press ENTER at the beginning of a new game, the computer will play White from the top of the board. For details, see Section 5.1.

2.7 Built-In Openings

At the beginning of a game, the computer will often move instantly on many levels. This is because it is playing from memory, using its own built-in “book” of opening chess moves. This book contains thousands of positions, including most major openings and many positions from grandmaster play. If the current board position is in its book, the computer plays a response to that position automatically, instead of having to think about the move!

A special feature of this computer’s opening book is its ability to handle position reached by a certain set of moves can also be reached when those same moves occur in a different order. The computer’s integrated Automatic Transposition Manager handles these cases with ease.

transpositions.

A transposition occurs when a

Note that the opening book is not used in the Teach Mode games (see Section 6).

2.8 Thinking on the Opponent’s Time

As you play, you may notice that the computer sometimes replies to your moves immediately, even in the middle of games played on the higher levels. This is because the computer thinks on your time, using the time you are taking for your move to think ahead and plan its own strategies. It tries to guess the move you are likely to make, and then calculates its responses for that particular move while you are still thinking. If the computer has guessed right, there’s no reason for it to keep on calculating—it immediately plays the move it has already found.

2.9 Game Memory

Press GO/STOP at any time to interrupt a game. Play is then suspended, and the computer stores your current game in memory (up to 50 individual moves). When you switch back on again, you can continue right where you left off.

To preserve the memory in case the unit is unplugged, keep batteries installed even when using an adapter.

3. THE PLAYING LEVELS

Your chess computer offers 64 different levels of play! When you set the level, keep in mind that when the computer has more time to think about its moves, it becomes stronger and plays better—just like a human chess player! For an overview of all the levels, refer to the Level Chart. The levels are also described individually in this section.

NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEVEL?

SOME TIPS FOR YOU

• Are you a beginning player?

choices! Check out the Fun Levels, the lower Training Levels, or the Self-Adaptive Weak Levels. These levels all restrict the computer’s search depth in different ways, resulting in weaker play and giving you the chance to learn more about the game and perhaps even beat the computer occasionally.

• Are you an intermediate or more advanced player?

Levels. The Normal Levels range from easy all the way up to a difficult 10-minute response time, and the Tournament Levels are extremely challenging. And don’t forget to try the Blitz Levels for some fast and exciting games of Speed Chess! By the way, for Tournament and Blitz Games, you can activate the built-in Bronstein Clock, as you’ll see in Section 5.3.

•Want to experiment?

to solve problems up to mate in eight—try searching from a position in one of your own games, or set up an actual mate problem. Choose the Infinite Level to have the computer analyze complicated positions for hours or even days.

Setting a Playing Level

Try the Normal, Training, or Tournament

Use the Mate Search Levels

See “USE THIS CHART TO SELECT A PLAYING LEVEL!” for an illustrated look at how to set a level and a chart showing all the levels at a glance.

There are two methods of setting levels—by using the game keys or pressing the board squares. Whichever method you use, always press LEVEL first to enter Level Mode, and the computer will display the current playing level. When you enter Level Mode the first time, the computer is set on Normal Playing Level A4 (with an average response time of five seconds a move), and the display shows L0:05.

•To select a level by using game keys: After entering Level Mode by pressing LEVEL, change levels one at a time by using the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys. As a shortcut, press LEVEL repeatedly to skip over eight levels at a time. When the display shows your desired level, press ENTER to enter your new level into the computer and exit Level Mode.

•To select a level by pressing board squares: As shown in the Level Chart, each of the 64 squares corresponds to one level. After entering Level Mode by pressing LEVEL, press a square to activate a level, using the chart as a guide. When you press down on the desired square and that level shows in the display, press ENTER to enter your new level into the computer and exit Level Mode.

Note that when making your selection via the board squares, pressing CLEAR has the same effect as pressing ENTER—it enters your level into the computer.

•To verify the level without changing it: If you press LEVEL to verify the level but you don’t want to actually

change levels, press CLEAR. This returns you to normal play without changing the level or clock settings, even while the computer is thinking.

Other important points to remember regarding levels:

• Changing the level always resets the chess clocks.

•We don’t recommend changing levels while the computer is thinking, since the clock is reset and the current search is aborted. If you must do this, first press ENTER to abort the computer’s search, and make its move on the board. Then, take back the computer’s move and change the level. Finally, press ENTER to make the computer star t thinking on the new level.

You have lots of

ENGLISH

• The LEVEL Key is also used to enter Teach Mode, as you will see in Section 6. If you accidentally press a PIECE SYMBOL KEY while in Level Mode, you will enter Teach Mode and lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To prevent this and retain your current board position, press CLEAR to cancel Level Mode.

3.1 Normal Playing Levels (Squares A1-B7)

LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY

A1 .................1 second................ L 0:01

A2 .................2 seconds.............. L 0:02

A3 .................3 seconds.............. L 0:03

A4 .................5 seconds.............. L 0:05

A5 ...............10 seconds.............. L 0:10

A6 ...............15 seconds.............. L 0:15

A7 ...............20 seconds.............. L 0:20

A8 ...............30 seconds.............. L 0:30

B1 ...............45 seconds.............. L 0:45

B2 .................1 minute ................ L 1:00

B3 .................1.5 minutes............ L 1:30

B4 .................2 minutes............... L 2:00

B5 .................3 minutes............... L 3:00

B6 .................5 minutes............... L 5:00

B7 ...............10 minutes............... L10:00

When you choose one of the Normal Playing Levels, you are selecting an average response time for the computer. Note that the times are averaged over a large number of moves. In the opening and endgame, the computer tends to play faster, but in complicated middlegame positions, it may take longer to move.

3.2 Infinite Level (Square B8)

LEVEL MOVE TIME DISPLAY

B8 ..............No time limit ............. 9:99;99

On the Infinite Level, the computer will search indefinitely, until it finds a forced mate or forced move; until it has fully searched the position to its maximum depth; or until you stop the search by pressing ENTER. If you halt the search, the computer makes the move it currently thinks is best. Try experimenting with this level—set up interesting board positions and let the computer analyze them for you! It will think for hours or even days on end, trying to come up with the best possible move. And don’t forget to watch the computer as it thinks—take advantage of the Rotating Display feature described in Section 5.2!

3.3 Tournament Levels (Squares C1-C8)

LEVEL TOTAL TIME / NUMBER OF MOVES DISPLAY

C1 .........1 hr. 30 min. / 40 moves ............ 1:30;40

C2 .........1 hr. 45 min. / 35 moves ............ 1:45;35

C3 .........1 hr. 45 min. / 40 moves ............ 1:45;40

C4 .........1 hr. 30 min. / 35 moves ............ 1:30;35

C5 .........2 hrs. / 40 moves ....................... 2:00;40

C6 .........2 hrs. 30 min. / 45 moves .......... 2:30;45

C7 .........2 hrs. / 50 moves ....................... 2:00;50

C8 .........3 hrs. / 40 moves ....................... 3:00;40

The Tournament Levels require you to make a cer tain number of moves within a given amount of time. If a player exceeds the allotted time for a given number of moves, the computer flashes “time” (TImE) along with the elapsed time, to show that the game is over. If you wish, you can continue to play even after the time has run out.

If you choose a Tournament Level, you may want to set the chess clocks to display countdown time instead of the elapsed time (see Section 5.1). When the game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts back to the normal clock display.

Your computer also offers the option of using Bronstein Clock time controls when playing Tournament games. For complete details, see Section 5.3.

3.4 Blitz Levels (Squares D1-D8)

LEVEL TIME PER GAME DISPLAY

D1................. 5 minutes............... 0:05;99

D2...............10 minutes............... 0:10;99

D3...............15 minutes............... 0:15;99

D4...............20 minutes............... 0:20;99

D5...............30 minutes............... 0:30;99

D6...............45 minutes............... 0:45;99

D7...............60 minutes............... 1:00;99

D8...............90 minutes............... 1:30;99

On the Blitz Levels (also called Speed Chess or “Sudden Death” Levels), you set the total time for the whole game. If game time is exceeded, the computer flashes “time” (TImE) along with the elapsed time, to show that the game is over.

If you select a Blitz Level, you may want to set the chess clocks to display countdown time instead of elapsed time (see Section 5.1). When game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts back to the normal clock display.

Your computer also offers the option of using Bronstein Clock time controls when playing Blitz games! For complete details, see Section 5.3.

3.5 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E8)

LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY

E1 ................1 second................. Fun: 1

E2 ................2 seconds............... Fun: 2

E3 ................3 seconds............... Fun: 3

E4 ................4 seconds............... Fun: 4

E5 ................5 seconds............... Fun: 5

E6 ................6 seconds............... Fun: 6

E7 ................7 seconds............... Fun: 7

E8 .............. *8 seconds ............... Fun: 8

*Increases with user’s time per move. Are you a novice or beginning chess player? If so, these

levels are especially for you! Here, the computer restricts its search so that it deliberately plays weaker and gives you a better chance to win. The Fun Levels start out easy and get a little harder as you go. The computer’s playing strength goes up gradually from Levels E1 to E6—but be prepared for some stiffer competition when you reach Levels E7 and E8. The two highest Fun Levels represent a much greater jump in playing strength, and you’ll see that they’re quite a bit more challenging. Tr y out all the Fun Levels—as you beat each one, go on to the next. By the time you reach Levels E7 and E8, your improved chess skills should make them much easier to handle.

3.6 Mate Search Levels (Squares F1-F8)

LEVEL PROBLEM DISPLAY

F1 .................Mate in 1................ =in: 1

F2 .................Mate in 2................ =in: 2

F3 .................Mate in 3................ =in: 3

F4 .................Mate in 4................ =in: 4

F5 .................Mate in 5................ =in: 5

F6 .................Mate in 6................ =in: 6

F7 .................Mate in 7................ =in: 7

F8 .................Mate in 8................ =in: 8

Selecting one of these levels activates a special Mate

Finder Program. If you have a position where there may be a mate and you would like the computer to find it, set the computer on one of the Mate Search Levels. Your computer can solve mates in up to eight moves. Mates in one to five are usually found quite quickly, whereas solutions taking six to eight moves may take quite some time. If there is no mate present or the computer can’t find a mate, it will sound an error beep and display a series of dashes (–––––). To continue play, simply switch to another level.

3.7 Training Levels (Squares G1-G8)

LEVEL SEARCH DEPTH DISPLAY

G1................1 move ................... PLY: 1

G2................2 moves ................. PLY: 2

G3................3 moves ................. PLY: 3

USE THIS CHART TO SELECT A PLAYING LEVEL!

1. Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode.

LEVEL

2. Next, select your level, using the chart below. There are two ways to do this.

• Cycle through the levels until your level is displayed: Press BLACK/> to increase levels by one. Press </WHITE to decrease levels by one. Press LEVEL to increase levels by eight.

• OR, simply locate your level square and press it to display that level!

ENGLISH

ENTER

Finally, press ENTER to exit Level Mode, using your new level!

*Increases with user’s time per move.

30 sec.

per move

L 0:30

20 sec.

per move

L 0:20

15 sec.

per move

L 0:15

10 sec.

per move

L 0:10

5 sec.

per move

L 0:05

3 sec.

per move

L 0:03

2 sec.

per move

L 0:02

1 sec.

per move

L 0:01

Infinite

Level

9:99;99

10 min.

per move

L10:00

5 min.

per move

L 5:00

3 min.

per move

L 3:00

2 min.

per move

L 2:00

1.5 min.

per move

L 1:30

1 min.

per move

L 1:00

45 sec.

per move

L 0:45

40 moves

in 3:00

3:00;40

50 moves

in 2:00

2:00;50

45 moves

in 2:30

2:30;45

40 moves

in 2:00

2:00;40

35 moves

in 1:30

1:30;35

40 moves

in 1:45

1:45;40

35 moves

in 1:45

1:45;35

40 moves

in 1:30

1:30;40

90 min.

per game

1:30;99

60 min.

per game

1:00;99

45 min.

per game

0:45;99

30 min.

per game

0:30;99

20 min.

per game

0:20;99

15 min.

per game

0:15;99

10 min.

per game

0:10;99

5 min.

per game

0:05;99

8 sec.

per move*

Fun: 8

7 sec.

per move

Fun: 7

6 sec.

per move

Fun: 6

5 sec.

per move

Fun: 5

4 sec.

per move

Fun: 4

3 sec.

per move

Fun: 3

2 sec.

per move

Fun: 2

1 sec.

per move

Fun: 1

Mate in

8 moves

=in: 8

Mate in

7 moves

=in: 7

Mate in

6 moves

=in: 6

Mate in

5 moves

=in: 5

Mate in

4 moves

=in: 4

Mate in

3 moves

=in: 3

Mate in

2 moves

=in: 2

Mate in 1 move

=in: 1

PLY: 8

PLY: 7

PLY: 6

PLY: 5

PLY: 4

PLY: 3

PLY: 2

PLY: 1

8 ply

7 ply

6 ply

5 ply

4 ply

3 ply

2 ply

1 ply

Self-

adaptive 8

Adt: 8

Self-

adaptive 7

Adt: 7

Self-

adaptive 6

Adt: 6

Self-

adaptive 5

Adt: 5

Self-

adaptive 4

Adt: 4

Self-

adaptive 3

Adt: 3

Self-

adaptive 2

Adt: 2

Self-

adaptive 1

Adt: 1

For more details on all the playing levels, see Section 3.

NORMAL LEVELS +

INFINITE LEVEL

TOURNAMENT

LEVELS

G4................4 moves ................. PLY: 4

G5................5 moves ................. PLY: 5

G6................6 moves ................. PLY: 6

G7................7 moves ................. PLY: 7

G8................8 moves ................. PLY: 8

On the Training Levels, the computer’s search depth is limited to a certain number of moves, as shown above. As you cycle through the levels, the computer displays PLY:# for each level. A “ply” is an individual move (a move for either side), and “#” is the number representing the search depth. For example, on Level G1, the computer searches to a depth of one ply (PLY:1), and thus looks ahead only one individual move. On this level, therefore, it will often overlook a mate in one. This produces weaker play, giving beginners a better chance of beating the computer!

BLITZ

LEVELS

FUN

LEVELS

MATE SEARCH

LEVELS

TRAINING

LEVELS

SELF-ADAPTIVE

WEAK LEVELS

3.8 Self-Adaptive Weak Levels (Squares H1-H8)

LEVEL TYPE DISPLAY

H1........... Self-Adaptive 1 ........... Adt: 1

H2........... Self-Adaptive 2 ........... Adt: 2

H3........... Self-Adaptive 3 ........... Adt: 3

H4........... Self-Adaptive 4 ........... Adt: 4

H5........... Self-Adaptive 5 ........... Adt: 5

H6........... Self-Adaptive 6 ........... Adt: 6

H7........... Self-Adaptive 7 ........... Adt: 7

H8........... Self-Adaptive 8 ........... Adt: 8

The Self-Adaptive Weak Levels are perfect for players who are just starting out. Here, beginners have the chance to interact with the computer on eight weakened levels of varying ELO rating strengths, and the computer’s strength is adjusted to match that of the player.

On the lowest level (H1), the computer will set its playing

strength to a deliberately weakened setting of about –350 ELO. On the upper end, Level H8 matches the strength of the player by putting the ELO difference at zero. As you play, the computer will try to keep this difference constant. That is, if you play badly, the computer will not play well either—but it will fight to win back material it has lost to you, if necessary. On the other hand, if you play stronger, the computer will also play stronger. Work your way up!

For more information on ELO ratings, see Section 7.

4. INFO MODE: WATCH THE COMPUTER THINK

Imagine this: You’re playing chess against a friend, and

it’s his move. You’d love to know what move he’s thinking about, and you’d really like to get his opinion of the board position. But, of course, you won’t ask—because that’s just not done!

chess computer, you can ask anything you want,

get all the answers!

of information about the computer’s thought process. On request, it will show you the move it’s thinking of, the line of play it expects after that move, its evaluation of the current board position, how deeply it is searching, and more. As you can imagine, studying this information can help you learn so much more about chess.

Using Info Mode

Info Mode at any time! If you do this while the computer is thinking, you’ll see the information displays change as the computer considers different moves and searches deeper

INFO cycles from one group to another. The BLACK/> and </WHITE keys can be used to cycle forward and backward

respectively through the displays within each of the groups. Press CLEAR to exit Info Mode and go back to showing the normal chess clock.

for a description of the Rotating Display feature. Selecting this feature makes the computer automatically cycle through the requested information in about one-second intervals every time it thinks about its move—you can actually watch the computer

display will show dashes (–––––).

4.1 Principal Variation

pal variation (the predicted line of play, or the sequence of moves the computer thinks will be made). The first display you will see is the move the computer is currently thinking of making.

lights for the from and to squares for that move also flash alternately.

depth of six individual moves. Press BLACK/> repeatedly to cycle forward through all the moves:

displays again. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display.

move the computer assumes you will make, you can also consider this move as a hint! So—whenever you need help, press INFO on your turn.

Well, guess what—when you play against this

and you’ll

In fact, you can get an incredible amount

How do you access all this game information? By using

See “INFO MODE AT A GLANCE” for a chart which summarizes all the Info Mode displays.

Game information is divided into four groups, and pressing

After learning about Info Mode, take a look at Section 5.2

think out loud!

Whenever requested information is not available, the

Press INFO the first time to get information on the princi-

Notice that the move is shown in the display, and the

This principal variation is shown to a maximum

• Move 1 (predicted line of play)

• Move 2 (predicted line of play)

• Move 3 (predicted line of play)

• Move 4 (predicted line of play)

• Move 5 (predicted line of play)

• Move 6 (predicted line of play)

Press </WHITE to cycle backwards and see previous

Since the first move of the predicted line of play is the

INFO MODE AT A GLANCE

For details, see Section 4.

PRINCIPAL VARIATION INFO:

INFO

< / WHITE

BLACK / >

SEARCH INFO:

INFO

< / WHITE

BLACK / >

CHESS CLOCK INFO:

INFO

< / WHITE

BLACK / >

MOVE COUNT INFO:

INFO

< / WHITE

BLACK / >

4.2 Search Information

Press INFO a second time to get information on the

computer’s search. Press BLACK/> repeatedly to cycle forward through these four displays:

•Evaluation of the current position (based on a pawn being worth 1.0 points; a positive number indicates White is ahead)

•Two numbers: The first is the current search depth, or the number of individual moves the computer is looking ahead; the second is the number of moves the computer has examined so far

• The move currently being considered

• The search speed, or number of positions (nodes) being searched every second

Press </WHITE to cycle backwards and see previous displays again. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display.

4.3 Chess Clock Information

Press INFO a third time for chess clock information. The

chess clocks keep track of the time for both sides. Press BLACK/> repeatedly to cycle forward through the clock displays:

• Elapsed time since the last move was made

•Total elapsed time for White

•Total elapsed time for Black

• Remaining time for White

•Move 1 (predicted line of play)

•Move 2 (predicted line of play)

•Move 3 (predicted line of play)

•Move 4 (predicted line of play)

•Move 5 (predicted line of play)

•Move 6 (predicted line of play)

•Evaluation of current position

•2 numbers: Search depth + number of moves examined so far

•Current move under consideration

•Number of positions being searched per second

•Elapsed time since last move

•Total elapsed time for White

•Total elapsed time for Black

•Remaining time for White*

•Remaining time for Black*

•Current move number made so far

•Moves of the current game

*Blitz/Tournament Levels only

(Blitz/Tournament Levels only)

• Remaining time for Black

Press </WHITE to cycle backwards and see previous displays again. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display.

The clocks stop whenever you take back a move or set up a new position. However, the times are retained in memory, and the clocks resume as soon as play is continued. Whenever you change levels or reset for a new game by pressing CLEAR and ENTER together, the chess clocks are always reset.

(Blitz/Tournament Levels only)

During the game, a clock showing elapsed time will display the piece symbols one by one, from pawn to King. A clock showing countdown time will show the symbols going in the opposite direction, from King to pawn.

4.4 Move Count/Game Moves

Press INFO a fourth time to show the move number in the

game so far. You can then press </WHITE repeatedly to cycle back through the moves of your game (up to 50 individual moves).

• Current move number (so far)

• Moves of the current game

Press BLACK/> to go forward through the moves again at any point. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display.

4.5 Want a Hint? Just Ask

In case you missed this feature when it was mentioned in Section 4.1, we wanted to point it out again—if you ever need advice on a move, you can always ask the computer for a hint. Simply press INFO when it’s your turn to move, and the computer will show a suggested move for your side.

5. OPTIONS FOR FUN AND VARIETY

In addition to all the features you’ve lear ned about so far, your chess computer also offers many other exciting game options! All of these options are user-selectable at any time during a game. They are described individually in this section, and summarized in the Option Mode Chart.

PLAYING BLACK FROM THE BOTTOM?

HERE’S THE POSITION!

When the computer plays White from the top of the board (Section 5.1, Option G1), be sure to set up the pieces correctly! Notice that the Kings and Queens are positioned differently, and the board notation is reversed.

• For Operation Mode and Rotating Display Mode options,

on and off, with plus (+) for ON and minus (–) for OFF.

pressing the square repeatedly turns that option

• For Bronstein Clock Options,

repeatedly selects your desired clock setting.

Once you have made all your selections, press CLEAR to

return to your game.

When the computer is first powered on, certain default options are set. Options which are automatically in effect at the first startup are shown in the chart with a plus, and options which are off are shown with a minus. Whenever you reset the computer for a new game, most of your selected options are carried over to your next game. Some exceptions are Auto Answer, which is automatically set back to ON when you start a new game, and Play White from the Top, which is automatically set back to OFF.

5.1 Operation Mode Options (Squares A1-H1)

Press OPTION once to select the Operation Mode Options. Then use the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys to

select options within this group, and press ENTER to turn options on (+) or off (–). Or, simply press the option squares to turn options on or off.

ዛዙዘ዗ዖዕዔዓዒዜ ዊ尸尾尼尮尴尺局尶ዊ ዋ层屄层屄层屄层屄ዋ ዌ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዌ ው居巀居巀居巀居巀ው ዎ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዎ ዏ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዏ ዐ屃屁屃屁屃屁屃屁ዐ ዑ尵尿尹尯就尻尽尷ዑ ዝዙዘ዗ዖዕዔዓዒዞ

pressing Square A4

ENGLISH

Selecting Game Options

There are two methods of setting options, as described

below—by using the game keys or pressing board squares.

See “THE BASICS OF OPTION MODE: HERE’S HOW” for a chart summarizing how to use Option Mode, and an overview of all the options.

The Game Options are divided into three groups:

and

tion Mode, Rotating Display Mode, Options.

and each group contains a different set of options.

Pressing OPTION cycles from one group to another,

Bronstein Clock

Opera-

• For Operation Mode and Rotating Display Mode options,

cycle through the options within each group. For each option, a plus (+) in the display indicates the option is ON, and a minus (–) means the option is OFF. Press

ENTER to turn each option on or off as it is displayed.

• For Bronstein Clock Options,

through the different clock options. The clock option you choose to display will be the selected time control when you exit Option Mode. If you decide not to activate the Bronstein Clock after all, simply press ENTER repeatedly until the display once again shows -bron. For details, see Section 5.3.

After you have made all your option selections from any or all of the option groups, press CLEAR to return to normal game play.

the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys are used to

press ENTER to cycle

Another method of selecting game options is by pressing

the option squares.

A1-H1, A3-H3, and A4 can be used to turn options on and off. First, press OPTION to enter Option Mode; then press a square to access an option, using the chart as a guide.

As shown in the Options Chart, Squares

a. Auto Answer Mode (Square A1)

On:+Auto Off:-Auto

Normally, the computer automatically answers with a countermove whenever you enter a move. If you tur n Auto Answer off, however, you can enter any number of moves one by one, without allowing the computer to answer. You’ll see that there are many great ways to use this feature!

• Play through master games. Press ENTER to see what the computer would do in any position.

• Keep records of your own chess games. When a game is over, play to any position to see how other moves or different strategies might have affected the outcome.

• Study opening lines by entering them manually.

• Play against a friend, with the computer acting as referee. It will monitor your game, checking all moves for legality and keeping track of time for both sides.

When playing against another person, if either side should need help, press INFO to see a suggested move. To see what the computer would do in a certain position, press ENTER and the computer will make the next move. After it has made its move, Auto Answer remains off, and you may continue your game.

Note that this option will automatically go back to its default setting of ON whenever you start a new game or a Teach Mode game.

b. Sound with Keypress (Square B1)

On:+SNd Off:-SNd

This option lets you turn off the sound that accompanies each keypress. You will still hear beeps when the computer moves, when an illegal move or keypress is made, or when you reset for a new game or a Teach Mode game.

THE BASICS OF OPTION MODE: HERE’S HOW

Press repeatedly to select a Mode:

Next, select your option(s), using the chart below. There are two ways to do this.

• Cycle through the options within that mode:

• OR, simply locate your option square and press it to toggle that option on (+) or off (–).

(For the Bronstein Clock, press Square A4 repeatedly to select a time setting.)

BRONSTEIN

OPTION

x1 = OPERATION MODE (Auto...) x2 = ROTATING DISPLAY MODE (rd:1...) x3 = BRONSTEIN CLOCK MODE (bron) x4 = back to OPERATION MODE...

Press BLACK/> to cycle > forward. Press </WHITE to cycle < backward. When your option is displayed, press ENTER to toggle it on (+) or off (–).

(For the Bronstein Clock, press ENTER repeatedly to select a clock setting.)

Bronstein

CLOCK

OPTIONS

ROTATING

DISPLAY

OPTIONS

Clock

-bron

Variation

to ply 1

-rd:1

+b0:01 >+b0:02 >+b0:03 >+b0:05 >+b0:10 >+b0:20 >+b0:30

Variation

to ply 2

-rd:2

Variation

to ply 3

-rd:3

Variation

to ply 4

-rd:4

Position

Evaluation

-rd:E

Depth &

Moves

-rd:d

Nodes

Searched

-rd:n

Time per

Move

-rd:t

NO OPTIONS ON THESE SQUARES

OPERATION

MODE

OPTIONS

Finally, press to exit Option Mode, using your new option(s)!

Auto

Answer

+AuTo

CLEAR

Sound with

Keypress

+SNd

-SIL

Silent Mode

c. Silent Mode (Square C1)

On:+SIL Off:-SIL

Normally, the computer always beeps when it has found its

move. For completely silent operation, turn on Silent Mode.

d. Coach Mode (Square D1)

On:+Co:ch Off:-Co:ch

Selecting +Co:ch turns on special coaching features that encourage you to concentrate on your strategic planning! In Coach Mode, the computer looks over your shoulder while you play, watching what you do and helping you when you need assistance! In this unique “Guardian Angel” capacity, the computer will warn you with a Capture Alert if you are in danger of losing a piece. If one of your pieces is threatened by a lesser valued piece, for example, the computer will sound a series of warning beeps and flash the board lights of the threatened piece for a few seconds. To continue the game, make your next move (or take back your last move and make a different one).

With Coach Mode on, the computer will also sound a Tactical Alert if it thinks you have committed a blunder and your move is about to lead to an avoidable material loss. It does this by sounding a series of warning beeps and flashing the move it intends to make. You can either enter the computer’s move, or take back your own move and make another one.

Coach

Mode

-Co:ch

Ticking

-tic

Clock

Countdown

Clock

-c:dn

Play White

from Top

-toP

For more details, see Section 5.

Auto Power

Down

-aPd

e. Ticking Clock (Square E1)

On:+tic Off:-tic

When you turn this option on, you activate a ticking sound that makes the computer’s clock sound like a real chess clock! Just imagine—you can create the atmosphere of a championship chess tournament in your own living room!

f. Countdown Clock (Square F1)

On:+c:dn Off:-c:dn

Turning this option on causes the computer to display the countdown time instead of the elapsed time. Notice that the piece symbols also reverse direction, counting “down” from King to pawn.

This option is only available in combination

with the Tournament and Blitz Levels. g. Play White from the Top (Square G1)

On:+toP Off:-toP

Want to depart from the usual standard and let the computer play the White pieces from the top of the board? Then try out this interesting option! Choose +toP at the beginning of a new game (or a Teach Mode game), and set up the board with the Black pieces closest to you. The piece set up for a new game when White plays from top is shown in the diagram in this section. Press ENTER to start the game, and watch as the computer makes the first move for White from the top of the board.

See “PLAYING BLACK FROM THE BOTTOM? HERE’S THE POSITION!” for a diagram showing the correct piece set-up when using this option.

When the computer plays White from the top, board notation is automatically reversed. Additionally, this option will go back to its default setting of OFF when you start a new game or a Teach Mode game.

h. Auto Power Down (Square H1)

On:+aPd Off:-aPd

Auto Power Down option is a handy battery-saving feature. With this option activated, the computer will automatically turn itself off if no keypresses or moves are made for about 15 minutes. To continue the game where you left off, press GO/STOP to turn the computer back on.

Note that the com-

puter will not turn itself off while it is thinking about a move.

5.2 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3)

Normally, the computer’s display shows the time for the player to move. However, the computer can also display other information, as described in Section 4 (Info Mode). The Rotating Display feature works hand-in-hand with Info Mode, since it allows you to choose which of the Info Displays you want to see, and then cycles your choices in about onesecond increments. You may turn on any or all of the Rotating Display options, as desired.

IMPORTANT: The Rotating Display feature is only activated WHILE THE COMPUTER IS THINKING.

Press OPTION twice to select the Rotating Display Options. Then use the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys to

select the options you want to see rotated in the display. The options are described below and summarized in the Option Mode Chart in this section. Press ENTER to turn these options on (+) or off (–). Or, simply press the option squares to turn the options on or off.

If you think the display information is changing too quickly when it rotates, press INFO to freeze the display. Successive presses of INFO and the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys will allow you to cycle through all the displays manually, as described in Section 4. To start the display rotation again, press OPTION followed by CLEAR. In any event, when the computer starts thinking about its next move, the display automatically starts rotating again.

The game information you can see

thinking

includes the following:

while the computer is

• rd:1 to rd:4 = the predicted line of play (up to four individual moves)

• rd:E = an evaluation of the current position

• rd:d = the computer’s search depth, and the number of moves examined so far in the game

• rd:n = the number of nodes searched per second

• rd:t = the amount of time the move has taken so far

When requested information is not available, the display

will show a series of dashes (–––––).

For complete descriptions of these options and details on

exactly how to interpret the displays, see Section 4.

5.3 Bronstein Clock Options (Square A4) On the Blitz and Tournament levels, you have a fixed

amount of time for each game, and the remaining time decreases as you think. On these levels, players often find themselves running out of time towards the end of the game—struggling to try and make good moves in a hurry, and often ending up making inferior moves instead.

The Bronstein Clock option offers special time controls that

can help alleviate such problems. This is accomplished by adding a certain amount of time back to your remaining time

after

each move, where the remaining time for the whole

only

game is

reduced if you go over this fixed time level.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you’re playing Blitz Level D4,

where you have a total of 20 minutes for the whole game.

A LOOK AT THE TEACH MODES

LEVEL

1. Press LEVEL, and the current playing level is displayed.

2. If you want to change levels, press a square to select a different level.

3. To enter T each Mode, press any PIECE SYMBOL KEY (except KING):

DisplayPieces on the boardTo studyPress

QUEENS

ROOKS

BISHOPS

KNIGHTS

PAWNS

Note: Press more than one key to study any combination of pieces! T o cancel a piece, press the same key again. Pressing

KING selects a new game position–all 32 pieces (

ENTER

4. Press ENTER. The computer will reset for a new game, using only the pieces you have chosen to study. Make sure you put only those pieces on the board!

To reset and return to the standard game, press

Activating the Bronstein +b0:10 option will give you a maximum of 10 seconds time compensation per move (added after you make your move). Note that you can’t gain extra time or increase overall thinking time by playing each move more quickly, since:

• If you use 7 seconds to make your move, only 7 seconds will be added back to your total remaining time, not 10 seconds.

• If you use 10 seconds or more to make your move, only 10 seconds will be added back to your total remaining time.

Press OPTION three times to select the Bronstein

Clock Mode. Then press ENTER repeatedly to select your

desired Bronstein Clock setting, as described below:

BRONSTEIN CLOCK SETTINGS DISPLAY

Bronstein Clock off............................................. -bron

Maximum of 1 sec. added after each move ....... +b0:01

Maximum of 2 sec. added after each move ....... +b0:02

Maximum of 3 sec. added after each move ....... +b0:03

Maximum of 5 sec. added after each move ....... +b0:05

Maximum of 10 sec. added after each move ..... +b0:10

Maximum of 20 sec. added after each move ..... +b0:20

Maximum of 30 sec. added after each move ..... +b0:30

6. TEACH MODE: LEARN ABOUT TACTICS

The Extended Teach Modes offer a wonderful learning tool, allowing you to study basic moves and master the tactics of the individual chess pieces. For each Teach Mode game, the only pieces on the board are Kings and the selected piece type(s). This will help you concentrate on one piece at a time, without losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the board! This feature is ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to improve basic skills.

See “A LOOK AT THE TEACH MODES” for a step-by- step example of how to use this feature!

Using the Teach Modes

To enter Teach Mode, first press LEVEL, and the computer will display the current playing level. If you want to change the

Queens + Kings

Rooks + Kings Bishops + Kings Knights + Kings

Pawns + Kings

% &

$ &

# &

@ &

! &

!@#$%&

For more details, see Section 6.

ENGLISH

level, press a board square as described in Section 3. If you don’t change the level, the current level will remain in effect. When you are using any of the Teach Modes, the computer’s playing strength will be determined by the level you choose— just like in a normal game. After deciding on the level, you are ready to activate Teach Mode.

Selecting a piece to study is easy—simply press any PIECE SYMBOL KEY (%, $, #, @, or !) except KING (&). Notice that the symbol for your selected study piece shows in the display as soon as you press its key! You’ll also see the King symbol displayed automatically, since the game can’t be played without the Kings. Finally, exit Teach Mode by pressing ENTER. The computer is now ready for a new game, with only the pieces you have selected to study. Make sure that you only set up those pieces on the board!

If you want to study a

combination

of pieces (Rooks and Bishops, for example), follow the above instructions, pressing more than one PIECE SYMBOL KEY ($ and #, in this case). If you change your mind about studying a piece after pressing a PIECE SYMBOL KEY, press that same key again to cancel that piece.

Some more Teach Mode points to remember:

• If you press LEVEL and then decide not to change the level or Teach Mode, press CLEAR to cancel.

• If you press LEVEL and a PIECE SYMBOL KEY, and then decide not to use Teach Mode, press LEVEL, and

/WHITE or BLACK/> to cancel Teach Mode and

continue level selection.

• If you accidentally press a PIECE SYMBOL KEY in Level Mode, you will lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To prevent this and retain your current board position, press CLEAR to cancel.

• If you reset for a new game by pressing CLEAR and ENTER together, the computer will switch back to the standard game, with the current level still in effect.

• The KING key is reserved for the standard game, using

all 32 pieces. If

is pressed in Teach Mode, all six piece symbols are displayed, indicating the 32-piece board. Pressing ENTER to exit Teach Mode at this point simply returns you to a new game, playing with all the pieces.

• The computer will not make use of its openings library in Teach Mode games.

7. STUDY MODE: TRY RATING YOURSELF

Want to try out a fascinating learning tool? Then Study Mode is exactly what you’re looking for! Twenty famous and exciting games from the history of chess are built into your computer, incorporating 413 different chess puzzles. It’s up to you to play through the games and make the correct moves that were played for the winning side in the original games! This feature offers great potential for improving your chess knowledge, while allowing you to practice your skills and learn all about making the best move in a particular position! And, to make this feature even more exciting, you’ll actually be able to determine your own ELO rating after completing each Study Game.

Understanding ELO Ratings

Before we explain how to use Study Mode, just a few words regarding the concept of chess ratings. A “rating” is a way to measure chess performance or describe relative playing ability. The international body which governs chess is

FIDE

, or

called

Fédération Internationale des Échecs

FIDE ratings are sometimes referred to as ELO ratings. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) uses a similar rating system. Ratings are usually four-digit numbers, with stronger players having higher ratings. On the high end of the scale, masters rank in at 2200 and above, and international grandmasters are rated at 2500+. Want to know where you stand? Go ahead and try out Study Mode!

, and

STARTING UP STUDY MODE

1. Set up the pieces for a new game.

STUDIES

BLACK / >

6. At the end of the game, you’ll get a point score and

Using Study Mode

See “STARTING UP STUDY MODE” for an example of Study Mode basics.

Set up the pieces for a new game, and press STUDIES to enter Study Mode. The display will show the current Study Game (as in tst:1 for Study Game 1). Press BLACK/> or </WHITE to cycle through the 20 Study Game displays, one at a time, from tst:1 to tst:20. When your chosen Study Game is displayed, press ENTER to select that game.

that pressing CLEAR at this point will cancel Study Mode and return you to normal play.)

After pressing ENTER, the computer will automatically reset itself for your selected Study Game. You’ll see PLAY displayed briefly, and then the first move is displayed. Follow along, making the moves on the board as they are shown. When you come to the first of beeps and the clock will start a three-minute countdown. Time for you to guess the White move that was played in that position in the original game.

Here’s how it works:

• There is only one “correct” move per study position.

• The puzzle moves will always be for White (the winning side, in each case). The computer will play the Black moves, and you must make those moves on the board.

• If you make the correct move, the computer will show the points you get for that move, as in Pnt:4. Depending on the difficulty of the move, you’ll be awarded from 1 to 8 points. The computer will then go on to the next move.

• If you make the wrong move, you’ll hear an error beep and see ––––– briefly in the display. Points will automatically be deducted for the incorrect guess, and you can put your piece back on its original square. For difficult moves, you’ll be allowed more than one guess. After the maximum number of wrong guesses, the correct move will be displayed automatically.

• If you still haven’t found the move at the one-minute mark, you’ll hear three warning beeps. Then, at the 10second mark, you’ll get a ticking sound. When your time finally runs out, the correct move will be displayed. Make that move on the board.

• After the first puzzle move, all the rest of the White moves in the game are subsequent puzzle moves. In other words, you’ll be guessing each White move, all the way until the end of the game.

At the end of the game, the computer will count up and display your total points score on the study game (as in tot:14), up to a maximum of 50 points. You will then see your

2. Press STUDIES. Display shows the current Study Game (tst:1 = Study Game 1).

3. Press BLACK/> or </WHITE to cycle

< / WHITE

through the 20 Study Game displays, one at a time.

ENTER

4. When the display shows the Study Game you want to try, press ENTER.

5. Make each move on the board as it is shown. When you come to the first puzzle move, the clock will start a 3-minute countdown. Try to guess the correct move!

your very own ELO rating!

For all the details, see Section 7.

puzzle move,

you’ll hear a series

(Note

estimated ELO rating, based on how well you did. The display alternates between the points and the ELO rating until you press CLEAR or start a new game. If your first try doesn’t give you as high a rating as you’d like, just keep working on the Study Games—and watch your rating go up as you learn and improve.

Bonus: The Appendix at the end of this manual gives a complete listing of all 20 Study Games. These games have been included for reference and historical value, and to provide details on the players, locations and dates for each match. Remember that the listings are included as a reference—you will only be cheating yourself if you look at the game listings before trying to solve the puzzles on your own!

8. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS

8.1 Verifying Positions

See “IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES” for a step-by- step example of using Verify Mode.

If you should knock over the chess pieces or if you think your board position may be incorrect, the computer can verify all the piece locations for you.

When it is your turn, press one of the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS (&, %, $, #, @, or !). The computer shows you where the first piece of that type is located on the board—the display shows the piece symbol, color indicator, and square designation, and board lights also indicate the square. Press the same PIECE SYMBOL KEY again to see the location of the next piece of that same type. All the White pieces are shown first, then the Black pieces. When there are no more pieces of that type on the board, only the piece symbol remains in the display.

Want to verify more pieces? Repeat the above procedure using the other PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, verifying the entire board if desired! Press CLEAR to return to normal play.

8.2 Changing and Setting Up Positions

See “TRY OUT POSITION MODE!” to get an idea of how this feature works.

Position Mode is an exciting feature which lets you set up special board positions to play from, or problems you want the computer to solve!

current game will be erased from the computer’s memory if you make changes to the position during a game.

Press POSITION to enter Position Mode, and the display shows -POS-. You can change or set up a position whenever it is your turn to move. After you have set up your new position, press CLEAR to exit Position Mode.

•To remove a piece from the board, press the piece down on its square and then remove it.

display indicates the piece type and color, along with a minus sign (–) and the square location.

•To move a piece from one square to another, press the piece down on its original square, pick it up, and then press it down on the new square.

display will show a minus sign (–) for the first square, and a plus sign (+) for the second square.

•To add a piece to the board, first press the PIECE SYMBOL KEY for that piece (&, %, $, #, @, or !). Make

sure the display shows the correct color symbol for the piece you want to add. If it does not, press BLACK/> or </WHITE to change the color. When the display shows the correct piece type and color, place that piece on the desired square and press down gently.

a plus sign (+), along with the location for that square.

add another piece of the same type, simply press down on another square. To add a different piece, press a different PIECE SYMBOL KEY and follow the same steps outlined above.

•To clear the board, press ENTER while you are in

Caution: All previous moves in your

Notice that the

As you do this, the

The display shows

IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES

NEW GAME

CLEAR ENTER

CLEAR

1. Press CLEAR and ENTER to reset the computer, and set up the pieces in their starting positions.

Display: [ 0:00:00.

2. Press the KNIGHT Key. Display: [,@,b1 (first White Knight). Board lights on: B+1.

3. Press KNIGHT again. Display: [,@,G1 (second White Knight). Board lights on: G+1.

4. Press KNIGHT again. Display: ],@,b8 (first Black Knight). Board lights on: B+8.

5. Press KNIGHT again. Display: ],@,g8 (second Black Knight). Board lights on: G+8.

6. Press KNIGHT again. Display: @ (no more Knights left on the board).

7. Repeat the above for any piece you want to verify! Press CLEAR to exit Verify Mode.

For more details, see Section 8.1.

TRY OUT POSITION MODE!

NEW GAME

CLEAR ENTER

POSITION

< / WHITE

CLEAR

Position Mode. The display will show _ to symbolize an empty chessboard. Press ENTER once more to confirm that you do want to clear the board. Then add pieces as described previously. If you decide not to clear the board, press CLEAR to cancel. This feature can be handy when you want to set up a position with only a few pieces, where it would be much easier to start out with an empty board.

• Once you have changed the board position as de-

scribed above, make sure the color indicator in the

1. Press CLEAR and ENTER to reset

the computer, and set up the pieces in their starting positions. Display: [,0:00:00.

2. Press POSITION to enter Position Mode. Display: -POS-.

3. Press the White pawn down on Square E2, and remove it from the board.

Display: [,!,-E2.

4. Press that same pawn down on Square E3 to add it to the board.

Display: [,!,+E3.

5. Press the Black Queen down on Square D8, and remove it from the board.

Display: ],%,-D8.

6. Press that same Queen down on Square H5 to add it to the board.

Display: ],%,+H5.

7. Press </WHITE to change the color to move next.

8. Press CLEAR to exit and return to normal game play.

For more details, see Section 8.2.

ENGLISH

display is showing the correct color of the side to move. Change the color, if necessary, by pressing BLACK/> or </WHITE.

•To exit Position Mode, press CLEAR. You will return to normal game play, with your new board position.

Note that any legal position can be set up using the above procedures. The computer will not permit you to set up an illegal position, such as one where there are more than the prescribed number of pieces for a normal game, or one where a King is in check and is not to move. In such cases, the computer will simply beep when you press CLEAR, and you will not be allowed to exit Position Mode. Check the position using the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, if necessary, and correct the position (by adding a piece, removing a piece, or moving an incorrectly placed piece). Then press CLEAR to exit Position Mode.

9. TECHNICAL DETAILS

9.1 The ACL Function

Computers sometimes “lock up” due to static discharge or other electrical disturbances. If this should happen, take out the batteries and use a pin or another sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This resets the computer.

9.2 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 disconnect the adapter (if applicable) and remove the batteries before cleaning the unit. Do not use chemical agents or liquids to clean the 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.

line 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.

If an AC-DC adapter is used with this unit, it must be as specified in Section 9.3. An adapter is not a toy and should be handled with care. Please also note the following regarding the use of an AC-DC adapter.

positive adapter with safety isolating transformer. The polarity symbols confirming its center positivity should be clearly marked on the adapter, and the adapter must comply with EN60742. The adapter should be regularly examined for potential hazards such as damage to the plug, cable or cord, casing or other parts. In the event of damage, the adapter should not be used.

9.3 Technical Specifications

Keys: 17 LCD Display: 48-segment, 5-digit Batteries: 4 x C/AM2/R14 (1.5V) cells Power Consumption: 330 mW maximum Dimensions: 336 x 252 x 40 mm Weight: 1 kg (without batteries) AC-DC Adapter: 9V/300mA center-positive

Please retain this information for future reference.

Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the interest of progress.

Warning: Use only alka-

Warning: Use a center

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY

1.Warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase with proof of purchase submitted.

2.Operating instructions must be followed.

3.Product must not have been damaged as a result of defacement, misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, destruction or alteration of the serial number, improper electrical voltages or currents, repair, alteration or maintenance by any person or party other than our own service facility or an authorized service center, use or installation of non-Saitek replacement parts in the product or the modification of this product in any way, or the incorporation of this product into any other products, or damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods, lightning, or acts of God, or any use violative of instructions furnished by Saitek plc.

4.Obligations of Saitek shall be limited to repair or replacement with the same or similar unit, at our option. To obtain repairs under this warranty, present the product and proof of purchase (e.g., bill or invoice) to the authorized Saitek Technical Support Center (listed on the separate sheet packaged with this product) transportation charges prepaid. Any requirements that conflict with any state or Federal laws, rules and/or obligations shall not be enforceable in that particular territory and Saitek will adhere to those laws, rules, and/or obligations.

5.When returning the product for repair, please pack it very carefully, preferably using the original packaging materials. Please also include an explanatory note.

6.IMPORTANT: To save yourself unnecessary cost and inconvenience, please check carefully that you have read and followed the instructions in this manual.

7.This warranty is in Lieu of all other expressed warranties, obligations or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other r ights which vary from state to state.

Information for Customers in the United States:

FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly ap-

proved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1.This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2.This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Saitek Industries, 2295 Jefferson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOMS

The computer doesn’t react, behaves erratically, or “freezes” during a game.

The display is difficult to read. The computer won’t make a

move.

The computer won’t accept your move.

An error beep sounds when a square is pressed.

You hear a series of beeps, and flashing lights indicate one of your pieces.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

• Batter ies are not installed correctly.

• Batteries are weak or bad.

• Static discharge or an electrical disturbance has caused a lock-up.

• Batteries are weak or bad.

• The Auto Answer option may be turned off.

•You may be on a level where the computer thinks for a long time.

• Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your move put your King into check? Are you trying to castle incorrectly? Are you moving to an illegal square?

• The computer is thinking (its color symbol is flashing in the display).

•You have not entered the computer’s last move correctly (wrong from or to square).

• Coach Mode is activated, and a Capture Alert is advising that one of your pieces is in danger.

ACTION TO TAKE

• Reinstall the batteries, making sure to observe the correct polarity.

• Replace the batteries.

• Press into the hole marked ACL to reset the computer (see Section 9.1).

• Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines.

• The computer only responds automatically if Auto Answer is on (see Section 5.1).

•To interrupt the computer and force it to make a move, press ENTER.

•Review the chess rules. Verify the position to make sure it is correct (see Section 8.1).

•To interrupt the computer, press ENTER.

• Check the display, and press the correct square to complete the computer’s move.

• Make your next move, or take back your last move and make a different one. (see Section

5.1).

ENGLISH

You hear a series of beeps, and flashing lights indicate a move.

You can’t exit Position Mode with CLEAR—the computer only beeps.

The display is showing _.

The computer seems to be making illegal moves.

The computer is making instant or irrational moves.

The computer is silent.

• Coach Mode is activated, and a Tactical Alert is advising that you are committing a blunder.

•You have set up an illegal position. A King may be in check, it is opponents turn to move, you may have too many pawns on the board, etc.

•You are in Position Mode, and have pressed ENTER to clear the board.

• The computer has made a special move, such as en passant, castling, or a pawn promotion.

•Your board position is incorrect—pieces have been moved.

• Batteries are running out.

• The computer may be on a low level, where it moves quickly and plays weaker than normal because its search depth is limited.

• Batteries are running out.

• The Silent Mode option may be activated.

• Enter the computer’s move, or take back your last move and make a different one. (see Section 5.1).

• Check your position, and make the necessary changes (see Section 8.2). Then press CLEAR again to exit Position Mode.

•To clear the board, press ENTER once more; to cancel, press CLEAR (see Section 8.2).

•Review the chess rules. Verify the position as described in Section 8.1.

•Verify the position (see Section 8.1).

• Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines.

• Press LEVEL to see which level is selected (see Section 3). Change to another level, if desired.

• Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines.

• Check the option settings (see Section 5.1).

SCHNELLSTART

Um sofort ein Spiel zu spielen, ohne erst das gesamte Handbuch zu lesen, folgen Sie einfach diesen Schnellstart-Schritten.

Stecken Sie das Netzteil an (mitgeliefert) oder legen Sie

vier “C” Batterien (Typ AM2/ R14) in den Schachcomputer ein. Bitte versichern Sie sich, dass die Batterien mit der korrekten Polarität eingelegt werden.

Drücken Sie GO/STOP, um den Computer einzuschalten.

Falls das Gerät nicht reagiert, stellen Sie es neu ein, wie in Abschnitt 9.1 beschrieben.

Stellen Sie die Schachfiguren in der Eröffnungsstellung auf,

die weißen Figuren zu Ihnen gewandt (siehe Abbildung).

Um den Computer für ein

NEW GAME (neues Spiel)

einzustellen, drücken Sie die

CLEAR (Löschen) und ENTER (Eingabe) Tasten

gleichzeitig.

4 x C/AM2/R14

GO/STOP

NEW GAME

CLEAR ENTER

Sie führen Schachzüge aus, indem Sie die Figuren auf

dem Brett setzen. Die Figur wird dabei jeweils sanft auf das von und zu Feld gedrückt. Das Schachbrett registriert automatisch, mit welcher Figur Sie ziehen!

Sobald der Computer einen Schachzug ausführt, wird

dieser im Anzeigenfenster gezeigt. Gleichzeitig leuchten zwei Lichter auf dem Brett, die auf die Reihe und Spalte der zu ziehenden Figur zeigen. Drücken Sie diese jeweils vorsichtig auf das angezeigte von und zu Feld, um den Zug des Computers zu vervollständigen. Das ist alles! Führen Sie Ihren nächsten Schachzug aus, wie oben beschrieben. Wir wünschen Ihnen viel Vergnügen bei Ihrem Spiel!

Drücken Sie jederzeit GO/STOP, um den Computer auszuschalten. Ihre aktuelle Stellung und das aktuelle Spiel wird vom Computer gespeichert (bis zu 50 individuellen Zügen). Sobald Sie den Computer wieder einschalten, können Sie fortfahren, wo Sie aufgehört haben!

TASTEN UND FUNKTIONEN

1. BATTERIEFACH: Im Sockel des Geräts. Benötigt vier “C” (AM2/R14)

Alkalin Batterien.

2. SENSOR-SCHACHBRETT: Jedes Feld hat einen Sensor, der automatisch die Bewegung von Figuren registriert. Bestimmte Felder können auch während des Stufenmodus und Funktionsmodus gedrückt werden, um Schwierigkeitsgrade und Funktionen zu wählen.

3. FIGURENFACH: Im Sockel des Geräts.

4. NETZADAPTERANSCHLUSS: Für AC-DC Netzadapter.

5. ANZEIGENFELD: Zeigt während des Spiels Züge und

Zuginformationen an. Zeigt u.a. auch Informationen über Stufen, Funktionen, Lehrspiele, Figurenüberprüfungen und Neuaufstellungen.

6. SPIELTASTEN:

• GO/STOP: Drücken, um das Gerät an- und auszuschalten.

• OPTION (Funktion): Drücken, um den Funktionsmodus zu

aktivieren; während des Funktionsmodus drücken, um die Hauptinformationsgruppen zu rotieren.

• INFO (Information): Drücken, um den Informationsmodus zu

aktivieren. Im Informationsmodus drücken, dann können Sie die Hauptinformationsgruppen durchsehen. Drücken während Sie einen Zug ausführen, um einen Hinweis zu bekommen.

• LEVEL (Stufe): Drücken, um den Stufenmodus zu aktivieren;

erweitert des Stufenmodus drücken, um jeweils acht Stufen weiterzuspringen. Wird auch benutzt, um den erweiter ten Lehrmodus zu aktivieren.

• STUDIES (Lernspiele): Drücken, um den Lernmodus zu aktivieren.

• TAKE BACK (Rücknahme): Drücken, um einen einzelnen Zug

zurückzunehmen (gilt für beide Seiten). Nehmen Sie bis zu maximal 50 Einzelzüge zurück.

• POSITION (Stellung): Drücken, um den Stellungsmodus zu

aktivieren.

• </WHITE (Weiß) und BLACK/> (Schwarz) TASTEN: Während

des Stufenmodus drücken, um jeweils von einer Stufe zur nächsten zu wechseln. Während des Funktionsmodus und des Informationsmodus drücken, um die Wahlfunktionen zu rotieren. Wird auch im Lehrmodus verwendet, um Lehrspiele auszuwählen. Im Stellungsmodus wird mit diesen Tasten die Spielfarbe gewählt.

• CLEAR (Löschen): Gleichzeitig mit ENTER (Eingabe) drücken, um

ein NEW GAME (neues Spiel) einzustellen. Drücken, um den Funktions-, Überprüfungs- und Stellungsmodus zu verlassen. Drücken, um Informationen auf der Anzeige zu löschen, und während des Stellungsmodus drücken um “Clear Board” (das Schachbrett leeren) Befehle abzubrechen. Drücken, um den Lehrmodus abzubrechen (falls Sie noch nicht ENTER gedrückt haben). Drücken, um den Stufenmodus abzubrechen, wenn Sie sich entschieden haben, doch keine Änderungen zu machen (es sei

ABCDEFGH

denn, Sie haben zuvor Felder auf dem Schachbrett benutzt, um Stufen zu wechseln).

• ENTER (Eingabe): Gleichzeitig mit CLEAR drücken, um ein neues Spiel einzustellen. Drücken, um mit dem Computer die Seiten zu tauschen. Drücken während der Computer denkt, um ihn zum Zug zu zwingen. Drücken, um die Funktionseinstellungen ein- und auszuschalten, um Bronstein- Uhr-Einstellungen zu wählen, und um den Stufenmodus mit einer neu gewählten Stufe oder im Lehr modus zu beenden. Drücken, um den Lernmodus mit einem neu gewählten Lernspiel zu verlassen. Während des Stellungsmodus drücken, um das Schachbrett zu leeren, dann ein zweites Mal drücken, um die Eingabe zu bestätigen.

• FIGUREN-TASTEN: Werden im Kontroll-, Stellungs- und Lehrmodus gebraucht. Werden auch für Bauernumwandlungen benutzt.

7. ACL (Neueinstellung): Im Gerätesockel. Wird benutzt, um statische Aufladung zu eliminieren nachdem neue Batterien eingelegt oder ein Netzadapter angeschlossen wurde.

8. BRETTLICHTER: Zeigen Spielzüge, zurückgenommene Züge, Überprüfungen und Aufstellungen an.

GO/STOP

OPTION INFO

TAKE BACK POSITION CLEAR

LEVEL

/ WHITE BLACK / >ENTER

STUDIES

NEW GAME

INHALTSVERZEICHNIS

SCHNELLSTART TASTEN UND FUNKTIONEN EINFÜHRUNG

1. LOS GEHT’S!

1.1 Zuerst: Das Einlegen der Batterien/Adapter

1.2 Spielbereit? So wird gezogen!

1.3 Jetzt ist der Computer am Zug

1.4 Sie ändern Ihre Meinung? Rücknahme

1.5 Das Spiel ist vorbei? Warum nicht nochmal spielen

1.6 Zu einfach/zu schwer? Ändern Sie den Schwier igkeitsgrad

2. ERKUNDEN SIE WEITERE FUNKTIONEN

2.1 Wer ist am Zug? Über pr üfen Sie die Anzeige

2.2 Spezielle Schachzüge

2.3 Nicht erlaubte Züge

2.4 Schach, Matt und Remis

2.5 Die Suche des Computers unterbrechen

2.6 Seitenwechsel mit dem Computer

2.7 Vorprogrammierte Eröffnungen

2.8 Denken zu Lasten der gegnerischen Zeit

2.9 Spielspeicher

3. DIE SPIELSTUFEN

Einen Schwierigkeitsgrad einstellen

3.1 Normale Spielstufen (Felder A1-B7)

3.2 Unbegrenze Stufe (Feld B8)

3.3 Turnierstufen (Felder C1-C8)

3.4 Blitzstufen (Felder D1-D8)

3.5 Spaßstufen (Felder E1-E8)

3.6 Mattsuchstufen (Felder F1-F8)

3.7 Übungsstufen (Felder G1-G8)

3.8 Sich selbst anpassende, schwache Stufen (Felder H1-H8)

4. INFORMATIONSMODUS: SEHEN SIE DEM COMPUTER BEIM DENKEN ZU

Den Informationsmodus benutzen

4.1 Hauptvarianten

4.2 Suchinfor mation

4.3 Schachuhr-Information

4.4 Zugzählung/Spielzüge

4.5 Hinweis gefällig? Fragen Sie einfac

5. FUNKTIONEN FÜR SPASS UND ABWECHSLUNG

Spielfunktionen auswählen

5.1 Umgang mit den Modusfunktionen (Felder A1-H1)

5.2 Anzeigenrotationsfunktionen (Felder A3-H3)

5.3 Bronstein-Uhr-Funktionen (Feld A4)

6. LEHRMODUS: LERNEN SIE ALLES ÜBER TAKTIK

Den Lehrmodus benutzen

7. LERNMODUS: VERSUCHEN SIE, SICH SELBER EINZUSCHÄTZEN

ELO Wertungen verstehen Lernspiele benutzen

8. STELLUNGEN AUFBAUEN UND KONTROLLIEREN

8.1 Stellungen überprüfen

8.2 Stellungen aufbauen und wechseln

9. TECHNISCHE DETAILS

9.1 Die ACL Funktion

9.2 Pflege und Wartung

9.3 Technische Daten

MÖGLICHE STÖRUNGSURSACHEN

ANHANG: 20 LERNSPIELE

EINFÜHRUNG

Wir heißen Sie herzlich willkommen in der spannenden Welt des Computerschachs! Ob Sie gerade erst beginnen dieses großartige Spiel zu lernen, oder schon ein erfahrener Spieler sind—durch den Umgang mit Ihrem Schachcomputer werden Sie mehr über Schach lernen, als Sie je für möglich gehalten hätten! Schauen Sie dieses Handbuch durch, um einen Eindruck von den Fähigkeiten Ihres Computers zu bekommen—eine Fülle von Spezialfunktionen, einzigartigen Möglichkeiten und Spielstufen. Mit der Zeit werden Sie von all diesen Funktionen profitieren. Und Sie werden viel Spaß haben—und Schach bald in einem ganz neuen Licht betrachten!

Ihr Computer kennt alle Schachregeln—und mogelt nie! Für diejenigen unten Ihnen, die nie zuvor gespielt haben, haben wir eine kurze Übersicht der Regeln beigefügt, mit denen Sie beginnen können. Für detailiertere Informationen empfehlen wir Ihnen einen Besuch in Ihrer örtlichne Bücherei, wo Sie mit Sicherheit eine Menge interessanter Schachbücher finden können.

1. LOS GEHT’S!

1.1 Zuerst: Das Einlegen der Batterien/Adapter

Ihr Computer arbeitet mit vier “C” (Typ AM2/R14) Alkalin Batterien. Setzen Sie die Batterien in das Fach im Sockel des Gerätes ein, wobei Sie die korrekte Polarität beachten müssen. Benutzen Sie neue Alkalin Batterien für ein längeres Batterieleben.

Bitte verwenden Sie nur den Adapter, der in Abschnitt 9.3 spezifiziert wird. Die Verwendung jedes anderen Adapters könnte Ihren Computer beschädigen und Ihre Garantie ungültig machen. Bitte lesen Sie vorsichtshalber auch die Informationen in Abschnitt 9.2 über die Verwendung von Netzadaptern. Falls Sie einen Netzadapter verwenden, stecken Sie ihn zuerst in eine Wandsteckdose, und schließen Sie erst dann Ihren Computer an.

Wichtig: Um sicherzustellen, daß der Speicherinhalt des Computers nicht verloren geht, lassen Sie stets aufgeladene Batterien im Gerät, auch wenn Sie einen AC-DC Netzadapter verwenden.

Sie schalten den Computer ein, indem Sie auf GO/STOP drücken. Daraufhin wird Ihnen ein Ton signalisieren, daß das Spiel bereit ist. Falls der Computer nicht reagiert (statische Aufladung kann eine Sperre verursachen), benutzen Sie eine Büroklammer oder einen anderen spitzen Gegenstand, um für mindestens eine Sekunde in die mit ACL mar kierte Öffnung zu drücken. Dieses wird den Computer neu einstellen.

Hinweis: Schalten Sie die “Automatische Energieeinsparung” (Auto Power Down) ein, um Energie zu sparen und die Lebensdauer Ihrer Batterien zu verlängern (siehe Abschnitt 5.1).

1.2 Spielbereit? So wird gezogen!

Also gut, jetzt ist es an der Zeit, ein Spiel zu beginnen. Es ist ganz einfach—folgen Sie einfach diesen Schritten:

a. Drück en Sie GO/STOP, um den Computer

einzuschalten, falls Sie das nicht schon gemacht haben.

b. Drücken Sie gleichzeitig CLEAR und ENTER, um den

Computer auf ein NEUES SPIEL einzustellen. Stellen Sie die Figuren in der Eröffnungsstellung auf, mit den weißen Figuren zu Ihnen gewandt, wie in

Schnellstart

gezeigt.

c. Um einen Zug auszuführen, drücken Sie die betreffende

Figur sachte auf ihr Feld, bis Sie einen Ton hören, und zwei Lichter aufleuchten, die auf dieses Feld weisen. Das Sensor-Schachbrett wird Ihre Figur automatisch erkennen. Das glauben Sie nicht? Dann schauen Sie mal auf das Anzeigenfenster, das plötzlich voll mit Informationen ist—es zeigt Ihre Figur, die Farbe der Figur und das Feld, das Sie gerade gedrückt haben.

d. Nehmen Sie die Figur und drücken Sie sie vorsichtig auf

das Feld, auf das Sie ziehen. Sie werden einen zweiten Ton hören, sobald der Computer Ihren Zug bestätigt. Das ist alles—Sie haben soeben Ihren ersten Zug gemacht! Als nächstes ist Schwarz an der Reihe—und der Computer wird seinen ersten Zug machen.

Sie werden bemerken, daß der Computer zu Beginn einer Partie oft sofort zieht, ohne Zeitverzögerung. Der Grund dafür ist, daß der Computer aus seinem Speicher heraus spielt, und das einprogrammierte “Buch” der Eröffnungszüge benutzt (mehr Informationen darüber in Abschnitt 2.7).

1.3 Jetzt ist der Computer am Zug

Sobald sich der Computer für seinen Zug entschieden hat, gibt er einen Ton ab und schaltet zwei Leuchten ein, die auf das Feld der Figur, die er bewegen möchte, zeigen. Gleichzeitig zeigt er seinen vollständigen Zug im Anzeigenfenster. Überprüfen Sie es—Sie sehen die von und zu Felder des Computer-Schachzugs, und die Farbe und Ar t der Figur, die er zieht.

Beachten Sie, daß die Anzeige des

DEUTSCH

1717

von Feldes blinkt.

Feld, bis Sie einen Ton hören. Nun blinkt die Anzeige des zu Feldes—bewegen Sie dieselbe Figur auf das angezeigte zu Feld und drücken Sie sie auf, um den Computer-Schachzug abzuschließen. Und nun sind Sie wieder an der Reihe...

Übrigens, während Sie über Ihren nächsten Zug nachdenken, können Sie beobachten, daß ein Schachfigurensymbol nach dem anderen angezeigt wird, vom Bauern zum König “herauf”-zählend. Das bedeutet, daß die eingebaute Schachuhr normal eingestellt ist, und Ihre ablaufende Zeit mißt. Wenn die Countdown-Uhr aktiviert ist, wie in Abschnitt 5.1 beschrieben, laufen die angezeigten Symbole in umgekehrter Richtung. Details über die Schachuhr-Funktionen finden Sie in Abschnitt 4.3.

Drücken Sie die angezeigte Figur auf das

1.4 Sie ändern Ihre Meinung? Rücknahme

Wenn Sie Schach gegen den Computer spielen, ist nichts “in Stein gemeißelt”—Sie können Ihre Meinung ändern, oder sich entscheiden, in einem anderen Modus zu spielen, wann immmer Sie wollen! Sobald Sie am Zug sind, drücken Sie einfach TAKE BACK. Die Anzeige zeigt den Zug an, der zurückgenommen werden soll, wobei das ursprüngliche zu Feld blinkt, und die Brettleuchten darauf zeigen. Drücken Sie die Figur sanft auf das angezeigte Feld, und der Computer wird Ihnen zeigen, woher diese Figur kam, indem das von Feld in der Anzeige blinkt und die Brettleuchten auf dieses Feld deuten. Drücken Sie die Figur auf dieses von Feld, um die Rücknahme abzuschließen. Das können Sie sooft wiederholen wie Sie wollen, bis zu maximal 50 Einzelzügen (oder 25 Züge für jede Seite). Um weiterzuspielen, führen Sie einfach einen anderen Schachzug auf dem Brett aus.

Nachdem Sie einen Schlagzug zurückgenommen haben, wird der Computer sicherstellen, daß Ihr Brett weiterhin korrekt aufgestellt ist: Er erinnert Sie daran, die geschlagene Figur zurück auf das Brett zu stellen! Das macht er, indem er das Symbol der Figur und ihre Stellung anzeigt, mit einem zusätzlichen “+” Symbol, und die Brettleuchten auf dieses Feld zeigen. Stellen Sie die angezeigte Figur auf das Brett zurück und drücken Sie sie auf das Feld, um die Rücknahme zu beenden.

1.5 Das Spiel ist vorbei? Warum nicht nochmal spielen!

Wann immer Sie ein Spiel beenden (oder Ihre laufende Partie aufgeben möchten), ist es ganz einfach, nochmal anzufangen! Stellen Sie den Computer auf NEUES SPIEL ein, indem Sie gleichzeitig CLEAR und ENTER drücken, und eine Tonfolge wird Ihnen mitteilen, daß der Computer bereit ist. Die gleiche Spielstufe wird gültig sein, aber das können Sie ändern, wie es Ihnen beliebt (siehe Abschnitt 3).

WICHTIG: Wenn Sie den Computer für ein neues Spiel einstellen, löschen Sie Ihr laufendes Spiel aus dem Computergedächtnis—seien Sie vorsichtig, daß Sie diese Taste nicht aus Versehen drücken!

1.6 Zu einfach/zu schwierig? Ändern Sie den

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wenn Sie den Computer zum ersten Mal einschalten, ist er automatisch auf die normale Spielstufe A4 eingestellt (fünf Sekunden pro Zug). Aber Ihnen stehen 64 Stufen zur Auswahl—und die werden Sie alle ausprobieren wollen! Beschreibungen der Spielstufen und des Wechselns zwischen den Stufen finden Sie in Abschnitt 3.

2. ERKUNDEN SIE WEITERE FUNKTIONEN

2.1 Wer ist am Zug? Überprüfen Sie die Anzeige

Wenn der Computer Schwarz spielt, blinkt ein schwarzes Feld in der Anzeige während er denkt. Nachdem er gezogen hat, zeigt ein weißes Feld an, daß nun Weiß an der Reihe ist. Sie können mit einem Blick feststellen, ob der Computer gerade denkt, und welche Seite am Zug ist.

DEN ZUG DES COMPUTERS AUSFÜHREN:

EIN BEISPIEL!

ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ

Nachdem der Computer seinen Zug anzeigt, ist es an Ihnen, diesen Zug für ihn auf dem Brett auszuführen! Hier zeigt die Anzeige, daß der Computer seinen schwarzen Bauern (]!) von d7 auf d5 setzen möchte. Nehmen Sie den d7 Bauern (auf den die Brettleuchten zeigen) und drücken Sie ihn leicht auf Feld d7. Die Brettleuchten weisen nun auf Feld d5. Drücken Sie den Bauern auf Feld d5, um den Zug des Computers abzuschliessen. Und nun sind Sie wieder am Zug!

2.2 Spezielle Schachzüge

Schlagzüge: Um zu schlagen, drücken Sie die Figur, mit

der Sie ziehen wollen, auf; entfer nen Sie die geschlagene Figur vom Brett, und drücken Sie Ihre Figur auf das Feld der geschlagenen Figur. Schlagzüge werden folgendermaßen angezeigt E5•F4.

En Passant Schlagzüge: Bei dieser Art des Schlagens erinnert Sie der Computer daran, den geschlagenen Bauern zu entfernen, indem er die Position des Bauern mit einem zusätzlichen Minuszeichen anzeigt, und die beiden Brettleuchten auf dessen Feld zeigen. Drücken Sie den geschlagenen Bauern kurz auf, bevor Sie ihn vom Brett nehmen.

Rochade: Der Computer erkennt rochieren automatisch, sobald mit dem König gezogen wurde. Nachdem Sie den König auf sein von und zu Feld gedrückt haben, gibt der Computer Ihnen über die Anzeige und die Brettleuchten zu verstehen, daß Sie den Turm setzen müssen. Drücken Sie den Turm auf sein von und zu Feld, um den Zug abzuschließen. Beachten Sie, daß eine kurze Rochade als 0-0 angezeigt wird, und eine lange Rochade als 0-0-0.

Bauernumwandlung: Wenn Sie einen Bauern umwandeln, ziehen Sie zuerst wie gewöhnlich, indem Sie

den Bauern auf das von und zu Feld drücken. Als nächstes drücken Sie die Figursymboltaste für die gewünschte Unwandlungsfigur (%, $, #, oder @). Der Computer erkennt Ihre neue Figur sofort, und beginnt, über seinen nächsten Zug nachzudenken. Denken Sie daran, die Figur auf dem Brett auszutauschen! Wenn der Computer einen Bauern umwandelt, zeigt die Anzeige beides, den Bauern und die Umwandlungsfigur. Vergessen Sie nicht, den Bauern des Computers mit der neuen Figur zu ersetzen.

2.3 Nicht erlaubte Züge

Ihr Computer wird niemals einen illegalen Zug akzeptieren. Falls Sie versuchen sollten, einen nicht erlaubten Zug auszuführen, werden Sie einen tiefen Doppel-Ton hören, und die Brettleuchten werden einfach weiterhin auf das ursprüngliche von Feld der Figur zeigen. Entweder ziehen Sie mit dieser Figur nun auf ein anderes Feld, oder Sie

ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ ው巀居巀层巀居巀居ው ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ ዋ屄层屄居屄层屄层ዋ ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ

setzen sie wieder auf das ursprüngliche von Feld zurück und ziehen mit einer anderen Figur.

Falls Sie einen Zug des Computers nicht korrekt ausführen, werden Sie gleichfalls den Fehlerton hören. Das bedeutet, daß Sie entweder die falsche Figur bewegt haben, oder die Figur des Computers auf ein falsches Feld gesetzt haben. Wenn der Computer z.B. seinen Bauern von C7 auf C5 ziehen möchte, und sie drücken C7 und C6, zeigt die Anzeige kurz :C5, um auf den Fehler hinzuweisen. Danach zeigt die Anzeige wieder den beabsichtigten Zug an (C7-C5), und der Computer erwartet von Ihnen, daß Sie diesen für ihn ausführen.

Wenn Sie eine Figur aufdrücken, und in der Anzeige wird das von Feld gezeigt—aber dann entscheiden Sie sich, diesen Zug doch nicht auszuführen, drücken sie dasselbe Feld einfach nochmal, um die Anzeige zu löschen. Dann ziehen Sie mit einer anderen Figur. Wenn Sie Ihre Meinung ändern, nachdem Sie den gesamten Zug ausgeführt haben, können Sie ihn, wie in Abschnitt 1.4 beschrieben, zurücknehmen.

2.7 Vorprogrammierte Eröffnungen

Zu Beginn einer Partie wird der Computer oft sofort zu seiner Zugentscheidung kommen, auch auf höheren Schwierigkeitsstufen. Dies ist möglich, weil der Computer aus dem Gedächtnis spielt, und sein eingebautes “Buch” der Eröffnungszüge benutzt. Dieses Buch enthält Tausende von Stellungen, inklusive der meisten Haupteröffnungen und viele Stellungen aus Großmeisterspielen. Wenn die aktuelle Figurenaufstellung in diesem Buch gespeichert ist, spielt der Computer seine Antwort automatisch aus, ohne über diesen Zug nachdenken zu müssen.

Eine spezielle Funktion dieses Eröffnungsbuchs ist seine Fähigkeit, Umstellungen abzuwickeln. Eine Umstellung erfolgt, wenn eine Stellung, die durch eine bestimmte Zugfolge erreicht wurde, auch erreicht werden kann, wenn dieselben Züge in einer anderen Reihenfolge ausgeführt werden. Die integrierte Zugumstellungs-Erkennung handhabt diese mit Leichtigkeit.

Beachten Sie, daß das Eröffnungsbuch nicht im Lehrmodus benutzt werden kann (siehe Abschnitt 6).

DEUTSCH

2.4 Schach, Matt und Remis

Wenn der König im Schach steht, zeigt der Computer seinen Zug zuerst wie gewöhnlich an. Nachdem dieser Zug abgeschlossen ist, blinkt gleichzeitig mit dem “Schach”-Zug für einige Sekunden CHECK (Schach) auf. Danach zeigt die Anzeige wieder die Uhr.

Wenn der Computer ein erzwungenes Matt gegen seinen Gegner entdeckt, zeigt er zuerst wie gewöhnlich seinen Zug an. Nachden der Zug auf dem Brett ausgeführt wurde, blinkt für einige Sekunden eine “MATE” (Matt) -Anzeige gemeinsam mit dem Zug auf (z.B. =in2 für ein Matt in zwei Zügen). Danach zeigt die Anzeige wieder die Uhr.

Wenn ein Spiel Schachmatt endet und der Zug abgeschlossen ist, blinkt mit dem “Matt”-Zug für kurze Zeit MATE auf. Danach zeigt die Anzeige wieder die Uhr.

Der Computer erkennt “Remis durch Patt”, “dreifache Stellungswiederholung”, “50-Züge-Regel” und “ungenügendes Material”. Nachdem ein Remis vorgekommen ist, blinkt in der Anzeige für kurze Zeit End, EnD:3, End:50 oder End:In (mit dem Zug), kurz nachdem der Zug abgeschlossen wurde. Danach zeigt die Anzeige wieder die Uhr.

2.5 Die Suche des Computers unterbrechen

Finden Sie, daß der Computer zuviel Zeit braucht, um zu einer Entscheidung zu kommen? Sie können ihn jederzeit unterbrechen! Drücken Sie einfach ENTER während der Computer denkt. Er wird seine Überlegungen unterbrechen und den besten Zug ausführen, den er bis dahin gefunden hat. Diese Funktion kann insbesondere bei höheren Schwierigkeitsgraden sehr nützlich werden, wenn der Computer viel Zeit für seine Überlegungen beansprucht, und natürlich auf der unbegrenzten Stufe, auf der der Computer unendlich lange denkt, es sei denn, er wird von Ihnen unterbrochen.

Auf der Mattsuchstufe kann das Drücken der ENTER Taste keinen Zug erzwingen! Stattdessen wird der Computer einen Fehlerton abgeben und ––––– anzeigen, um zu verdeutlichen, daß er unterbrochen wurde, bevor er ein mögliches Matt gefunden hat. Wechseln Sie zu einer anderen Stufe, um weiterzuspielen.

2.6 Seitenwechsel mit dem Computer

Um mit dem Computer die Seite zu wechseln, drücken Sie einfach ENTER, wenn Sie am Zug sind—und der Computer wird den nächsten Zug für Ihre Seite machen. Wechseln Sie die Seite so oft Sie wollen!

Beachten Sie, daß der Computer Weiß von oben spielen wird, wenn Sie ENTER zu Beginn eines neuen Spiels drücken (siehe auch Abschnitt 5.1).

2.8 Denken zu Lasten der gegnerischen Zeit

Während Sie spielen, werden Sie vielleicht bemerken, daß der Computer sofort auf Ihre Züge reagiert, sogar mitten in Spielen auf hohen Schwierigkeitsstufen. Dies passier t, weil der Computer während Ihrer Spielzeit denkt, d.h. er benutzt die Zeit, die Sie brauchen, um Ihren Zug auszuführen, um vorauszudenken und seine eigenen Strategien zu planen. Er schätzt ab, welchen Zug Sie mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit machen werden, und kalkuliert dann seine möglichen Reaktionen auf diesen Zug—während Sie immer noch überlegen. Wenn der Computer Sie richtig eingeschätzt hat, gibt es für ihn keinen Grund, weiterhin zu kalkulieren—er macht einfach den Zug, den er längst gefunden hat.

2.9 Spielspeicher

Drücken Sie jederzeit GO/STOP, um das Spiel zu unterbrechen. Der Computer speichert dann Ihr letztes Spiel (bis zu 50 Einzelzüge). Wenn Sie das Gerät wieder einschalten, können Sie einfach da weitermachen, wo Sie aufgehört haben.

Um das Spielgedächtnis des Computers zu schützen, sollten immer Batterien im Batteriefach sein, auch wenn Sie das Gerät mit einem Netzadapter betreiben.

3. DIE SPIELSTUFEN

Ihr Schachcomputer hat 64 verschiedene Spielstufen zu bieten! Je mehr Zeit der Computer hat, um über seine Züge nachzudenken, desto stärker und besser spielt er—genau wie ein menschlicher Schachspieler. Denken Sie daran, wenn Sie eine Stufe wählen! In der Stufentabelle finden Sie alle Stufen im Überblick. In diesem Abschnitt sind die Stufen einzeln beschrieben.

Eine Spielstufe einstellen

Unter “BENUTZEN SIE DIESE TABELLE UM EINE SPIELSTUFE ZU WÄHLEN!” wird dargestellt, wie man

eine Stufe einstellt. Eine Tabelle zeigt alle Stufen auf einen Blick.

Es gibt zwei verschiedene Methoden, die Stufen einzustellen—man benutzt die Spieltasten oder drückt auf die Felder des Schachbretts. In beiden Fällen drücken Sie zuerst LEVEL (Stufe), um den Stufenmodus zu aktivieren. Der Computer wird die zuletzt eingestellte Stufe anzeigen. Wenn Sie den Stufenmodus zum ersten Mal aktivieren, ist die Normalspielstufe A4 eingestellt (mit einer Reaktionszeit von fünf Sekunden pro Zug), und die Anzeige zeigt L0:05.

• Stufen wählen, indem Sie Spieltasten drücken: Nachdem Sie den Stufenmodus durch Drücken der LEVEL Taste aktiviert haben, benutzen Sie die

1919

BRAUCHEN SIE HILFE, UM EINE STUFE ZU

WÄHLEN?

EINIGE HILFREICHE HINWEISE

• Sind Sie Spielanfänger?

Ihnen steht eine Menge zur Auswahl! Versuchen Sie es mal mit der Spaßstufe, den niedrigeren Lehrstufen, oder den sich selbst anpassenden, schwachen Stufen. Jede dieser Stufen schränkt den Computer auf die eine oder andere Weise in der Gründlichkeit seiner Überlegungen ein. Der Computer bietet Ihnen ein schwächeres Spiel, und erhöht so Ihre Chance, mehr über Schach zu erfahren, und den Computer vielleicht sogar hin und wieder zu schlagen.

• Sind Sie ein mittlerer oder fortgeschrittener

Spieler?

Probieren Sie die Normal-, Lehr-, oder Turnierstufen. Die Normalstufen reichen von einfach bis zur schwierigen 10-Minuten Reaktionszeit. Die Turnierstufen sind besonders herausfordernd. Und vergessen Sie nicht, die Blitzstufe für spannendes Schnellschach auszuprobieren! Übrigens können Sie für die Turnier- und Blitzspiele die eingebaute BronsteinUhr aktivieren, wie Sie in Abschnitt 5.3 sehen werden.

• Wollen Sie experimentieren?

Benutzen Sie die Mattsuchstufen, um Probleme wie “Matt in acht Zügen” zu lösen—Ihre Suche kann von Ihrer eigenen Stellung in einem Spiel ausgehen, oder Sie können ein Schachproblem konstruieren und aufstellen. Wählen Sie die unbegrenzte Stufe, und lassen Sie den Computer für Stunden oder gar Tage komplizierte Stellungen analysieren.

BLACK/> und </WHITE Tasten, um jeweils eine Stufe weiterzuspringen. Sie können Zeit sparen, indem Sie die LEVEL Taste wiederholt drücken, und damit jeweils acht Stufen auf einmal weiterspringen. Wenn die Anzeige Ihre gewünschte Stufe zeigt, drücken Sie ENTER, um diese in den Computer einzugeben und gleichzeitig den Stufenmodus zu verlassen.

• Stufen wählen, indem Sie Felder auf dem Brett drücken: Wie in der Stufentabelle gezeigt, entspricht jedes der 64 Felder einer Stufe. Nachdem Sie den Stufenmodus durch Drücken der LEVEL Taste aktiviert haben, orientieren Sie sich an der Tabelle und drücken auf ein Feld, um eine bestimmte Stufe einzustellen. Sobald Sie auf das Feld gedrückt haben und die gewünschte Stufe in der Anzeige erscheint, drücken Sie ENTER, um dem Computer Ihre neue Wahl einzugeben, und verlassen gleichzeitig den Stufenmodus.

Beachten Sie, daß das Drücken der CLEAR Taste den gleichen Effekt hat wie das Drücken der ENTER Taste, wenn Sie die Felder benutzen, um Stufen zu wählen—es gibt Ihre Wahl in den Computer ein.

• Die Stufe überprüfen, ohne sie zu ändern: Wenn Sie die LEVEL Taste gedrückt haben, um die Spielstufe zu überprüfen, aber nicht die Absicht haben, sie zu ändern, drücken Sie die CLEAR Taste. Dies bringt Sie zurück zu Ihrem normalen Spiel, ohne die Stufe oder die Uhreneinstellung zu ändern. Dies funktioniert auch während der Computer denkt.

Weitere wichtige Fakten über Stufen:

Jede Änderung der Stufe stellt die Schachuhr auf Start

•

zurück.

•

Wir empfehlen, die Stufen NICHT zu wechseln während der Computer denkt, weil sonst die Uhr zurückgestellt würde, und die laufende Suche des Computers abgebrochen wird. Falls Sie die Suche des Computers abbrechen wollen oder müssen, drücken Sie ENTER und führen Sie den angezeigten Zug auf dem Brett aus. Dann

nehmen Sie den Zug des Computers zurück und wechseln die Stufe. Zum Schluß drücken Sie ENTER, um sicherzustellen, daß der Computer anfängt, auf der neuen Stufe zu denken.

•

Die LEVEL Taste wird auch benutzt, um den Lehrmodus zu aktivieren, wie Sie in Abschnitt 6 sehen werden. Wenn Sie im Stufenmodus sind und aus Versehen die FIGUREN-Taste drücken, aktivieren Sie den Lehrmodus und werden Ihr laufendes Spiel verlieren, sobald Sie den Stufenmodus verlassen. Um dies zu verhindern, und um Ihre aktuelle Brettaufstellung zu behalten, brechen Sie den Stufenmodus ab, indem Sie die CLEAR Taste drücken.

3.1 Normale Spielstufen (Felder A1-B7)

STUFE ZEIT PRO ZUG ANZEIGE

A1 .................1 Sekunde ............. L 0:01

A2 .................2 Sekunden ........... L 0:02

A3 .................3 Sekunden ........... L 0:03

A4 .................5 Sekunden ........... L 0:05

A5 ...............10 Sekunden ........... L 0:10

A6 ...............15 Sekunden ........... L 0:15

A7 ...............20 Sekunden ........... L 0:20

A8 ...............30 Sekunden ........... L 0:30

B1 ...............45 Sekunden ........... L 0:45

B2 .................1 Minute ................ L 1:00

B3 .................1.5 Minuten ........... L 1:30

B4 .................2 Minuten .............. L 2:00

B5 .................3 Minuten .............. L 3:00

B6 .................5 Minuten .............. L 5:00

B7 ...............10 Minuten .............. L10:00

Wenn Sie eine der Normalspielstufen aussuchen, wählen Sie eine Mittelwert für die Reaktionszeit des Computers. Beachten Sie, daß dieser Mittelwert aus einer großen Anzahl von Zügen entsteht. Zu Beginn und Ende eines Spiels tendiert der Computer dazu, schneller zu spielen. Aber in der Mitte eines Spiels können komplizierte Stellungen dazu führen, daß der Computer mehr Zeit braucht.

3.2 Unbegrenze Stufe (Feld B8)

STUFE ZEIT PRO ZUG ANZEIGE

B8 ................ unendlich ................ 9:99;99

Auf der unbegrenzten Stufe wird der Computer unbegrenzt lange suchen, bis er ein “erzwungenes Matt” oder einen “erzwungenen Zug” findet; bis er die Stellung in ihrer maximalen Tiefe untersucht hat; oder bis Sie die Suche durch Drücken der ENTER Taste unterbrechen. Wenn Sie die Suche anhalten, macht der Computer den Zug, den er zu diesem Zeitpunkt für den besten hält. Versuchen Sie, mit dieser Stufe zu experimentieren—stellen Sie interessante Stellungen auf und lassen Sie sie vom Computer analysieren. Er wird Stunden oder sogar Tage damit verbringen, ununterbrochen über die bestmögliche Lösung nachzugrübeln. Und vergessen Sie nicht, den Computer beim Denken zu beobachten—nutzen Sie die AnzeigenrotationsFunktion, die in Abschnitt 5.2 beschrieben wird.

3.3 Turnierstufen (Felder C1-C8)

STUFE ZEIT PRO ZUG ANZEIGE

C1 .........1 Std. 30 min. / 40 Züge............. 1:30;40

C2 .........1 Std. 45 min. / 35 Züge............. 1:45;35

C3 .........1 Std. 45 min. / 40 Züge............. 1:45;40

C4 .........1 Std. 30 min. / 35 Züge............. 1:30;35

C5 .........2 Std. / 40 Züge ......................... 2:00;40

C6 .........2 Std. 30 min. / 45 Züge............. 2:30;45

C7 .........2 Std. / 50 Züge ......................... 2:00;50

C8 .........3 Std. / 40 Züge ......................... 3:00;40

Die Turnierstufe fordert von Ihnen, eine bestimmte Anzahl von Zügen innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne zu machen. Wenn ein Spieler die erlaubte Zeit überzieht, zeigt das Aufblinken von “time” (TImE) (Zeit) und der abgelaufenen Zeit, daß das Spiel vorbei ist. Wenn Sie wollen, können Sie weiterspielen, obwohl die Zeit abgelaufen ist.

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