Saitek Mephisto Talking Chess Trainer User Manual

Talking Chess Trainer

Instructions

Bedienungsanleitung

Mode d’emploi

QUICK START

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

		Open the battery compart-	3 x AA/AM3/R6		Enter moves by executing
	1 ment at the back of the			5	them on the board, press-
		computer by sliding it in			ing the chess pieces down
		the direction of the arrow.			gently on the from and to
		Insert 3 “AA” (Type AM3/			squares for each move.
		R6) batteries into the
		computer, making sure
		that you observe the
		correct polarity. Then,		6	As soon as the computer
		reinstall the battery door.
					makes a move, that move
					is shown in the display
					window. Press the
					computer’s piece lightly
	2	Press GO/STOP to turn			onto the indicated from
					and to squares to com-
		the game on. If the com-			plete the computer’s move.
		puter does not respond,
					That’s all there is to it!
		press a paper clip or
		similar sharp object into
		the hole marked ACL in			Make your next move as
		the base of the unit, as
					described above. Press
		described in Section 4.1.
					GO/STOP at any time to
					turn the computer off.
		Set up the chess pieces in			Enjoy your game!
	3 the initial starting position
		for a new game, with the
		White pieces closest to
		you.
			!"#$%&'(		Note: The computer will
			) *		automatically switch off to
					conserve power if no keys
	4	Press the NEW GAME key			are pressed for about 20
					minutes and the computer
		to reset the computer for a			is not currently thinking.
		new game of chess.
					For details, see Section
					2.9.

PRESS

PRESS

!"#$%&'( ) *

!"#$%&'( ) *

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START		3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES
KEYS AND FEATURES		3.1	Levels of Play
INTRODUCTION		3.2	Fun Levels
1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER		3.3	Casual Levels
1.1	Battery Installation	3.4	Blitz Levels
1.2	Making Moves	3.5	Bronstein Levels
1.3	The Computer’s Move	3.6	Bonus Timer Levels
1.4	Change Your Mind? Take Back!	3.7	Tournament Levels
1.5	Check, Mate, or Draw!	3.8	Fixed Depth Levels
1.6	Start a New Game	3.9	Tactical Level
1.7	Change Levels	3.10	Teach Modes
1.8	Openings Coach	3.11	Selecting Levels and Teach Modes
		3.12	Openings Coach Mode
2. ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES		3.13	Verify Mode. Check Piece Positions!
2.1	Language Selection	3.14	Non Auto Mode
2.2	Chess Clocks	4. TECHNICAL DETAILS
2.3	Capturing and Special Moves
2.4	Illegal Moves	4.1	The ACL Function
2.5	Interrupting the Computer’s Search	4.2	Care and Maintenance
2.6	Changing Sides with the Computer	4.3	Technical Specifications
2.7	Getting Hints from the Computer	TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
2.8	The Computer Plays Against Itself

2.9Game Memory and Automatic Power Down

2.10Openings Library

KEYS AND FEATURES		Figure 1. Display Symbols and Sounds
					SYMBOLS
1. LCD Display Window: The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)		1	1		A	A	k	King
is used to show moves, game information, and chess
		2	2		B	B	q	Queen	ENGLISH
clocks for both players. For a complete list of the symbols,
		3	3		c	C	r	Rook
refer to Figure 1.
		4	4		D	D	b	Bishop
2. Piece Symbol Keys & (King), % (Queen), $ (Rook),
		5	5		E	E	n	Knight
# (Bishop), @ (Knight), ! (Pawn): Used to verify positions,
		6	6		F	F	p	Pawn
select various Teach Modes, and underpromote pawns.
		7	7		G	G	Sb	Standard
3. Game Keys
		8	8		H	H		board
a. GO/STOP Key: Press to turn the computer on; press
		9	9
again to turn the unit off. The current game is retained in
		0	0
memory for up to 550 hours.
		PM	Indicates player to move.
b. NEW GAME Key: Press to reset the computer for a
		S	Indicates black to move.
new game of chess.
			Steady colon indicates that figures are
c. OPENINGS COACH Key: Press to enter Openings		: ...............
			Minutes and Seconds
Coach Mode for training on opening gambits and re-
		:	Flashing colon indicates that figures are
sponses.
			Hours and Minutes
d. LEVEL Key: Press to enter Level Mode to adjust the		ch:--........	Black in check
level of play to the complexity and type of game you		ch:__	White in check
desire. Also used to select the Teach Modes.
		EnD- ........	Checkmate – black wins
e. TAKE BACK Key: Press to take back the last individual		EnD(	Draw
move made. You may take back up to 14 individual
		te:	Teach Mode
moves. Note that an individual move is a move for one
		o(:3	Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
side.
			computer plays both sides
f. NON AUTO Key: Press to enter Non Auto Mode, which		o_:3	Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
allows moves to be entered manually. Here, the com-
			computer plays white
puter monitors the game, but makes no moves.		o):3..........	Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
g. PLAY Key: Press to exchange sides with the computer.			computer plays black
Press while the computer is thinking to force it to move,		o :3..........	Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) -
or press during your own turn to get a move suggestion			computer plays neither
					SOUNDS
from the computer.
h. SOUND Key: Pressing this key causes the sound		1 high tone	......	Acknowledge operation of any key or
option to cycle through three levels of operation. You				sensory square
		1 low tone		Error: Wrong move or wrong key pressed
can tell which level you have selected by the number of
		2 low tones		Warning from Coach
high tone beeps you hear, as indicated below:
		3 high tones		New Game or Beep and Voice set
SOUND LEVEL	SIGNAL WHEN SELECTED
		3 low tones		In games against the clock, time has
Beep and Voice	3 high tones
				run out
Beep only	2 high tones
Silent ..........................	1 high tone
With Voice selected, you’ll get helpful coaching
remarks, and the buzzer will beep to show the
computer’s response to your actions. See Figure 1
for the meanings of the beeps. Pressing and
holding SOUND for a second or more activates the
“Say Again” feature, causing the last message to
be repeated.									1
4. Sensory Chessboard: Each square contains a
highly sensitive sensor that registers piece move-
ment. The squares are identified by file (letters) and									2
rank (numbers).
5. ACL (Reset): Recessed reset switch is located in the
base of the unit, and used to eliminate static dis-
charge after inserting a new set of batteries.									5
6. Battery Compartment: In base of unit. The computer
uses 3 “AA” (Type AM3/R6) alkaline batteries.									8
7. Piece Storage Area: Handy storage compartment
for your chess pieces.
8. Language Selection Switch: In base of unit. Used		7		4	6			3
to select either English, German, or French.
		3

INTRODUCTION

Your new electronic chessboard is a powerful computer that will play chess at whatever level of complexity you choose! Or, if you prefer, you can play a game with a friend and the computer will act as referee. The large range of 64 playing levels, combined with 11 extended Teach Modes, make up a total of 768 combinations—enough to satisfy anyone with an interest in chess, both young and old. The Teach Modes and Openings Coach are superb learning features at any level of play, and the various modes of timed competition are well-suited for the intermediate player. This particular model also offers vocal encouragement and coaching whenever its special Voice Mode is selected!

3 x AA/AM3/R6

Fig. 1-1

1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER

1.Battery Installation

Your chess computer runs on 3 “AA” (AM3/R6) batteries. For longer battery life, we recommend using fresh alkaline batteries. Slide open the battery compartment cover on the back of the unit, and insert the batteries as shown in Figure 1-1. Then, reinstall the cover and press GO/ STOP to turn the computer on. If the computer does not respond, use a paper clip or another sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This will reset the computer. After the batteries are inserted or ACL is pressed, the computer will go through a self-test. Three beeps tell you that the test has passed, while a buzz or silence indicates a problem that should be checked with your local distributor.

Note that inserting new batteries or pressing ACL will reset the computer’s memory, causing any current game to be lost.

2.Making Moves

Follow the steps below to start a game.

a.If necessary, press GO/STOP to turn the computer on.

b.Set up the chess pieces in their starting positions with the White pieces nearest to you, as shown in Figure 1-2, and press NEW GAME. The computer will say “Let’s play,” and indicate on the display that you should play a White piece.

00:00

PM

Note: If NEW GAME is pressed while certain modes are selected (Teach Mode, Openings Coach, or Non Auto Mode), these modes will automatically be cancelled.

c.To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to move until you hear a beep (see Figure 1-3). The computer’s sensory board registers your move, and the left side of the display will show the from square that was pressed.

E2:__

d.Take the piece and lightly press it down on the square you want to move to. A second beep sounds, and the computer briefly shows the to square on the right-hand side of the display.

E2:E4

As soon as your move is finished (if you have Voice selected), the display will show Coch while it evaluates your move. You also hear a spoken comment relating to the move you executed.

e.Next, it is the computer’s turn, and the computer will start thinking about its move. Note that in the early stages of a game, the computer’s response is often virtually instantaneous. This is because it is playing moves already stored in its openings library (see Section 2.10).

3.The Computer’s Move

When the computer is ready, it beeps and displays the from and to coordinates of its move,

as shown in Figure 1-4. For an example of a move, see Figures 1-5a and b. Press the indicated piece down on its from square (E7, in this case), until you hear a beep and the from side of the display changes to show the color and symbol for that piece. For a chart of the symbols, see Figure 1.

Next, press that same piece down on the second square in the display—the square the computer wants to move to (E5, here). Once you press E5, the display clears and you have completed the computer’s move! The display then indicates that it is once again your turn to move.

4.Change Your Mind? Take Back!

If you change your mind about a move, you can take it back. Press TAKE BACK while it is still your turn to move, and the display shows the to square. Press the piece down on that square. You now see the piece symbol and the square that piece came from. Press the piece down on the from square to finish the take-back. If the move taken back was a capture, the computer reminds you to put the captured piece back on the board by displaying the piece type and its square location. Press this piece down on the indicated square. To take back another move, press TAKE BACK again. You can take back up to 14 individual moves (or 7 moves for each side), allowing

you to experiment and try out various “What if...?” approaches. To continue the game, either make your next move or press PLAY to have the computer make a move for you.

Figures 1-6 a and b show an example of taking back a Knight move from G8 to F6. After pressing TAKE BACK, the display shows F6, the square the Knight moved to (Figure 1-6a). Press

!"#$%&'( ) *

Fig. 1-2

PRESS

PRESS

Fig. 1-3

Fig. 1-4

!"#$%&'( ) *

Fig. 1-5a

!"#$%&'( ) *

Fig. 1-5b

4

down on F6, and the display changes to show the piece color and symbol (Black Knight) and the square that piece came from (Figure 1-6b). Press the Knight back down on G8.

Note that en passant captures cannot be replayed if the take back of the previous move was not allowed.

5.Check, Mate, or Draw!

When a King is in check, the display shows the check symbol (alternately with the clock display, if the clock is running). When the game ends in checkmate or a draw (by stalemate, immediate 3-fold repetition, or the 50-move rule), various End symbols are displayed. These symbols are shown in Figure 1.

6.Start a New Game

Press NEW GAME to start a new game at any time, using the currently selected level and sound/voice settings. Since pressing NEW GAME clears your current game from the computer’s memory, be very careful not to press this key by mistake.

7.Change Levels

Your chess computer offers you 64 levels of play, each of which corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. Together with the 11 built-in Extended Teach Modes, you have a choice of 768 level settings! Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is displayed (e.g., the level equivalent to board square A3 shows L:A3 alternately with Fun3). To change the level, simply press a board square, and that level will show in the display. Press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode. For more information on the playing levels, see Section 3.

8.Openings Coach

Your computer has 16 opening sequences for you to study, such as the Italian Opening and the Queen’s Gambit. Press OPENINGS COACH, and then press one of the squares from A1 to B8 to select one of the openings. Press the square again to choose how much help you would like to get from the computer, and then press OPENINGS COACH once more to start practicing or to test your knowledge. For more details, see Section 3.12.

2. ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES

2.1 Language Selection

With your chess computer switched off, turn the board upside down and locate the Language Selection Switch in the bottom left-hand corner. Select your chosen language by moving the switch to either Eng (English), Fr (French), or De (German). Then, turn the board over and switch on the unit.

2.2 Chess Clocks

Built in chess clocks keep track of the time for your side and the computer’s side, with a fourdigit display showing the total elapsed time or remaining time for each player alternately during his turn. After you have entered the computer’s move, the display shows your chess clock until a key or square is pressed, keeping track of your time until the to square is pressed. After you make your move, the display immediately switches to the computer’s clock while it thinks, until the computer indicates that it is ready to move.

Note that the computer may also display Coch after your move has been made, while it analyzes whether you have made a good move or a bad one. If the Sound Level is set to Beep and Voice, and the computer concludes that you have made a good move, it encourages you with “Mm…Good Move!” On the other hand, if it thinks your move is not a good one, it will say “Uh-uh.”

For the first hour of the game, or whenever the remaining time is less than a hour, the display will show MINUTES:SECONDS, with a steady colon. If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour or the remaining time exceeds one hour, the display will show HOURS:MINUTES, and the colon will flash while the clock is showing.

Please also note the following:

•The clock stops if you verify the level, verify the board, or turn the computer off. In each of these cases, however, the times are retained in memory, and the clock display resumes when play is continued.

•The clock resets if you change the level or press a square while in Level Mode.

•When your King is in check, the display shows check alternately with the chess clock.

•If you are playing on a level which is against the clock, the clock counts down from your selected time to show time remaining. When the first clock reaches zero, three low tone beeps will signal that time has run out. The clock will then begin counting time up from zero. On levels where time is not part of the competition, the clock counts upwards to show the total elapsed time.

•If you take back while playing against the clock, the clock does not reverse for each take back. It simply stops until you start making a move again.

2.3Capturing and Special Moves

a.CAPTURES: To capture, press down lightly on the piece you want to move, take the captured piece off the board, and press your piece on the square of the captured piece. The computer will announce the capture.

b.EN PASSANT: In an en passant capture, the computer reminds you to remove the captured pawn from the board by displaying the pawn’s location. Press down on the captured

Fig. 1-6a	ENGLISH

Fig. 1-6b

% +

) *

Fig. 2-1a

% +

) *

Fig. 2-1b

Fig. 2-1c

% (

) *

Fig. 2-2

5

pawn before removing it from the board. For an example, see Figures 2-1a, b, and c.

c.PAWN PROMOTION AND UNDERPROMOTION:

When you promote a pawn, first press your pawn down on its from square, as usual. The computer displays your from square and the Queen symbol (alternately with the clock display). As soon as you press your pawn down on the to square, it automatically becomes a Queen. Remember to change your piece on the board! If you wish to underpromote your pawn to a Rook, Bishop, or Knight, simply press the appropriate Piece Symbol Key between pressing the from and to squares. When the computer promotes a pawn, it will show its from and to squares as usual. After you press its from square, the display indicates the promotion piece type by showing the piece symbol and the to square. Press down on the to square with the indicated new piece to complete the computer’s promotion move.

d.CASTLING: The computer automatically recognizes castling after the King is moved. After you have pressed the King down on its from and to squares, the computer displays the Rook’s from square and the voice announces the move. Press down on this square, and the computer then displays the Rook symbol, along with the square the Rook should move to. Press down on the Rook’s to square to complete the move (see Figure 2-2).

2.4Illegal Moves

Your computer will never accept an illegal move. If you attempt an illegal move, the computer gives a low tone error beep or says “Illegal move!” and the display keeps showing the from square. Press on that square to clear the illegal move, and then move again.

If you should move the computer’s piece incorrectly, you will also hear an error beep. This can occur if you move the wrong piece or move a piece to the wrong square. Check the display and move again.

If you press a piece and the from square shows in the display, but you decide not to make that move, press that same square once again to cancel. Be careful not to make mistakes when the sound is off, as you will not be able to hear the error beeps.

2.5 Interrupting the Computer’s Search

To interrupt the computer while it is thinking, press PLAY, and the computer will play the best move it has found so far. This can be very useful in games at higher levels of play, when an exhaustive search for the best move can be quite time consuming.

2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer

To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when it is your turn to move. The computer will then make the next move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish!

2.7 Getting Hints from the Computer

Whenever Voice is selected, the computer is likely to make encouraging remarks like “Mm…Good Move!” when you make a good move, as well as indicating disapproval with “Uh-uh!” if you make a bad move. If you need more help, however, you can also have the computer show you what it would do in your position! Simply press PLAY on your turn, and the computer will make the next move for you.

To keep this move as your own, make the displayed move on the board. Then, press PLAY again and the computer will make its next move. Continue the game by making your own next move. If you do not want to use the computer’s move, first make the displayed move on the board, and then take it back. Once you have cleared the move in this way, you can make your own move.

2.8 The Computer Plays Against Itself

To watch the computer play a game against itself, press PLAY for every move. Study the computer’s playing strate-

gies to learn more about chess!

2.9 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down

You may interrupt a game by pressing GO/STOP to turn the computer off. The computer will “remember” your position for up to 550 hours (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch on again, simply continue where you left off!

If you do not press a key or make a move for about 20 minutes (when the computer is not thinking), the computer will switch off to conserve power, while retaining your game in memory. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer back on and resume your unfinished game.

2.10 Openings Library

At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply is usually instantaneous because the computer is playing moves which are stored in its openings library. If the current board position is in its openings library, the computer plays a response to that position from its collection of moves, instead of thinking about the move.

3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES

3.1 Levels of Play

With 768 level settings to choose from (including the Extended Teach modes), you can learn and grow with this chess computer! As shown in the playing level charts in the following sections, each level corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. The basic levels are categorized into 8 groups, intended to suit users of different abilities.

•Fun Levels: A1 to A8. For the early beginner, with A1 being the easiest.

•Casual Levels: B1 to C8. For games not played against the clock. Full range of difficulty, from easy (B1) to extremely challenging (C8). When you first power up the computer, B4 will be the selected level.

•Blitz Levels: D1 to D8. Also known as Sudden Death. Game must be concluded within the selected time.

•Bronstein Levels: E1 to E4. The game must be concluded within the selected time, which is then increased by an amount to compensate for each move. The compensation is the actual time used or the allowed time, whichever is shorter.

•Bonus Timer Levels: E5 to E8. The game must be concluded within the selected time, which is increased by a prescribed amount to compensate for each move before the move is made.

•Tournament Levels: F1 to F8. A certain number of moves must be made within the given amount of time.

CHOOSE A LEVEL FROM THE 64 BOARD SQUARES

8					BRONSTEIN BONUS TIMER
7			CASUAL LEVELS
6	FUN LEVELS					TOURNAMENT	FIXED DEPTH	TACTICAL
5				BLITZ
4
3
2
1
	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H

6

•Fixed Depth Levels: G1 to G8. Computer skill is limited by not being able to look ahead more than the selected number of moves.

•Tactical Levels: H1 to H8. Computer skill is limited by not being able to look ahead more than the selected number of moves, and by not evaluating strategic advan-

tage.

Whenever you set the level, bear in mind that when the computer has more time to think about its moves, it gets stronger and plays better—just like a human player! Sharpen your chess skills—as you beat the computer on each level, graduate to the next. Keep challenging yourself and learn more about the game!

3.2 Fun Levels

Selecting any square from A1 to A8 will give you one of the Fun Levels. In this range, the computer does not make an exhaustive search for the best available move. Instead, it disregards scores, and the program also makes use of randomizers which cause the computer to occasionally make a move that is not the best one it has found. This introduces an interesting variability in the computer’s responses, and sometimes it will seem to make quite human errors of judgement. A1 is the lowest skill level, and A8 is somewhat higher.

3.3 Casual Levels

When the Casual Levels are selected, you are controlling the skill level of the computer by limiting the average amount of time it can take to select its move. As the skill level is increased, the computer will think ahead progressively more deeply, and consequently play a more skillful game. When one of these levels is selected from the B or C squares, the display will alternate between the level selection and the computer’s average response time, as shown below:

Chessboard Square	Time per Move	Display
B1 .................	1 second ................	L:B1/00:01
B2 ................	2 seconds ...............	L:B2/00:02
B3 ................	3 seconds ...............	L:B3/00:03
B4 ................	5 seconds ...............	L:B4/00:05
B5 ...............	10 seconds ..............	L:B5/00:10
B6 ...............	15 seconds ..............	L:B6/00:15
B7 ...............	20 seconds ..............	L:B7/00:20
B8 ...............	30 seconds ..............	L:B8/00:30
C1 ...............	45 seconds ..............	L:c1/00:45
C2 .................	1 minute .................	L:c2/01:00
C3 .................	2 minutes ................	L:c3/02:00
C4 .................	3 minutes ................	L:c4/03:00
C5 .................	4 minutes ................	L:c5/04:00
C6 .................	5 minutes ................	L:c6/05:00
C7 ................	10 minutes ...............	L:c7/10:00
C8 ................	15 minutes ...............	L:c8/15:00

3.4 Blitz Levels

The levels on the D squares are the Blitz Levels. If you wish to play speed chess, or instant death, you can select from a range of times allowed for the game to be completed. You may choose between a 5-minute “pressure cooker” of a game, up to a more relaxed 1-1/2 hour game. When you select one of these squares, the display will alternate between the square you have selected and the corresponding time limit for the game.

Chessboard Square	Time per Move	Display
D1 .................	5 minutes ................	L:D1/05:00
D2 ................	10 minutes ...............	L:D2/10:00
D3 ................	15 minutes ...............	L:D3/15:00
D4 ................	25 minutes ...............	L:D4/25:00
D5 ................	30 minutes ...............	L:D5/30:00
D6 ................	45 minutes ...............	L:D6/45:00
D7 ................	60 minutes ................	L:D7/1:00
D8 ................	90 minutes ................	L:D8/1:30

3.5 Bronstein Levels

By selecting a square from E1 to E4, you can choose a time limit for the game following the Bronstein system. A basic time is selected for the game, and an increment of a

few seconds is then added to that time whenever a move is
made. The increment is either the free time shown in the
table below, or the actual time taken to move, whichever is
shorter. When you choose one of these levels, the display
cycles through three different pieces of information, each of
which is shown for one second. For example, if you choose					ENGLISH
E2 you would see:
• The selected square			L:E2	and then…
• The base time in minutes			10:00	and then…
• The free time in seconds			00:05
Chessboard	Time for	Free Time		Display
Square	Game	per Move
E1 .... 5 minutes ...... 3 seconds ..... L:E1/05:00/00:03
E2 ... 10 minutes ..... 5 seconds ..... L:E2/10:00/00:05
E3 ... 15 minutes .... 10 seconds .... L:E3/15:00/00:10
E4 ... 20 minutes .... 10 seconds .... L:E4/20:00/00:10

3.6 Bonus Timer Levels

Selection of a square from E5 to E8 gives you the Bonus Timer Levels. These levels are similar to the Bronstein Levels, except the time increment is always 2 seconds, and it is added to the time before the move is made.

Chessboard	Time for	Free Time	Display
Square	Game	per Move

E5	.... 3 minutes ...... 2 seconds ..... L:E5/03:00/00:02
E6	... 10 minutes ..... 2 seconds ..... L:E6/10:00/00:02
E7	... 20 minutes ..... 2 seconds ..... L:E7/20:00/00:02
E8	... 50 minutes ..... 2 seconds ..... L:E8/50:00/00:02

3.7 Tournament Levels

The F1-F8 squares provide 8 Tournament Levels. When one of these is selected, you and the computer are each required to make a prescribed number of moves within a given amount of time. For example: If you select Level F3, you will be required to make 40 moves within 2 hours under the Primary Time Control. If the game is not finished within that time, the Secondary Time Control period will begin, and you will be required to make 20 moves within 1 hour. If this secondary period does not produce a result, it is repeated until a conclusion is reached.

In accordance with tournament regulations, any time remaining at completion of the moves of the Primary Time Control is carried forward and added to the time allowed for the Secondary Time Control. For example: If you selected Level F3 and completed the first 40 moves in just one hour, you would be allowed 2 hours for the next 20 moves. Surplus time, if any, is carried forward and accumulated in this way throughout the game.

When you select one of these Tournament Levels, the display will cycle through three pieces of information, each of

Chess-	Primary		Secondary
board	Time Control		Time Control		Display
Square	Moves	Time	Moves	Time

	F1	30	30 min	30	30 min	L:F1/
						30/0:30
	F2	30	1 hr	remaining	1 hr	L:F2/
			30 min			30/1:30
	F3	40	2 hr	20	1 hr	L:F3/
						40/2:00
	F4	40	2 hr	remaining	1 hr	L:F4/
						40/2:00
	F5	40	2 hr	16	1 hr	L:F5/
			30 min			40/2:30
	F6	45	1 hr	15	30 min	L:F6/
			30 min			45/1:30
	F7	50	2 hr	20	1 hr	L:F7/
			30 min			50/2:30
	F8	60	1 hr	30	30 min	L:F8/
						60/1:00

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which shows for one second. For example, if square F4 is selected, the display will show:

• The selected square	L:F4	and then…
• The number of moves in
the Primary Time Control	40	and then…
• The duration of
the Primary Time Control	2:00

3.8 Fixed Depth Levels

The Fixed Depth Levels in file G limit the skill of the computer—not by the time to search for its next move, but by the number of moves it searches ahead. At the lower levels, it behaves like a novice player. At the lowest level, G1, where the computer looks ahead only one individual move, it does not anticipate the game at all, and could even miss a mate that you might make in one more move. At the other end of the scale, on Level G8, the computer will review all the possibilities within the next 8 individual moves.

On these levels, the display alternates between the level you have selected and how many individual moves (ply) ahead the computer searches:

• The selected square	L:G5	and then…
• The number of individual moves
the computer is looking ahead	5PLY

3.9 Tactical Levels

The Tactical Levels are found on squares H1 through H8. These levels limit how many individual moves ahead the computer looks, but in this case the computer does not evaluate strategic advantages, and looks only for material gain such as checkmate or draws. The number of individual moves the computer looks ahead is equivalent to the chessboard square, e.g., H1 equals one individual move ahead, and H8 equals 8 moves ahead.

On the Tactical Levels, the display alternates between the level you have selected, and how many individual moves

(ply) ahead the computer will search.
• The selected square	L:H8	and then…
• The number of individual moves
the computer is looking ahead	8PLY

3.10 Teach Modes

Your chess computer contains 11 built-in Extended Teach Modes. This feature allows you to learn basic moves and master the tactics of the pieces, one at a time! For each individual Teach Mode, the only pieces on the board will be Kings and Pawns, or Kings and Pawns and one or two selected piece types. This allows beginners to concentrate on one or two pieces at a time, without losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the board. More developed players can use this feature to practice playing with selected combinations of pieces.

Note the following, in regard to Level and Teach Modes:

•If NEW GAME is pressed during a game, the computer will exit Teach Mode and switch back to the standard 32piece game, with the current level still in effect.

•If you press LEVEL and then decide not to change the current playing level or Teach Mode, simply press LEVEL again—and the current status will remain as is.

•You may select a new level at any time during your turn. If you do so, however, note that the clock will be reset.

•If you press more than 2 Piece Symbol Keys during a Teach Mode selection, only the last 2 symbol selections will be valid when you exit Level Mode.

•If you accidentally press a Piece Symbol Key in Level Mode, you will lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To continue with the current game, press the square corresponding to the current level of play before exiting Level Mode. Note, however, that the clock will have been reset.

3.11 Selecting Levels and Teach Modes

Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is displayed. For example, Level A3 shows as L:A3, alternating with Fun3 (the level selected by pressing board square A3).

To change the level, simply press a board square, and the display will show the new level, alternating with the level details. Press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode.

Note the following key sequences and effects:

LEVEL, LEVEL	No change; previous level
LEVEL, Square, LEVEL	remains selected.
	New level selected, clock
LEVEL, Piece Symbol,	resets.
	Starting position of selected
LEVEL	Teach Mode is set at
LEVEL, Square,	previously selected level.
	Starting position of selected
Piece Symbol, LEVEL	Teach Mode is set at new
LEVEL, Piece Symbol,	level.
	New level is set, previous
Square, LEVEL	Teach Mode selection is
	canceled, existing game is
	retained.

To select Teach Mode, press LEVEL. The display will show the skill level, as indicated by the equivalent chessboard square, alternating with the level details. To select a Teach Mode, press one or two of the Piece Symbol Keys (%, $, #, @ or !) you would like to use. The display will then show the selected pieces. For example, if you want to play with Kings, Bishops, Knights, and Pawns, after pressing LEVEL, you should press # and @. The display will show your selection. Then, press LEVEL to exit Level Mode and enter your selection into the computer, and you can begin your game. Since the King is always required for the game, you do not need to select this piece for the Teach Mode. In fact, pressing & is how you select a normal, 32-piece game.

Note that Non Auto is automatically canceled whenever a Teach Mode is selected in the existing Level Mode.

The 11 Teach Modes and the normal game are indicated by the following displays:

TEACH MODE	DISPLAY
Kings and Pawns .........................................	te:_p
Kings, Knights and Pawns ...........................	te:_n
Kings, Bishops and Pawns ..........................	te:_b
Kings, Rooks and Pawns .............................	te:_r
Kings, Queens and Pawns ..........................	te:_q
Kings, Knights, Bishops and Pawns ............	te:nb
Kings, Knights, Rooks and Pawns ...............	te:nr
Kings, Knights, Queens and Pawns ............	te:nq
Kings, Bishops, Rooks and Pawns ..............	te:br
Kings, Bishops, Queens and Pawns ...........	te:bq
Kings, Rooks, Queens and Pawns ..............	te:rq

All Pieces (standard board-normal game) .. te:sb

3.12 Openings Coach Mode

Your computer has 16 different opening sequences in memory, all of which can be played through so that you may learn them. Press OPENINGS COACH, and, when first selected, the computer will beep and the display will flash

o(:

You can then choose which opening game you want to review by pressing one of the squares from A1 to B8. Figure 3-1 lists the available openings. For example, to select the third Openings Coach, press square A3, and o(:3 will flash in the display to confirm that the third Openings Coach has been selected. The two bars indicate that the computer will display moves for both sides, so you can watch and learn. Press the same square again and the display will change to o_:3, indicating that the computer will play the white side and let you work out the moves for black. Another press on the square changes the bar to show that the computer will play black while you play white. One more press will remove the bars altogether, indicating that the computer will leave all the moves to you while it monitors your moves for legality. Press

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Figure 3-1. Moves in Openings Coach

Square	Name	Moves
A1	Italian Opening	e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
		f1c4, f8c5
A2	Two Knights Defense	e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
		f1c4, g8f6
A3	Spanish Opening	e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
		f1b5, a7a6, b5a4, g8f6,
		e1g1, b7b5
A4	Sicilian Defense	e2e4, c7c5, g1f3, d7d6,
		d2d4, c5d4, f3d4, g8f6,
		b1c3
A5	French Defense	e2e4, e7e6, d2d4, d7d5
A6	Caro-Kann Defense	e2e4, c7c6, d2d4, d7d5,
		b1c3, d5e4
A7	Scandinavian Defense	e2e4, d7d5, e4d5, d8d5,
		b1c3, d5a5
A8	Alekhine’s Defense	e2e4, g8f6, e4e5, f6d5
B1	Queen’s Gambit	d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, e7e6,
		b1c3, g8f6, c1g5, f8e7
B2	Queen’s Gambit Accepted	d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, d5c4
B3	Nimzo-Indian Defense	d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
		b1c3, f8b4
B4	Queen’s Indian Defense	d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
		g1f3, b7b6
B5	King’s Indian Defense	d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
		b1c3, f8g7, e2e4, d7d6
B6	Gruenfeld Defense	d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
		b1c3, d7d5
B7	Dutch Defense	d2d4, f7f5, c2c4, g8f6,
		b1c3, e7e6
B8	English Opening	c2c4, e7e5, b1c3, g8f6,
		g1f3

OPENINGS COACH once again, and the display will indicate that you should move.

While you are playing, you can press PLAY to have the computer remind you of the next move. Every time you make a correct move, the computer will confirm the move with a single beep. If you are wrong, however, it will sound a double beep and prevent the from square from being displayed. The computer’s voice will also indicate the coach’s disapproval with “Uh-uh.” Press the correcto square to end the move or the from square to cancel it. At the end of the opening sequence, you may continue to play the game if you wish. Note that the clock is not used during this mode, and Non Auto Mode, if selected, is only in effect after the opening moves are finished.

Note that your current Openings Coach selection is retained in memory until another selection is made.

When you want to get back to playing a normal game, simply press NEW GAME, and you will be returned to the standard board.

3.13 Verify Mode: Check Piece Positions!

If the pieces get knocked over, or you think some might be in the wrong positions, you can ask the computer to run a check for you. Simply press the Piece Symbol Key for the piece you are questioning. The computer will then show you the symbol for that color and piece type, along with the square on which it should be placed. Pressing the key again shows the position of the next piece of that type, and so on, until all the pieces of that type on the board have been shown. The display shows white pieces first, and then the black pieces. When there are no more pieces of that type on the board, the display reverts to showing the side to move, and the computer sounds two beeps to get your attention. An example of the sequence of displays is shown below.

This example indicates that one of the white Knights has been captured, and it is now white’s turn to move. To verify

	Key Press	Display Shows	Meanings
	Press @ first time	_n:B1	White Knight on B1
	Press @ second time	-n:B8	Black Knight on B8
	Press @ third time	-n:F6	Black Knight on F6	ENGLISH
	Press @ fourth time	_n:__	No more Knights,
		(beep, beep)	white to move
	other pieces, repeat the same steps using the other Piece
	Symbol Keys. When you are finished, make your next move.
	Note that the clock stops temporarily during piece verifica-
	tion, and the computer automatically exits Verify Mode if no
	Piece Symbol Keys are pressed for about 5 seconds.

3.14 Non Auto Mode

Normally, the computer automatically answers with a countermove whenever you enter a move. If you press NON AUTO, however, the computer responds with a beep and you can then enter all the moves for both sides, one by one, without allowing the computer to answer! This special feature can be used in a number of different ways:

•Play through master chess games. Try pressing PLAY to see what the computer would do in any position!

•Study opening book lines by entering them manually.

•Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting as referee, checking the legality of all moves and keeping track of the time for both sides! If you need help with a move, simply press PLAY and the computer will make the next move. After the move, Non Auto Mode remains in effect, and you can continue your game.

•Replay to any board position for further study.

To exit Non Auto Mode and return to normal play, press NON AUTO once again. A double beep will verify that the mode has been canceled.

Note that Non Auto Mode is automatically canceled whenever you press NEW GAME or select a Teach Mode upon exiting Level Mode.

4. TECHNICAL DETAILS

4.1 The ACL Function

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

4.2 Care and Maintenance

Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Be sure to remove the batteries before cleaning the unit. Do not use chemical agents or liquids to clean your unit, as they may damage the plastic.

Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they can leak and damage the computer. Please also note the following regarding the use of batteries. 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.

4.3 Technical Specifications

Keys:	14
LCD Display:	Viewing area 30 x 13 mm
Sound:	Mylar speaker
Batteries:	3 AA/AM3/R6 (1.5V) cells
Power Consumption:	40 mW
Dimensions:	314 X 252 X 34 mm

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

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