Saitek Mephisto Expert Travel Chess User Manual

Expert Travel Chess

Instructions

Bedienungsanleitung

Mode d’emploi

Istruzioni d’uso

Handleiding

QUICK START

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

Open the battery cover in the base of the unit, slide

the cover in the direction of arrow to open it, and insert four“AA” (AM3/R6) alkaline batteries. Make sure to observe the correct polarity! Then, reinstall the battery door.

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

unit doesn’t respond, reset it as noted in Section 7.1.

Set up the chess pieces in the initial starting position

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

Press NEW GAME to reset the computer for a

new game of chess.

4 x AA/AM3/R6

–

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

–

GO/STOP

–

Enter moves by making them on the board,

pressing the pegged chess pieces down gently

–

into the holes of the from and to squares for each move.

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 down on 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 the computer’s memory. When you switch back on again, you can continue playing right where you left off.

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. PIECE STORAGE AREA: For piece storage and captured pieces.

2. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Uses four “AA”

(AM3/R6) alkaline batteries.

3. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor that automatically registers piece movement. Certain squares can also be pressed to select playing levels and game options.

4. DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves and move information during a game. Also used for level and option selection, piece verification, position set-up, and more.

5. GAME KEYS

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

skip over eight levels at a time.

• 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.

• PIECE SYMBOL KEYS: Used in Verify and Position Modes.

Also used for pawn promotions.

• CLEAR: Press to exit Option, Verify, and Position Modes. Press

to clear Info Displays and cancel Clear Board requests in Position Mode. Press to cancel Level Mode if you decide not to make changes (unless you have pressed board squares to change levels).

• ENTER: 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 playing level selected. Press to clear the board in Position Mode, then press again to confirm.

•WHITE/– and BLACK/+ KEYS: Press to change levels one at a

time in Level Mode, and to cycle through options in Option and Info Modes. Also used to set the color in Position Mode.

1 3 4

A B C D E F G H

ENTER

TAKE BACK

GO/STOP

POSITION

• TAKE BACK: Press to take back an individual move (a move for either side). Take back up to a maximum of 50 individual moves.

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

•NEW GAME: Press to reset the computer for a new game of

chess.

•POSITION: Press to enter Position Mode.

6. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge after

inserting new batteries. Also resets the computer to default settings.

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

• COVER (not shown): Protects unit from dust and keeps chess pieces in place during travel.

ENGLISH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START KEYS AND FEATURES INTRODUCTION

1. LET’S GET STARTED!

1.1 First, Install the Batteries

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 Playing Mode Options (Squares A2-H2)

5.3 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3)

5.4 Bronstein Clock Options (Square A4)

6. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS

6.1 Verifying Positions

6.2 Changing and Setting Up Positions

7. TECHNICAL DETAILS

7.1 The ACL Function

7.2 Care and Maintenance

7.3 Technical Specifications

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

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

Your computer runs on four “AA” (Type AM3/R6) 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.

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 conserve 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 easy—just follow these steps:

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

done so.

b. Press NEW GAME 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

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 into the hole of the

square you are moving to. 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.

Quick Start

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 from square is flashing in the display.

MAKING THE COMPUTER’S MOVE:

AN EXAMPLE

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 into the hole on Square d7. The board lights now point to Square d5. Press the pawn down into the hole on Square d5 to complete the computer’s move. Now it’s your turn again!

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

See “MAKING THE COMPUTER’S MOVE: AN EXAMPLE” for a how-to illustration.

By the way, while you’re thinking about your next move, 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 described in Section 5.1, the displayed symbols will reverse direction. You’ll find details on all the chess clock features in Section 4.3.

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

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

ENGLISH

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 set up correctly by reminding you to put the captured piece back on the board. It displays the piece symbol, the location, and a “+” symbol, and turns 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 to star t another game by pressing NEW GAME, 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: Pressing NEW GAME clears your current game from the computer’s memory—be careful not to press this key 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.

NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEVEL?

SOME TIPS FOR YOU

• Are you a beginning player?

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?

Normal, Training, or Tournament 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 5.4.

•Want to experiment?

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!

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 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

You have lots of choices!

Try the

Use the Mate Search Levels to solve

the 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 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 the move, 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 (see 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, and the 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 br ief time after 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 interr upt 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: If you press ENTER at the beginning of a new game, the computer will play White from the top of the board (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 your computer’s opening book is its ability to handle

transpositions.

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.

A transposition occurs when a position reached

Also included is a unique user-selectable book feature, which lets you choose from different types of opening books, or even turn the book off, if desired. For complete details, see Section 5.2.

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

ENGLISH

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.

To disable this feature, turn on the Easy Mode option, as described in

Section 5.2.

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!

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.

Setting a Playing Level

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, take a chess piece and press the desired square to activate a level, using the chart as a guide. When you press down on your chosen 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 start thinking on the new level.

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

USE THIS CHART TO SELECT

A PLAYING LEVEL!

Next, select your level, using the chart on the right. There are two ways to do this, as follows.

• Cycle through the levels until your level is

• OR, simply locate your level square and press

*Increases with user’s time per move.

For more details, see Section 3.

Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode.

displayed:

• Press BLACK/+ to increase levels by

one.

• Press WHITE/– to decrease levels by

one.

• Press LEVEL to increase levels by eight.

one of the pegged chess pieces down into the hole to display that level!

Finally, press ENTER to exit Level

ENTER

Mode, using your new level.

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

NORMAL LEVELS +

INFINITE LEVEL

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

TOURNAMENT

LEVELS

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

BLITZ

LEVELS

*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

FUN

LEVELS

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

MATE SEARCH

LEVELS

8 ply

PLY: 8

7 ply

PLY: 7

6 ply

PLY: 6

5 ply

PLY: 5

4 ply

PLY: 4

3 ply

PLY: 3

2 ply

PLY: 2

1 ply

PLY: 1

TRAINING

LEVELS

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

SELF-ADAPTIVE

WEAK LEVELS

ENGLISH

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 press ENTER to stop the search. If you halt the search, the computer makes the move it currently thinks is best.

Try experimenting with this level—set up some 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 unique Rotating Display feature described in Section 5.3.

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 certain 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 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 Tournament games. For details, see Section 5.4.

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 details, see Section 5.4.

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. These two highest Fun Levels represent a much greater jump in playing strength, and you’ll see that they’re quite a bit more challenging.

Try 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, 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

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 winning.

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 var ying ELO rating strengths, and the computer’s strength is adjusted to match that of the player. Not sure what an ELO rating is? It’s a way of measuring chess performance. Chess ratings are usually four-digit numbers, with stronger players having higher ratings. Towards the upper end of the scale, masters rank in at 2200 and above. Just for your information, on some of its stronger levels, your computer is rated at over 2000 ELO.

Since these Self-Adaptive Weak Levels are meant especially for beginners, however, here the computer will set its playing strength to a deliberately weakened setting of about –350 ELO on the lowest level (H1). On the other end, Level H8 matches the player’s strength 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!

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.

this chess computer, you can ask anything you want,

the answers!

In fact, you can get an incredible amount of information

Well, guess what—when you play against

and you’ll get all

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

Using Info Mode

How do you access all this game information? By using 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.

See “INFO MODE AT A GLANCE” for a summary chart.

Game information is divided into four groups, and pressing INFO cycles from one group to another. The BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys can be used to cycle forward and backward respectively the displays within each of the groups. Press CLEAR to exit Info Mode and go back to showing the normal chess clock.

After learning about Info Mode, take a look at Section 5.3 for a description of the Rotating Display feature. Selecting this feature makes the computer automatically cycle through the requested information in one-second intervals every time it thinks about its move—you can actually watch the computer

think out loud!

Whenever requested information is not available, the display will show dashes (–––––).

4.1 Principal Variation

Press INFO the first time to get information on the principal 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.

Notice that the move is shown in the display, and the lights for the from and to squares for that move also flash alternately.

This principal variation is shown to a maximum depth of six individual moves. Press BLACK/+ repeatedly to cycle forwards all the moves:

•Moves 1 through 6 (predicted line of play)

Press WHITE/– to back up and see previous displays again. Press

CLEAR to return to the normal clock display.

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

INFO MODE AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL VARIATION INFO:

SEARCH INFO:

CHESS CLOCK INFO:

MOVE COUNT INFO:

Press at any time to exit Info Mode.

• Move 1 (predicted line of play)

•Evaluation of current position

•Elapsed time since last move

• Current move number made so far

•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)

•2 numbers: Search depth + number

of moves examined so far

• Current move under consideration

• Positions searched per second

•Total elapsed time for White

•Total elapsed time for Black

• Remaining time for White*

• Remaining time for Black*

•Moves of the current game

*Blitz/Tournament Levels only

For more details, see Section 4.

4.2 Search Information

Press INFO a second time to get information on the computer’s

search. Press BLACK/+ repeatedly to cycle forwards the 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 forwards 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

• Remaining time for Black

Press WHITE/– to back up 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 memor y, and the clocks resume as soon as play is continued. Whenever you change levels or press NEW GAME, the chess clocks are always reset.

(Blitz/Tournament Levels only)

During the game, a clock showing elapsed time displays the piece symbols one by one, from pawn to King. A clock showing countdown time shows the symbols going in the other 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. Pressing WHITE/– repeatedly will cycle back through the moves of your game (up to 50 individual moves).

• Current move number made 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 learned about so far, your chess computer also offers many other exciting game options. 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.

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 four groups:

Playing Mode, Rotating Display Mode,

Pressing OPTION cycles from one group to another, and each group contains a different set of options.

and

• For Operation Mode, Playing Mode, and Rotating Display Mode options,

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,

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 (see Section 5.4).

the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys are used to cycle

press ENTER to cycle through the

Operation Mode,

Bronstein Clock Options.

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After you have made all your option selections from any or all of the

option groups, press CLEAR to return to normal game play.

Another method of selecting game options is by pressing the option

squares.

H3, and A4 can be used to turn options on and off. First, press OPTION to enter Option Mode; then take a chess piece and press the desired square to access any option, using the chart as a guide.

As shown in the Options Chart, Squares A1-H1, A2-H2, A3-

• For Operation Mode, Playing Mode, and Rotating Display Mode options,

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

• For Bronstein Clock Options,

selects your desired clock setting.

After making your selections, press CLEAR to return to your game.

pressing the square repeatedly turns that option on and

pressing Square A4 repeatedly

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; options which are off are shown with a minus. When you reset 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 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.

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 turn 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 the 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 press NEW 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 NEW GAME is pressed.

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.

Press OPTION repeatedly to select a Mode.

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

• Cycle through the options within that 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 time setting.)

• OR, simply locate your option square and press one of the pegged pieces down into the hole to toggle that option on (+) or off (–).

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

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

THE BASICS OF OPTION MODE: HERE’S HOW!

x1 = OPERATION MODE (Auto...)

x2 = PLAYING MODE (SEL...)

x3 = ROTATING DISPLAY MODE (rd:1...)

x4 = BRONSTEIN CLOCK (bron...)

x5 = back to OPERATION MODE...

BRONSTEIN

CLOCK

OPTIONS

ROTATING

DISPLAY

OPTIONS

PLAYING

MODE

OPTIONS

OPERATION

MODE

OPTIONS

Bronstein

Clock

-bron

Variation

to ply 1

-rd:1

Selective/

Brute Force

+SEL

Auto

Answer

+AuTo

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

Variation

to ply 2

-rd:2

-EASY

Sound with

Keypress

+SNd

Easy

Mode

Variation

to ply 3

-rd:3

Random

Play

-rand

Silent Mode

-SIL

Variation

to ply 4

-rd:4

Book

On/Off

+book

Coach

Mode

-Co:ch

Position

Evaluation

-rd:E

Full

Book

-bk:FL

Ticking

Clock

-tic

Depth &

Moves

-rd:d

Passive

Book

-bk:Pa

Countdown

Clock

-c:dn

Nodes

Searched

-rd:n

Active

Book

-bk:at

Play White

from Top

-toP

Time per

Move

-rd:t

Tournament

Book

-bk:tn

Auto Power

Down

-aPd

ENGLISH

For more details, see Section 5.

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 very 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.

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, and set up the board with the Black pieces closest to you, as shown in the diagram in this section. Then, press ENTER to start the game. 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 the correct piece set-up when using this option.

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

This option is only

PLAYING BLACK FROM THE

BOTTOM?

HERE’S THE POSITION

When the computer plays White from the top (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.

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

a. Selective Search (Square A2)

On:+SEL Off:-SEL

The program in this chess computer normally uses a

Search algorithm.

would otherwise take much longer to compute. Tur ning this option off by choosing -SEL makes the program switch to a powerful

algorithm.

Note that the Mate Search Levels always use the Brute Force

method.

This allows the computer to see combinations that

This method minimizes the risk of an occasional oversight.

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

Selective

Brute Force

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 unit back on.

that the computer will not turn itself off while it is thinking about a move.

5.2 Playing Mode Options (Squares A2-H2)

Press OPTION twice to select the Playing Mode Options. Then

use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to select options within this group,

Note

b. Easy Mode (Square B2)

On:+EAsy Off:-EASy

Want to win more games against the computer? Tr y turning on Easy Mode, which prevents the computer from thinking on your time! This weakens all the playing levels without affecting the computer’s time controls. Normally, as described in Section 2.8, the computer thinks on your time, using the time you are contemplating your next move to think ahead and plan its strategies. This is part of what makes your computer such a tough opponent! By using Easy Mode to make all the levels weaker, you effectively have many more levels to choose from.

c. Randomize Play (Square C2)

On:+rand Off:-rand

Turn this option on for greater variety of play. Instead of selecting one single best move, the computer will then choose one of the best moves to play by consulting its built-in Randomizer!

d. Book On/Off (Square D2)

On:+book Off:-book

If you ever want to completely lock out the computer’s built-in book of openings, set this option to -book. When the book is off, the computer is forced to take time to think of its moves from the beginning of the game, rather than making its moves from memory. For details on openings, see Section 2.7.

If you turn the book completely off, the other

book options (described below) are also automatically disabled. e. Full Book (Square E2)

On:+bk:FL Off:-bk:FL

Turning on the Full Book option gives the computer the freedom to choose any move from its built-in book of openings, so you’ll see a greater variety of opening lines being played.

If this option is selected,

the Passive, Active, and Tournament Book options are disabled.

With this option on, you may see the computer make some questionable moves. This is because its built-in book of openings must contain responses to certain lines of play (even questionable lines), in case they are played. While the computer would not make these moves on its own, it needs to know how to respond to them in the best way. Therefore, when you turn on the Full Book, the computer could potentially play one of these moves.

f. Passive Book (Square F2)

On:+bk:Pa Off:-bk:Pa

Selecting the Passive Book option forces the computer to give preference to passive and closed positions when deciding which lines to play.

If this option is selected, the Active Book and Tournament Book options are disabled.

g. Active Book (Square G2)

On:+bk:at Off:-bk:at

When this option is activated, the computer will give preference to active lines and open positions when deciding which lines to play.

If this

option is selected, the Passive Book and Tournament Book options are disabled.

h. Tournament Book (Square H2)

On:+bk:tn Off:-bk:tn

When you turn the Tournament Book option on, the computer is forced to always select the best possible line of play in every opening. While this results in the best chess play, it also narrows down the computer’s choice of moves by limiting its available book lines.

If this option is selected, the Active Book and Passive Book options are disabled.

5.3 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 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 three times 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 descr ibed 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 includes the following:

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

while the computer is thinking

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• 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.

5.4 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 remaining time for the whole game is 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. Activating the Bronstein +b0:10 option will give you a maximum 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 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 four 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 1 sec. added after each move ..........+b0:01

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

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

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

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

after

only

each move, where the

reduced if you go over this

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

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

6. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS

6.1 Verifying Positions

See “IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!” for a step-by-step ex- ample 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.

6.2 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!

Caution: All previous moves in your 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 -POS- will show in the display. 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.

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

Note that the display indicates the piece

IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!

1. Press NEW GAME to reset the computer, and set up

the pieces in their starting positions.

•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.

(–) 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.

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

piece of the same type, simply press down on another square. To

Display: [ 0:00:00.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Repeat to verify any other piece! Press CLEAR to

exit Verify Mode.

For more details, see Section 6.1.

As you do this, the display will show a minus sign

The display shows a plus

To add another

TRY OUT POSITION MODE

1. Press NEW GAME to reset the computer, and set

up the pieces in their starting positions.

POSITION

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 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

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 return to normal game play.

For more details, see Section 6.2.

ENGLISH

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 described

above, make sure the color indicator in the 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.

7. TECHNICAL DETAILS

7.1 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.

7.2 Care and Maintenance

Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Be sure to remove the batteries before cleaning the unit. Do not use 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.

Warning: Use only alkaline or zinc carbon batteries. Do not mix different types of batteries or new and used batteries. Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the recommended batteries or equivalent. Be sure to observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries. Worn out batteries should be removed from the unit promptly. Do not short circuit the supply terminals.

7.3 Technical Specifications

Keys: 17 LCD Display: 48-segment, 5-digit Batteries: 4 x “AA” (AM3/R6) cells Dimensions: 230 x 182 x 40 mm Weight: 0.5 kg

Please retain this information for future reference.

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

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 rights 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 approved

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 Par t 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

ENGLISH

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 a piece.

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

You can’t exit Position Mode with CLEAR.

The display is showing _.

The computer seems to be making illegal moves.

The computer is making instant or irrational moves.

The computer is silent.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

• Batteries 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).

•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.

• 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 and 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 level where it moves quickly and plays weaker because its search depth is limited.

• Batteries are running out.

• The Silent Mode option may be activated.

ACTION TO TAKE

• Reinstall the batteries, observing the correct polarity.

• Replace the batteries.

• Press into the hole marked ACL to reset the computer (see Section 7.1).

• Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines.

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

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

•Review the chess rules. Verify the position to make sure it is correct (see Section 6.1).

•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).

• 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 necessary changes (see Section 6.2). Press CLEAR again to exit Position Mode.

•To clear the board, press ENTER once more; to cancel, press CLEAR (see Section 6.2).

•Review the chess rules. Verify the position (see Section 6.1).

•Verify the position (see Section 6.1).

• Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines.

• Press LEVEL to see which le vel 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!

Öffnen Sie das Batteriefach und legen Sie

4 AA (AM3/R6) alkaline Batterien gemäß der eingezeichneten Polarität ein.

Drücken Sie GO/STOP um den Computer

anzuschalten. Reagiert das Gerät nicht, lesen Sie bitte Abschnitt 7.1.

Stellen Sie die Schachfiguren wie in der

Abbildung gezeigt auf. Die weißen Figuren sollten Ihnen am nächsten stehen.

Um den Computer für einen neue Partie

einzustellen, drücken Sie

NEW GAME.

4 x AA/AM3/R6

–

GO/STOP

–

Zur Eingabe von Zügen, drücken Sie die

gewünschte Figur zunächst auf ihr

–

Ausgangs- dann auf ihr Zielfeld. Der Computer registriert so automatisch, welche Figur gezogen wurde.

Sobald der Computer einen Zug macht, wird

dieser im Display angezeigt. Drücken Sie die gewünschte Figur auf ihr Ausgangs- dann auf ihr Zielfeld. Hier im Beispiel würden Sie den schwarzen Bauern zunächst auf e7 dann auf e5 drücken.

So einfach geht das!

Drücken Sie GO/STOP, um den Computer auszuschalten. Die aktuelle Stellung und Partie (bis zu 50 Züge) werden gespeichert und können später fortgeführt werden.

DEUTSCH

TASTEN UND FUNKTIONEN

1. FIGURENAUFBEWAHRUNGSFACH: Auf der Unterseite des

Geräts.

2. BATTERIEFACH: Auf der Unterseite des Geräts. Für 4 AA (AM3/ R6) alkaline Batterien.

3. SENSORSCHACHBRETT: Jedes Feld enthält einen Sensor, der auf Druck reagiert. Dies ermöglicht die Zugeingabe und hilft auch bei der Auswahl von Spielstufen und Optionen.

4. DISPLAY-ANZEIGE: Zeigt Züge und Informationen während einer Partie. Zusätzlich hilft es bei Auswahl von Spielstufen und Optionen, zur Stellungskontrolle, - aufbau etc.

5. SPIELTASTEN

• LEVEL: Hiermit aktivieren Sie die Spielstufenauswahl. In dieser

Auswahl können Sie mit dieser Taste in 8er Schritten durchblättern.

• OPTION: Hiermit aktivieren Sie den Optionsmodus. Innerhalb

dieses Modus, können Sie mit dieser Taste zwischen einzelnen Gruppen blättern.

• INFO: Hiermit aktivieren Sie den Informationsmodus. Innerhalb

des Modus, können Sie mit dieser Taste zwischen einzelnen Gruppen blättern. Während eines Zuges hilft Ihnen diese Taste, Hinweise abzufragen.

• FIGURENSYMBOLE: Wichtig bei Positionsaufbau und -

kontrolle, sowie bei Bauernumwandlung.

• CLEAR: Wird benötigt, um die Modi OPTION oder POSITION

zu verlassen. Sind Sie im LEVEL-Modus und wünschen keine Änderung, drücken Sie einfach CLEAR.

• ENTER:Als Funktion gebräuchlich, um mit dem Computer die

Seiten zu tauschen, Suchfunktionen abzubrechen, Optionseinstellungen zu aktivieren/deaktivieren, eine neue Spielstufe auszuwählen etc.

•WHITE/– und BLACK/+ TASTEN: Mit diesen Tasten können

Sie Spielstufen, Optionen oder Informationen in Einzelschritten durchblättern.

1 3 4

A B C D E F G H

ENTER

TAKE BACK

GO/STOP

POSITION

• TAKE BACK: Wird zur Rücknahme von Zügen eingesetzt. Insgesamt können Sie bis zu 50 Züge zurücknehmen.

• GO/STOP: Hiermit schalten Sie den Computer an oder aus.

•NEW GAME: Drücken Sie diese, um ein neues Spiel einzustellen.

•POSITION: Mit dieser Funktion stellen Sie den Computer auf eine

neue Partie ein.

6. ACL (Reset): Auf der Unterseite des Geräts. Wichtig, um statische Aufladungen vom Computer zu nehmen.

7. LED-LEUCHTEN: Unterstützen die Zuganzeige, Rücknahme, Positionskontrolle.

• ABDECKUNG: Schützt den Schachcomputer vor Schmutz oder Verlust von Schachfiguren.

INHALT

SCHNELLSTART TASTEN UND FUNKTIONEN EINLEITUNG

1. LOS GEHT´S!

1.1 Zuerst Batterien einlegen

1.2 Spielbereit? So ziehen Sie..!

1.3 Nun ist der Computer am Zug

1.4 Sie haben Ihre Meinung geändert? Nehmen Sie Züge zurück

1.5 Spiel zu Ende? Auf ein Neues

1.6 Zu einfach/schwierig? Ändern Sie die Spielstufe

2. MEHR FUNKTIONEN ENTDECKEN

2.1 Wer ist am Zug? Prüfen Sie das Display

2.2 Spezielle Schachzüge

2.3 Ungültige Züge

2.4 Schach, Matt und Remis

2.5 Die Computersuche unterbrechen

2.6 Seitenwechsel mit dem Computer

2.7 Gespeicherte Eröffnungen

2.8 Rechnen wenn der Gegner am Zug ist

2.9 Spielstandspeicher

3. DIE SPIELSTUFEN

Spielstufen einstellen

3.1 Normale Stufen (Felder A1-B7)

3.2 Analysestufe (Feld B8)

3.3 Turnierstufen (Felder C1-C8)

3.4 Blitzschach (Felder D1-D8)

3.5 Spaßstufen (Felder E1-E8)

3.6 Mattsuchstufen (Felder F1-F8)

3.7 Trainingsstufen (Felder G1-G8)

3.8 Adaptive Stufen (Felder H1-H8)

4. INFO-MODUS: BEOBACHTEN UND LERNEN

Info-Modus anwenden

4.1 Hauptvarianten

4.2 Suchinformationen

4.3 Schachuhr-Informationen Zugzähler/Zuganzahl

4.4 Wie ware es mit einem Hinweis? Einfach fragen!

5. OPTIONEN FÜR SPIELSPASS UND VIELFALT

Optionen auswählen

5.1 Computereinstellungen (Felder A1-H1)

5.2 Spieleinstellungen (Felder A2-H2)

5.3 Rotierende Anzeige (Felder A3-H3)

5.4 Bronstein Modus (Feld A4)

6. POSITIONEN PRÜFEN/AUFBAUEN

6.1 Positionen prüfen

6.2 Positionen verändern und aufbauen

7. TECHNISCHE ANGABEN

7.1 Die ACL-Funktion

7.2 Pflege und Wartung

7.3 Technische Spezifikation

PROBLEMLÖSUNGEN

EINLEITUNG

Sind Sie bereit in die aufregende Welt des Computerschachs einzutreten? Dann liegen Sie richtig! Ihr neuer Computer bietet so viele Optionen, Spielstufen und spezielle Funktionen - so haben Sie Schach noch nie erlebt! Mit Hilfe des Schnellstarts am Anfang können Sie sofort loslegen. Die Details finden Sie im Anschluß an diese Einleitung. Haben Sie einmal die Grundbegriffe gelernt, lohnt es sich, diese Anleitung zu lesen. So entdecken Sie alle Möglichkeiten dieses Schachcomputers Spielspaß garantiert! Ihr neuer Schachcomputer kennt selbstverständlich alle Schachregeln und hält diese genauestens ein. Für alle Einsteiger, haben wir eine kurze Regelübersicht integriert. So können Sie sofort spielen und mit viel Spaß trainieren!

1. LOS GEHT´S!

1.1 Zuerst Batterien einlegen

Ihr Computer benötigt 4 AA (AM3/R6) Batterien. Legen Sie diese Batterien in das entsprechende Fach auf der Unterseite des Geräts ein. Achten Sie dabei auf die Polarität. Nutzen Sie frische, alkaline Batterien.

Schalten Sie den Computer durch Drücken von GO/STOP an. Ein „Beep“ signalisiert die Spielbereitschaft. Reagiert das Gerät nicht (aufgrund statischer Aufladung), drücken Sie mit einem spitzen

DEUTSCH

Gegenstand ca. 1-2 Sek. in die ACL-Vertiefung auf der Unterseite des Computers. So wird Ihr Computer zurückgesetzt.

Tip: Um Energie zu sparen und das Leben Ihrer Batterien zu verlängern, nutzen Sie die Abschaltautomatik (s. Abschnitt 5.1).

1.2 Spielbereit? So ziehen Sie..!

Okay, jetzt ist es Zeit, ein Spiel zu wagen. Dies ist ziemlich einfach -

folgen Sie nur diesen Schritten:

a. Drücken Sie GO/STOP, um den Computer anzuschalten b. Drücken Sie NEW GAME. So stellen Sie eine neue Partie ein.

Bauen Sie die Grundstellung auf! Die weißen Steine sollten Ihnen am nächsten stehen (siehe auch Schnellstart).

c. Um einen Zug auszuführen, drücken Sie die gewünschte Figur auf

ihr Ausgangsfeld bis Sie einen Ton hören - das Sensorbrett erkennt Ihre Figur automatisch. Sie glauben es nicht? Schauen Sie doch mal auf das Display, das plötzlich voll von Informationen ist - es zeigt Ihre Figur, die Farbe und das Feld, das Sie gerade gedrückt haben.

d. Nehmen Sie diese Figur und stellen Sie sie auf das Zielfeld. Sie

hören einen zweiten Ton - der Computer bestätigt so die Eingabe. Das war´s - Sie haben gerade Ihren ersten Zug ausgeführt. Nun ist der Computer am Zug!

Sie werden bemerken, daß der Computer am Anfang einer Partie sofort antwortet, anstatt sich Zeit für Berechnungen zu nehmen. Das ist möglich, da er aus seiner Bibliothek heraus spielt, in der Eröffnungszüge abgelegt sind (siehe auch Abschnitt 2.7).

1.3 Nun ist der Computer am Zug

Zieht der Computer, wird sein Zug signalisiert und angezeigt. Prüfen Sie das Display - Sie sehen das Ausgangs- und Zielfeld, sowie die Farbe und das Symbol der gewünschten Figur. Drücken Sie diese auf das Ausgangs- und dann auf ihr Zielfeld. Der Computerzug ist ausgeführt und Sie sind wieder gefragt…

COMPUTERZUG AUSFÜHREN: HIER SEHEN SIE EIN BEISPIEL

Nachdem der Computer seinen Zug anzeigt, sollten Sie diesen am Brett eingeben. Hier zeigt das Display, daß der schwarze Bauer (]!) von d7 nach d5 gezogen werden soll. Drücken Sie den schwarzen Bauern also zuerst auf d7, dann nach d5. Das war´s Sie haben den Computerzug eingegeben! Jetzt sind Sie wieder an der Reihe.

die gezeigte Figur auf das Feld, auf dem sie steht und stellen Sie sie wiederum durch Andrücken - zurück auf ihr ursprüngliches Ausgangs- feld. Sie können dies bis zu 50 mal wiederholen. Wollen Sie weiterspielen, geben Sie einfach ganz normal wieder einen Zug ein.

Nach Rücknahme eines Schlagzuges oder einer Bauernumwandlung, erinnert Sie der Computer daran, die geschlagene/umgewandelte Figur wieder zurückzustellen. Er zeigt die Figur und ihr aktuelles Feld an. Stellen Sie sie durch Andrücken wieder auf das richtige Feld. So schließen Sie die Rücknahme korrekt ab. Nehmen Sie eine Rochade zurück, nehmen Sie zunächst den Königs- dann den Turmzug zurück.

1.4 Sie haben Ihre Meinung geändert? Nehmen Sie Züge zurück

Spielen Sie gegen einen Computer, ist nichts „endgültig“ - Sie können Ihre Strategie wechseln oder entscheiden, einen anderen Zug zu spielen, wann Sie wollen! Sind Sie am Zug, drücken Sie dazu einfach

TAKE BACK. Das Display zeigt dann den letzten Zug an. Drücken Sie

1.5 Spiel zu Ende? Auf ein Neues

Immer wenn Sie ein Spiel beendet haben (oder die aktuelle Partie abbrechen wollen), können Sie einfach ein neues starten! Drücken Sie NEW GAME und der Computer signalisiert, daß er für eine neue Partie bereit ist.

WICHTIG: Durch NEW GAME wird die alte Partie aus der Memory des Computers gelöscht - achten Sie darauf, diese Funktion nicht aus Versehen zu aktivieren!

1.6 Zu einfach/schwierig? Ändern Sie die Spielstufe

Schalten Sie Ihren Computer an, ist automatisch die Spielstufe A4 (5 sek. pro Zug) aktiviert. Sie haben jedoch insgesamt 64 Stufen zur Auswahl, die Sie sicherlich ausprobieren möchten. Wie, das sehen Sie in Abschnitt 3.

2. MEHR FUNKTIONEN ENTDECKEN

2.1 Wer ist am Zug? Prüfen Sie das Display

Spielt der Computer mit Schwarz, blinkt ein schwarzes Quadrat im Display, während der Zug berechnet wird. Nachdem der Computerzug gemacht ist, erscheint ein weißes Quadrat - jetzt ist also Weiß an der Reihe. Sie sehen auf einen Blick, ob der Computer momentan rechnet bzw. welche Seite am Zug ist.

2.2 Spezielle Schachzüge

Schlagzüge: Um zu schlagen, drücken Sie Ihre Figur auf das

Ausgangsfeld, nehmen die geschlagene vom Brett und drücken dann die Figur auf das Feld der geschlagenen. Schlagzüge werden wie folgt angezeigt: E5•F4.

En Passant: Der Computer zeigt bei diesem Zug solange die Ausführung im Display an, bis Sie den geschlagenen Bauern auf sein Feld drücken und vom Brett nehmen.

Rochade: Wird der Königszug zuerst gemacht, erkennt der Computer die Rochade automatisch. Nachdem Sie den König auf sein Ausgangsund Zielfeld gedrückt haben, wird Ihr Zug angezeigt, bis Sie auch den Turmzug ausgeführt haben. Kurze Rochade wird als 0-0, lange als 0-0-0 angezeigt.

Bauernumwandlung: Wandeln Sie einen Bauern um, führen Sie Ihren Zug zunächst wie üblich aus. Dann dr ücken Sie ein Figurensymbol, damit der Computer weis, in welche Figur Sie umwandeln möchten. Der Computer erkennt dann die Figur und zeigt sie kurz an, bevor er seinen nächsten Zug berechnet. Vergessen Sie nicht, die Figur auch auf dem Brett umzutauschen! (%, $, #, oder @) Wandelt der Computer eine Figur um, zeigt das Display sowohl den

SIE WISSEN NOCH NICHT WELCHE SPIELSTUFE

GEEIGNET IST? HIER SIND EINIGE TIPS FÜR SIE!

•

Sind Sie Einsteiger oder Gelegenheitsspieler?

mit den Spaß- , Trainings- oder den adaptiven Stufen. Diese Stufen schränken die Suchtiefe des Computers ein. Er spielt schwächer und Sie haben erhöhte Gewinnchancen.

•

Sie sind Fortgeschrittener?

Trainings- oder Turnierstufen. Die Normalen Stufen bieten von kurzer bis zu 10 min Rechenzeit für den Computer einige Abwechslung. Die Turnierstufen sind dann schon eine große Herausforderung, während die Trainingsstufen eine Begrenzung der Computer-Rechenzeit ermöglichen und so mehr Chancen geben, eine Partie zu gewinnen. Vergessen Sie nicht, die aufregenden Möglichkeiten mit Blitzschach und Schnellschach auszuprobieren.

•

Möchten Sie experimentieren?

stufen, um aus einer bestimmten Stellung heraus, die besten Möglichkeiten zu finden. Der Computer schafft es, Matt 8 Züge im voraus zu berechnen. Schließlich haben Sie auch noch die Analysestufe, die jederzeit die beste Zugmöglichkeit errechnen kann.

Starten Sie mit den normalen,

Verwenden Sie die Mattsuch-

Bauern als auch die Figur, in die er sich umwandeln soll. Vergessen Sie wiederum nicht, den Bauern auch auf dem Feld in diese Figur zu tauschen!

2.3 Ungültige Züge

Ihr Computer wird niemals einen ungültigen Zug akzeptieren. Versuchen Sie, einen auszuführen, hören Sie einen doppelten Signalton und das Display zeigt das Ausgangsfeld an. Entweder stellen Sie nun die Figur zurück oder Sie führen einen regelkonformen Zug aus.

Führen Sie den Computerzug nicht korrekt aus, hören Sie wieder den doppelten Ton. Sie bewegen entweder die falsche Figur oder die richtige Figur auf ein falsches Feld. Will der Computer seinen Bauern von C7 nach C5 ziehen, und Sie drücken C7 und dann C6, zeigt er Er:C5. Dann zeigt das Display nochmals den ganzen Zug an (C7-C5), und der Computer wartet bis Sie C5 gedrückt haben.

Beginnen Sie

DEUTSCH

Drücken Sie eine Figur auf Ihr Ausgangsfeld, wünschen jedoch, den Zug nicht zu machen, können Sie abbrechen, indem Sie die Figur wieder auf das gleiche setzen. Nun können Sie einen völlig anderen Zug eingeben. Ändern Sie Ihre Meinung nachdem der Zug schon eingegeben ist, können Sie die Rücknahme aktivieren (s. Abschnitt

1.4).

2.4 Schach, Matt und Remis

Steht ein König im Schach, zeigt der Computer seinen Zug zunächst wie gewöhnlich an. Nachdem der Zug gemacht wurde, blinkt CHECK einige Sekunden im Display. Dann zeigt das Display wieder die Uhr an.

Erkennt der Computer eine Mattführung, zeigt er zunächst den Zug wie gewöhnlich an. Nachdem der Zug ausgeführt wurde, blinkt dann die Mattankündigung einige Sekunden im Display (z.B. =in2 bedeutet Matt in 2 Zügen). Dann zeigt das Display wieder die Uhr an.

Endet eine Partie Schachmatt, blinkt die Meldung MAtE im Display. Dann zeigt das Display wieder die Uhr an.

Der Computer erkennt Remis durch Patt, 3-malige Wiederholung und 50-Züge Regel. Kam es zum Remis, blinkt End einige Sekunden.

Dann zeigt das Display wieder die Uhr an.

2.5 Die Computersuche unterbrechen

Sie denken, der Computer rechnet zu lange? Sie können ihn jederzeit unterbrechen! Drücken Sie einfach ENTER während der Computer nachdenkt. Er wird sofort stoppen und den besten bisher errechneten Zug spielen. Diese Funktion kann bei höheren Stufen, wenn der Computer lange rechnen darf, sehr praktisch sein. Auch in der Analysestufe kann manche Berechnung einfach zu langwierig werden und Sie sollten teilweise stoppen.

In den Mattsuchstufen, zwingt ENTER den Computer nicht, einen Zug zu machen! Statt dessen zeigt der Computer ––––– an. Dies bedeutet, daß er unterbrochen wurde, bevor er ein Matt errechnen konnte. Um weiterzuspielen, wählen Sie eine andere Stufe.

2.6 Seitenwechsel mit dem Computer

Drücken Sie einfach ENTER wenn Sie am Zug sind. Der Computer startet sofort seine Berechnungen für Ihre Seite. Wechseln Sie sooft Sie wünschen!

Sie wollen, daß der Computer mit Weiß von oben spielt? Dazu müssen Sie die Details in Abschnitt 5.1 nachlesen.

2.7 Gespeicherte Eröffnungen

Am Anfang einer Partie, zieht der Computer auf vielen Stufen sofort. Dies ist möglich, weil er die Züge direkt aus einer Bibliothek holt, sie also nicht mehr berechnen muß. Diese Bibliothek enthält die wichtigsten Eröffnungen und viele Positionen aus Großmeisterpartien. Ist die aktuelle Stellung in seiner Bibliothek, antwortet der Computer automatisch anstatt zu rechnen. Zusätzlich haben Sie auch die Auswahl aus verschiedenen Bibliotheken.

Natürlich läßt sich die Bibliothek auf

Wunsch auch abschalten. Details finden Sie unter Abschnitt 5.2.

2.8 Rechnen wenn der Gegner am Zug ist

Haben Sie Ihren Zug eingegeben, kommt manchmal die Antwort des Computers sofort - sogar bei höherer Spielstufe! Dies ist nur möglich, wenn der Computer Ihre Denkzeit auch nutzt, um seine Rechnungen durchzuführen. Er rechnet die Antwortzüge auf Ihre wahrscheinlichste Strategie durch. Lag er richtig, kann er dann sofort ziehen.

Sie können diese Option auch ausschalten (s. 5.2, Einfacher Modus).

2.9 Spielstandspeicher

Sie können Ihr Spiel jederzeit mit GO/STOP unterbrechen. Das Spiel wird dann abgebrochen und der Computer speichert Ihre aktuelle Partie (bis zu 50 Züge). Schalten Sie wieder an, können Sie einfach weiterspielen.

3. DIE SPIELSTUFEN

Ihr Computer bietet 64 unterschiedliche Spielstufen. Wählen Sie eine Stufe aus, sollten Sie sich bewußt sein, daß der Computer um so stärker spielt je länger er rechnen kann - genauso wie ein menschlicher Spieler. Den Überblick aller Stufen sehen Sie auf der nächsten Seite. Die Stufen sind auch einzeln in den folgenden Abschnitten erklärt.

Spielstufen einstellen

Siehe auch „NUTZEN SIE DIESE ÜBERSICHT ZUR WAHL EINER SPIELSTUFE!“. Sie sehen so auf einen Blick, welche

Stufe Sie wie aufrufen können.

Es gibt 2 Arten der Auswahl - Nutzung von Tasten oder Drücken von Feldern. Welche Ar t auch immer Sie anwenden, drücken Sie zunächst

LEVEL, um in den Spielstufen-Modus zu gelangen, und der Computer zeigt die derzeitige Stufe. Der Computer ist auf Spielstufe A4 (durchschnittliche Rechenzeit 5 Sekunden) voreingestellt und das Display zeigt L 0:05.

• Um eine Spielstufe mit Hilfe von Tasten auszuwählen, drücken Sie LEVEL, um in den Spielstufenmodus zu gelangen. Mit LEVEL können Sie dann in 8er Schritten, mit WHITE/– bzw. BLACK/+ in 1er Schritten blättern. Zeigt das Display die gewünschte Stufe an, drücken Sie ENTER. Die Spielstufe ist aktiviert.

• Um eine Spielstufe mit Hilfe von Spielfeldern auszuwählen,

drücken Sie wieder LEVEL. Sie sehen nun in der SpielstufenÜbersicht, welche Spielfelder welche Stufe aktivieren. Drücken Sie das gewünschte Feld. Durch ENTER oder CLEAR bestätigen Sie Ihre Wahl.

• Um eine Spielstufe zu überprüfen, drücken Sie wiederum LEVEL. Soll die aktuell gewählte Stufe nicht verändert werden,

verlassen Sie den Spielstufen-Modus mit CLEAR.

Weitere wichtige Punkte, die Sie beachten sollten:

• Ändern Sie die Spielstufe, wird die Schachuhr immer zurückgesetzt.

• Sie sollten die Spielstufe nicht ändern, während der Computer rechnet. Sollte dies dennoch notwendig sein, drücken Sie zuerst ENTER, um das Rechnen abzubrechen und führen Sie den Computerzug aus. Dann können Sie diesen Zug zurücknehmen und eine andere Spielstufe wählen. Schließlich sollten Sie ENTER drücken, um die Computerberechnung wieder zu starten.

3.1 Normale Stufen (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

Wählen Sie eine der normalen Spielstufen, bestimmen Sie einen durchschnittliche Rechenzeit pro Zug für den Computer. Achtung: die angegebene Zeit kann stark variieren! In der Eröffnung und im Endspiel spielt der Computer schneller, aber in komplizierten Mittelspielen rechnet er länger.

3.2 Analysestufe (Feld B8)

STUFE ZEIT ANZEIGE

B8 ................. kein Zeitlimit ................ 9:99;99

Auf dieser Stufe rechnet der Computer solange bis er ein zwingendes Matt oder einen zwingenden Zug findet, bis er die Stellung mit maximaler Suchtiefe berechnet hat oder bis er unterbrochen wird, wenn Sie ENTER drücken. Unterbrechen Sie die Suche, führt der Computer den bislang besten Zug aus. Experimentieren Sie mit dieser Stufe - bauen Sie interessante Stellungen auf und lassen Sie diese vom Computer analysieren! Er kann Stunden oder sogar Tage rechnen, um den bestmöglichen Zug zu finden. Vergessen Sie nicht, dabei das Display zu beobachten - wie dies am Besten geht sehen Sie in Abschnitt 5.3.

3.3 Turnierstufen (Felder C1-C8)

STUFE ZÜGE/GESAMTZEIT ANZEIGE

C1 ...........40 Züge in 1 h 30 min .......................1:30;40

C2 ...........35 Züge in 1 h 45 min .......................1:45;35

C3 ...........40 Züge in 1 h 45 min .......................1:45;40

C4 ...........35 Züge in 1 h 30 min .......................1:30;35

C5 ...........40 Züge in 2 h ...................................2:00;40

C6 ...........45 Züge in 2 h 30 min .......................2:30;45

C7 ...........50 Züge in 2 h ...................................2:00;50

C8 ...........40 Züge in 3 h ...................................3:00;40

In den Turnierstufen müssen Sie innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Zeit eine bestimmte Anzahl Züge ausführen. Überschreitet ein Spieler das Zeitlimit, blinkt tiNe (time) im Display zusammen mit der abgelaufenen Zeit. Die Partie ist zu Ende.

Wenn Sie wollen, können Sie jetzt sogar zu Ende spielen, um Ihr Können zu testen. Haben Sie eine Turnierstufe ausgewählt, können Sie

DEUTSCH

wählen, ob die Zeit als Countdown angezeigt werden soll (anstatt der bisher verstrichenen Zeit). Dazu sollten Sie kurz in Abschnitt 5.1 nachlesen. Ist die Zeit abgelaufen, endet auch der Countdown und die Uhr wird wieder normal angezeigt.

Ihr Computer bietet auch die Bronstein Zeitnahme an. Details hierzu

siehe 5.4.

3.4 Blitzschach (Felder D1-D8)

STUFE ZEIT PRO SPIEL ANZEIGE

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

D2 ..................10 Minuten .................. 0:10;99

D3 ..................15 Minuten .................. 0:15;99

D4 ..................20 Minuten .................. 0:20;99

D5 ..................30 Minuten .................. 0:30;99

D6 ..................45 Minuten .................. 0:45;99

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

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

In den Blitzschachstufen (auch Schnellschach genannt), sehen Sie die Gesamtzeit für eine Partie. Ist diese abgelaufen, blinkt tiMe auf und das Spiel ist zu Ende.

Haben Sie eine Blitzschachstufe ausgewählt, können Sie wählen, ob die Zeit als Countdown angezeigt werden soll (anstatt der bisher verstrichenen Zeit). Dazu sollten Sie kurz in Abschnitt 5.1 nachlesen. Ist die Zeit abgelaufen, endet auch der Countdown und die Uhr wird wieder normal angezeigt.

Ihr Computer bietet auch die Bronstein Zeitnahme in

den Blitzschachstufen an. Details dazu siehe 5.4.

3.5 Spaßstufen (Felder E1-E8)

STUFE ZEIT PRO ZUG ANZEIGE

E1 .................. 1 Sekunde .................. Fun: 1

E2 .................. 2 Sekunden ................ Fun: 2

E3 .................. 3 Sekunden ................ Fun: 3

E4 .................. 4 Sekunden ................ Fun: 4

E5 .................. 5 Sekunden ................ Fun: 5

E6 .................. 6 Sekunden ................ Fun: 6

E7 .................. 7 Sekunden ................ Fun: 7

E8 ................. *8 Sekunden ................ Fun: 8

Sie sind Einsteiger oder Gelegenheitsspieler? Wenn ja, dann sind diese Stufen genau für Sie gedacht! Hier beschränkt der Computer seine Suche und spielt schwächer. Der Vorteil - Ihre Gewinnchancen

steigen und der Spielspaß auch. Sie können die Anforderungen langsam steigern und Ihr Schachwissen vergrößern. Die Spaßstufen E1 bis E6 sind zunächst sehr einfach, steigern sich jedoch bis zum Fortgeschrittenen – Niveau. E7 und E8 sind dann schon kleine Herausforderungen, die Sie als Fortgeschrittener erst bewältigen müssen.

3.6 Mattsuchstufen (Felder F1-F8)

STUFE MATTSUCHE ANZEIGE

F1 .................... Matt in 1.................... =in: 1

F2 .................... Matt in 2.................... =in: 2

F3 .................... Matt in 3.................... =in: 3

F4 .................... Matt in 4.................... =in: 4

F5 .................... Matt in 5.................... =in: 5

F6 .................... Matt in 6.................... =in: 6

F7 .................... Matt in 7.................... =in: 7

F8 .................... Matt in 8.................... =in: 8

Haben Sie eine dieser Stufen aktiviert, ist ein Mattsuchprogramm eingestellt. Haben Sie eine Stellung, wo ein Matt gefunden werden kann, können Sie den Computer suchen lassen, indem Sie ihn in eine dieser Stufen schalten. Der Computer löst Ihre Mattprobleme bis zu 8 Züge im voraus. Matt in 1 bis 5 sind schnell gefunden, die anderen Lösungen benötigen Zeit. Wird kein Matt gefunden, erscheint die Meldung (–––––). Um die Partie for tzusetzen wählen Sie einfach eine andere Spielstufe.

3.7 Trainingsstufen (Felder G1-G8)

STUFE SUCHTIEFE ANZEIGE

G1...................1 Zug ......................... PLY: 1

G2...................2 Züge ........................PLY: 2

G3...................3 Züge ........................PLY: 3

G4...................4 Züge ........................PLY: 4

G5...................5 Züge ........................PLY: 5

G6...................6 Züge ........................PLY: 6

G7...................7 Züge ........................PLY: 7

G8...................8 Züge ........................PLY: 8

In den Trainingsstufen, wird die Suchtiefe des Computers eingeschränkt und durch eine bestimmte Zuganzahl begrenzt. Wenn Sie durch diese Stufen blättern, erscheint PLY: # im Display. Ein „ply“ ist ein einzelner Zug und „#“ steht für die Anzahl Züge der Suchtiefe. Auf Stufe G7, z.B., begrenzt sich die Suche des Computers auf einen Zug, den er

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