Saitek TALKING CHESS ACADEMY User Manual
Talking Chess Academy
Instructions
Bedienungsanleitung
QUICK START
To play a game right away, without reading the entire manual first, simply follow these Quick Start steps!
Plug in the AC adapter
(supplied), or insert six “C”
1
(Type AM2/R14) batteries
into the computer, making
sure to observe the
correct polarity.
To turn the unit on, press
GO/STOP. The computer
2
will go through a start-up
procedure. If you get no
response, reset the unit as
noted in Section 1.1.
Set up the chess pieces in
the initial starting position
3
with the White pieces
closest to you, as shown
in this diagram.
To reset the computer for
a NEW GAME of chess,
4
simultaneously press the
NO/X and YES/
??
? keys.
??
6 x C/AM2/R14
GO/STOP
ዛዒዓዔዕዖዘዙዜ
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
ዝዒዓዔዕዖዘዙዞ
NO/
YES/
Enter moves by making
them on the board,
5
pressing the pieces down
gently on the from and to
squares for each move.
Notice that the computer
announces your actions
every step of the way!
As soon as the computer
makes a move, its move
6
is displayed. The board
light in the from square
also turns on steadily.
Press the computer’s
piece down gently on the
indicated square, and the
light in the to square will
turn on. Press down on
the to square to complete
the computer’s move. It’s
that easy!
Make your next move as
described above. Enjoy
your game!
Press GO/STOP at any time to turn the computer off.
Your game (up to 64 individual moves) will be kept in
memory until you turn the unit back on!
KEYS AND FEATURES
1. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor
that automatically registers piece movement when pressed.
2. ADAPTER SOCKET: For the AC-DC adapter.
3. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: Slide cover to the right to
open. Uses six “C” (AM2/R14) alkaline batteries.
4. DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves and game information both during games and while choosing options,
tutorials, levels, etc.
5. GAME KEYS
• TUTORIAL: Press to enter Tutorial Mode; within Tutorial
Mode, press to skip over ten lessons at a time.
• LEVEL: Press to enter Level Mode; within Level Mode,
press to skip over ten levels at a time.
• POSITION: Press to enter Position Mode.
• OPTION: Press to enter Option Mode; within Option Mode,
press to cycle through main option groups.
• GO/STOP: Press to turn the unit on and off.
• SAY AGAIN: Press to hear the last voice output again.
Press repeatedly to hear other previously spoken game
information if any.
•HINT/INFO: Press during your move to request a hint.
Press to enter Info Mode; within Info Mode, press to cycle
through main info groups.
• NO/X: Press simultaneously with YES/
game. Press to exit Option and Verify Modes. Press to exit
Position Mode (then confirm with YES/
Level and Tutorial Modes if you decide not to make
changes. Press to turn off Info Displays. Also used to
answer “false” or “no” to True-False quizzes during tutorials, and to cancel Clear Board requests in Position Mode.
??
• YES/
?: Press together with NO/X to reset for a new game.
??
Press to change sides with the computer, and press while
the computer is thinking to force it to move. Press to turn
option settings on and off. Press to exit Level Mode with
your new level selected; press to exit Tutorial Mode with
your new lesson selected. Press to clear the board in
Position Mode, then press again to confirm. Also used
during tutorials to answer “true” or “yes” to True-False
??
? to reset for a new
??
??
?). Press to cancel
??
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
BCDEFGH
A
quizzes, to continue after a new game is set up (when tutorial
display shows Start), and to continue when the tutorial is
waiting for a keypress.
•PIECE SYMBOL KEYS: Used in Verify and Position Modes.
Also used for pawn promotions.
• BACK/WHITE and FWD/BLACK KEYS: Press to change
levels one at a time in Level and Tutorial Modes, and to cycle
through options and displays in Option Mode and Info Mode.
Press to select the color in Position and Verify Modes.
6. VOLUME SLIDER: Used to turn the volume up and down.
7. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge
after inserting new batteries or adapter.
8. PIECE STORAGE COMPARTMENT: In base of unit.
9. BOARD LIGHTS: Used to show game and tutorial moves. Also
used when taking back moves, verifying pieces, and setting up
board positions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK START
KEYS AND FEATURES
INTRODUCTION
1. GETTING STARTED: THE BASICS
1.1 First, Install the Batteries or
Adapter
1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How!
1.3 The Computer Makes Its Move
1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back
1.5 Game Over? Start a New Game
1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change Levels
1.7 Voice On/Off? It’s Your Choice
2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES
2.1 Whose Turn? Check the Display!
2.2 Captures and Special Moves
2.3 Illegal Moves
2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw
2.5 Need a Hint? Just Ask!
2.6 Interrupting the Search
2.7 Changing Sides
2.8 Book Openings
2.9 Thinking on the Opponent’s Time
2.10 Game Memory
2.11 Auto Power Down
3. PLAYING LEVELS
Setting a Playing Level
3.1 Fun Levels (1-60)
3.2 Casual Play Levels (61-70)
3.3 Tournament Levels (71-80)
3.4 Speed Chess Levels (81-90)
3.5 Problem Solving Levels (91-98)
3.6 Tactical Level (99)
3.7 Infinite Level (100)
4. TUTORIAL LESSONS
About the Tutorials
4.1 Selecting a Tutorial Lesson
4.2 Tips on Taking Tutorials
5. GAME OPTIONS
Selecting Game Options
5.1 Operation Mode Options
Auto Response
Sound Levels
Coach Levels
Clock Ticking
Countdown Clock
Play White from the Top
5.2 Playing Mode Options
Selective Search
All Opening Books
Individual Opening Books
5.3 Opening Rules Options
All Opening Rules
Individual Opening Rules
5.4 Rotating Display Options
6. GAME INFORMATION
Using Info Mode
6.1 Principal Variation
6.2 Search Information
6.3 Chess Clocks
6.4 Move Count/Game Moves
7. VERIFYING/SETTING UP
POSITIONS
7.1 Verifying Positions
7.2 Changing Positions
8. TECHNICAL DETAILS
8.1 The ACL Function
8.2 Care and Maintenance
8.3 Technical Specifications
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of one of
the most unique and exciting chess computers ever. This
talking computer, with its vast array of special features and
interesting game options, is a real breakthrough in the field
of computer chess. The human-like interaction is guaranteed
to amaze you—this machine is unlike any other. Over twenty
hours of human voice will guide you, train you, and keep you
company while you learn more than you ever imagined you
could about the exciting game of chess. From the friendly
advice on what to do in a certain position, to the warnings
when you’re about to make a mistake, to the in-depth tutorials which take you by the hand and teach you as never
before—with this computer by your side, chess will never be
the same again!
See the “KEYS AND FEATURES” diagram for an
itemized overview of the computer’s main points.
Your computer knows and follows all the rules of chess.
For those who are new to the game, we have enclosed an
overview of the rules. We hope this will help you understand
the game better and get a feel for the strategies involved. For
more detailed information, we suggest a visit to your local
library, where you are sure to find a wealth of interesting
chess books.
1. GETTING STARTED: THE BASICS
1.1 First, Install the Batteries or Adapter
Your chess computer runs on six “C” (AM2/R14) batteries.
Insert the batteries as indicated in the
front of the manual, making sure to observe the correct
polarity. Use fresh alkaline batteries for longer battery life.
Please use only the adapter specified in Section 8.3, as
using any other adapter could damage the computer and will
invalidate your warranty. Please also read the precautionary
information regarding adapter use in Section 8.2. When
using an adapter, first plug it into a wall outlet, and then into
Quick Start
at the
Learn about
opening lines,
opening rules,
and so much
more…
Be sure to check out
Section 4 for all the
Tutorial Lessons!
your computer.
memory contents are not lost, keep good batteries installed
in the unit even when you are using an AC-DC adapter.
To turn the computer on, press GO/STOP. After a brief
start-up procedure, a welcome message will greet you,
signalling that the computer is ready to play. If the unit does
not respond, 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.
To conserve energy and extend battery life, an Auto
Power Down feature will cause the computer to turn
itself off automatically if left idle for about 15 minutes.
Important: To ensure that the computer’s
1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How!
Follow these steps to start a game:
a. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on, if you haven’t
already done so.
b. Press YES/
computer for a new game of chess. You’ll hear
Game
??
? and NO/X simultaneously to reset the
??
New
as a confirmation! Set up the pieces in their
starting positions, with the White pieces nearest to you,
as shown in the
Quick Start.
c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you
want to move until you hear the voice identify that
square. The sensory board registers your move, and
the light in that square turns on. The display also shows
the color, the piece, and the square that was pressed.
d. Take the piece and press it down on the square to
which you are moving. That square will be announced,
and the computer will start thinking about its move.
At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply is often
instantaneous on many levels, because it is playing moves
which are stored in its openings library (for details, see
Section 2.8).
1.3 The Computer Makes Its Move
When the computer moves, it says
shows its move in the display. It also turns on the light in the
square it is moving from. Press the indicated piece down
gently on the from square until the square is announced and
the light in the to square comes on. Move that piece to the to
square and press the piece down to complete the computer’s
move.
Depending on the sound and coaching options currently
in effect, you may also hear other game information during
these early moves. The computer might identify the opening
line and refer you to a tutorial for that specific opening! Or, if
it thinks you need help with rules or strategies, it may offer
advice, referencing related tutorials. You simply couldn’t ask
for a more helpful, patient, and knowledgeable chess tutor!
Move ready
and
1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back
To take a move back for either side, simply retract the
move on the board by moving the piece back to the square
from which it came, pressing down on the squares as you go.
The take-back is announced, the display shows you the
move, and the board lights alternately turn on the to and
from squares to guide you through the take-back. After you
take back one move, the computer will indicate the next
move that can be taken back. You can take back up to 64
individual moves. To resume play at any point, simply make
another move on the board.
ENGLISH
3
Alternatively, you may press BACK when it is your turn to
move, and the computer will guide you through the take-back
procedure as described above.
When you take back captures, castling maneuvers, or
pawn promotions, the computer will remind you of pieces to
be put back on the board! It uses the display, board lights,
and voice to show the piece and position. Press the piece
down on the indicated square to complete the take-back.
1.5 Game Over? Start a New Game
Whenever you finish a game (or if you decide to abort
your current game), you may reset the computer to start a
new game by pressing YES/
New game
another game, using the currently set level.
Caution: Resetting the computer for a new game clears
your current game from the computer’s memory!
message signifies that the computer is ready for
??
? and NO/X simultaneously. A
??
1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change Levels
When the computer is first turned on, it is set to Playing
Level 63, with an average response time of five seconds a
move. However, you can choose from 100 different levels of
play! For detailed descriptions of all levels and instructions
on how to change levels, see Section 3.
1.7 Voice On/Off? It’s Your Choice
Your computer’s informative and entertaining voice is on
Sound Level 2
controls the volume. However, if you would rather have more
voice output, or less, or if you want to turn the sound off
completely, you do have those options! See Section 5.1 for a
complete rundown of all your choices.
Many of the voice examples used in this manual are
based on the computer’s default settings. Depending on
the sound and coaching options you choose in Section
5, you can have as much or as little voice interaction as
you wish!
By the way, if you don’t hear what the computer says at
any point, simply press SAY AGAIN on your turn to have the
last phrase repeated. Pressing this key repeatedly may also
give you other previously spoken information. Note that you
can use this feature regardless of the current Sound Level—
pressing SAY AGAIN will always repeat the phrase(s) that
would have been spoken on Sound Level 4.
by default, and the Volume Control Slider
SPECIAL NOTES REGARDING SOUND
• Control the volume with the Volume Control Slider.
• The Sound Levels determine the amount of voice
interaction, beeps or silence (see Section 5.1).
• The Coach Levels determine the amount of voice
coaching, regardless of the Sound Level setting
(see Section 5.1).
• If you don’t move the computer’s piece on the
board soon after it has announced its move, it
intermittently sounds a series of reminder beeps!
You’ll appreciate this feature on levels where the
computer thinks for a long time—you can walk
away from the game and the repeated beeps will
alert you when the computer has moved! These
beeps also occur at other times—whenever you
hear them, check the board and display to see
what the computer is expecting you to do!
• When you take a tutorial, the current Sound and
Coach Levels may be changed, as required by
that tutorial. These Sound and Coach Levels will
remain in effect upon exiting Tutorial Mode.
• Press SAY AGAIN to have the last phrase re-
peated. Pressing this key repeatedly may also
give you other previously spoken game information. No matter which Sound Level is in effect,
pressing SAY AGAIN will always repeat the
phrase(s) that you would have heard on Sound
Level 4.
piece. It also displays the promotion square and turns on that
board light. Press a Piece Symbol Key (%, $, #, or @) to
identify your new piece, and the pawn promotion or
underpromotion is complete. The computer recognizes your
new piece immediately, and begins thinking about its next
move. Remember to change your piece on the board!
• When the computer promotes a pawn, it indicates its
move as usual, but the display shows both the pawn and its
intended promotion piece. Simply make its move by pressing
the from and to squares as usual. Don’t forget to replace the
computer’s pawn with its new piece.
2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES
2.1 Whose Turn? 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 is displayed steadily to show that it is now White’s
turn to move. This feature allows you to tell at a glance
whether or not the computer is currently thinking, and which
side is to move!
2.2 Captures and Special Moves
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. Captures are displayed as in G6•H5.
En Passant: In an en passant capture, the computer
reminds you to remove the captured pawn and tur ns on the
light in that square. Press down on the captured pawn before
removing it from the board.
Castling: The computer automatically recognizes castling
after the King is moved. After you have pressed the King
down on its from and to squares, the computer reminds you
to move the Rook. Press down on the Rook’s indicated from
and to squares to finish the castling move. A Kingside castle
is displayed as 0-0, and a Queenside castle as 0-0-0.
Pawn Promotion:
• When you promote a pawn, first press your pawn down
on the from
square, the computer will prompt you to select a promotion
square, as usual. As soon as you press the to
2.3 Illegal Moves
Your computer will never accept an illegal move. If you
attempt such a move, the computer will announce your
mistake! If you press the wrong to square, you will hear
Error
, and the display and a board light will indicate the
square the piece came from. To clear the illegal move, press
the piece back down on its from square. If you press down
on the wrong color piece, you will again hear
computer will simply disregard the square you pressed.
If you don’t execute a computer move correctly (if you try
to move its piece to the wrong square), you also get an error
message and a board light identifies the square the piece
should move to. Check the display again for the correct
move. 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 ER:C5 briefly, pointing out your error. The
display then returns to showing the move again (C7-C5),
and the computer expects you to press down on Square c5
to complete its move.
If you press down on a piece and the from square appears in the display, but you decide not to make that move,
simply press down on that same square again to cancel the
input. Then make another move of your choice. If you change
your mind after entering your whole move, take the move
back as described in Section 1.4.
2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw
When a King is in check, the computer will say
After the move is made, CHECK flashes in the display for a
few seconds, along with the checking move. The display then
Error
, and the
Check!
.
4
reverts back to showing the clock. Note that when the computer is in check, the display will revert back to normal
immediately after the CHECK display.
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., =in2 for a mate in two moves). The display then
goes back to showing the clock.
When a game ends in checkmate,
nounced, and the display flashes MATE (along with the
mating move) for a brief time after the move has been made.
The display then goes back to showing the clock.
The computer recognizes draws by stalemate, three-fold
repetition, and the 50-move rule. The voice will announce the
draw, and the display flashes End (along with the drawing
move) for a brief time after the move has been made. The
display then goes back to showing the clock.
2.5 Need a Hint? Just Ask!
Whenever you need help, the computer is glad to oblige!
Press HINT/INFO on your turn, and the computer will display
a suggested move. Displaying this hint usually takes one to
five seconds, but can sometimes take longer. To accept the
hint, make that move on the board. To make a different move,
disregard the hint and make a move of your own, or press
NO/X to cancel the hint display. Note: The hint move is based
on an optimum level rather than the current level.
2.6 Interrupting the Search
To interrupt the computer while it is thinking, simply press
??
YES/
?. This forces the computer to play the best move it has
??
found so far. This feature can be useful on the higher levels,
where the computer can take a long time to move, and on
the Infinite and Tactical Levels, where the computer keeps
thinking indefinitely unless you stop it.
On the Problem Solving Lev els, pressing YES/
Checkmate!
??
?
??
is an-
does not
cause the computer to make a move. Instead, the computer
displays ----- to indicate that it was interrupted before it found
a mate. To continue play, switch to another level.
2.7 Changing Sides
To change sides with the computer, press YES/
is your turn—the computer will then make the next move for
your side. Change sides as often as you wish!
If you want the computer to play the first move for White at
the start of a game, first press YES/
reset for a new game. Then, press YES/
computer will start the game with a White move!
To have the computer play chess against itself, press
??
YES/
? after each move—watch as it plays for both sides of
??
the board, one move after another. Study its strategies—you
might improve your own game!
2.8 Book Openings
At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply is often
instantaneous on many levels, because it is playing moves
from its
most major openings and many positions from grandmaster
play. If the current board position is in its library, the computer plays a response to that position from memory, instead
of thinking about the move. The computer uses its openings
library on all levels except the Problem Solving Levels and
certain Fun Levels.
about openings. Section 5.2 descr ibes how to set Playing
Mode Options to study individual openings. And, in Section
4, you’ll find in-depth voice tutorials on many of the most
popular openings—it’s a great way to strengthen your game!
2.9 Thinking on the Opponent’s Time
replies to your moves immediately, even in the middle of
games played on the higher levels. This is because the
computer thinks on your time, using the time you are contemplating your next move to think ahead and plan its own
openings library.
This computer also offers other unique ways to learn more
As you play, you may notice that the computer sometimes
The computer’s library includes
??
? and NO/X together to
??
??
? again—and the
??
??
? when it
??
Study famous
chess games in
the greatest
detail…
The T utorial Lessons
offer you this unique
opportunity—take a
look at Section 4!
strategies. It tries to anticipate the move you are likely to
make, and calculates its responses for that particular move
while you are still thinking. If the computer has guessed
correctly, there is no reason for it to keep on calculating—it
immediately plays the move it has already found!
Note that the computer does not think on the opponent’s
time on the Fun Levels.
2.10 Game Memory
You may interrupt a game at any time and turn the unit off
by pressing GO/STOP. Play is then suspended, and the
computer stores your current position and game (up to 64
individual moves) for up to one year. When you switch back
on again, you can continue right where you left off!
Tip: If you power your unit with an AC-DC adapter, you
should still keep good batteries installed, to ensure that
memory contents are not lost if the unit is unplugged.
2.11 Auto Power Down
The Auto Power Down option is an energy-saving feature,
causing the computer to automatically turn itself off after
about 15 minutes if no keypresses or moves are made
during that time. To continue where you left off, press GO/
STOP to turn the computer back on.
will not turn itself off while it is thinking about a move.
Note that the computer
3. PLAYING LEVELS
See “PLAYING LEVELS AT A GLANCE” for a listing of
all 100 playing levels.
Your chess computer has 100 unique playing levels to
choose from. These levels are divided into two basic groups:
• 60 HANDICAP LEVELS: These special Fun Levels offer
beginners and average players a chance to learn about
chess and build their skills. On many of the Fun Levels,
you’ll even see the computer make mistakes on purpose—so that you can learn from it!
• 40 COMPETITION LEVELS: These playing levels offer
intermediate and more advanced players a great variety!
They include levels for tournament play, casual and
tactical play, problem solving, and speed chess. When
you set the level, keep in mind that when the computer
has more time to think about its moves, it gets stronger
and plays better—just like a human chess player!
Setting a Playing Level
See “WANT TO SET A PLAYING LEVEL? HERE’S
HOW!” for a detailed example of setting a level.
For a complete overview of all 100 playing levels, please
refer to the Level Chart. The levels are also described individually in this section.
Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the computer
displays the currently selected level. Use the FWD and
BACK keys to increase or decrease the levels by one. As a
shortcut, press LEVEL repeatedly to skip over ten levels at a
time. While changing levels, you will see the display toggle
between the level number and a descriptive level display. For
ENGLISH
5
example, the display for Fun Level 2 will alternate between
L2 and Fun:2. When your desired level is displayed, simply
press YES/
??
? to enter your lev el selection into the computer
??
and exit Level Mode.
If you have pressed LEVEL to verify the level but do not
wish to actually change levels, press NO/X to exit Level
Mode. This returns you to normal play without changing the
level or clock settings, even while the computer is thinking.
Please also note the following, in regard to setting levels:
• The level can be changed at any time during the game.
• Changing the level always resets the chess clocks.
• If you change the level while the computer is thinking,
the clock is reset and the current search is aborted. If
LEVEL is pressed while the computer is thinking but the
level is not changed (that is, if NO/X is pressed instead
of YES/
??
?), the computer will also abort its search.
??
FUN LEVELS
3.1 Fun Levels
LEVEL DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
1 Fun Level 1 ................................... L 1 Fun: 1
2 Fun Level 2 ................................... L 2 Fun: 2
3 Fun Level 3 ................................... L 3 Fun: 3
…ALL THE WAY UP TO…
58 Fun Level 58 ................................. L 58 Fun:58
59 Fun Level 59 ................................. L 59 Fun:59
60 Fun Level 60 ................................. L 60 Fun:60
These unique “Fun Levels” are strongly handicapped and
meant primarily for beginners and younger players. On these
levels, your computer is much more “human” than most other
chess computers—it gives everyone a chance to win, in a
world where chess machines are typically relentless and
often quite difficult to beat. Although the general consensus
seems to be that computers never make mistakes, on some
of these levels, this computer actually does! The Fun Levels
cover a rating range from 0 to 1900 ELO points.
By the way, if you don’t do so well on these levels, the
computer will automatically suggest tutorials for you!
Various handicaps are built into some of these levels,
demonstrating common mistakes made by beginners. You
may see the computer deliberately ignore the material worth
of the pieces, and ignore key concepts such as pawn str ucture, centrality, mobility, and King safety. It may overlook or
walk into mates, develop its Queen too ear ly, and make
impulsive captures and checks. Chess books often advise of
basic rules, yet players see their opponents breaking these
rules and getting away with it. The Fun Levels provide a way
of practicing the punishment of these typical mistakes, thus
enabling the beginner to strengthen his game against the
human opponents he is likely to face!
On some of the weaker Fun Levels, the computer will not
only leave pieces unguarded, but might also actually try to
lose material. Watching the computer throw away its Queen
would not even be uncommon! As the levels get higher, they
give away material less consistently. They progressively start
to consider the material worth of pieces more and more, and
eventually only occasionally give pieces away. On the higher
Fun Levels, the computer doesn’t actually give away material—instead, it plays more like a beginner who has learned
the basics of the game. You might still see it make mistakes
such as opening itself up to threats of check or checkmate.
Why not try out all the Fun Levels—and try to learn from the
computer’s mistakes.
COMPETITION LEVELS
3.2 Casual Play Levels
LEVEL AVERAGE TIME PER MOVE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
61 1 second per move ...................... L 61 L 0:01
62 2 seconds per move .................... L 62 L 0:02
63 5 seconds per move .................... L 63 L 0:05
64 10 seconds per move .................... L 64 L 0:10
65 15 seconds per move .................... L 65 L 0:15
66 30 seconds per move .................... L 66 L 0:30
67 45 seconds per move .................... L 67 L 0:45
68 1 minute per move....................... L 68 L 1:00
WANT TO SET A PLAYING LEVEL?
HERE’S HOW!
1. Press LEVEL. The current playing
level is displayed.
Let’s say you want to select the first
LEVEL
FWD
BACK
LEVEL
YES/
For more info on choosing levels, see Section 3.
69 2 minutes per move ..................... L 69 L 2:00
70 3 minutes per move ..................... L 70 L 3:00
The first ten Competition Levels are meant for casual
chess play. Whenever you choose one of these levels, you
are selecting an average response time for the computer. On
these levels, the computer uses a Selective Search, allowing
it to quickly come up with move combinations which would
otherwise take much longer to find.
Note that the response 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.
3.3 Tournament Levels
LEVEL NUMBER OF MOVES/TOTAL TIME ALTERNATING DISPLAY
71 40 moves in 1 hour 20 min............ L 71 1:20:40
72 40 moves in 1 hour 30 min............ L 72 1:30:40
73 35 moves in 1 hour 45 min............ L 73 1:45:35
74 40 moves in 1 hour 45 min............ L 74 1:45:40
75 35 moves in 1 hour 30 min............ L 75 1:30:35
76 40 moves in 2 hours...................... L 76 2:00:40
77 45 moves in 2 hours 30 min.......... L 77 2:30:45
78 50 moves in 2 hours...................... L 78 2:00:50
79 40 moves in 2 hours 30 min.......... L 79 2:30:40
80 40 moves in 3 hours...................... L 80 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 announces this (e.g.,
displays timE along with the elapsed time to show that the
game is over.
If you select a Tournament Level, you may want to set the
clocks to display countdown time instead of the elapsed time
(see Section 5.1). When the game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts back to the normal display.
3.4 Speed Chess Levels
LEVEL TOTAL TIME PER GAME ALTERNATING DISPLAY
81 5 minutes ..................................... L 81 0:05:99
82 7 minutes ..................................... L 82 0:07:99
83 10 minutes ..................................... L 83 0:10:99
84 15 minutes ..................................... L 84 0:15:99
85 20 minutes ..................................... L 85 0:20:99
Speed Chess Level.
2. Press FWD or BACK to increase or
decrease the levels by one. Watch
for Speed Chess Level 81 (L 81),
displayed as 0:05:99.
SHORTCUT: To skip over ten levels
at a time, press LEVEL repeatedly!
3. When L 81 and 0:05:99 are
displayed, you are on the correct
Speed Chess Level.
4. Press YES/? to enter this level into
the computer. That’s it!
Select any other level the same way! The
Level Chart shows you the different displays.
White loses on time)
and
6
NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEVEL?
SOME TIPS FOR YOU
• Are you a beginning player?
Fun Levels. These levels restrict the search depth
and contain built-in handicaps, resulting in weaker
play. This gives you a chance to learn about the
game and perhaps even beat the computer! These
60 levels get progressively more difficult as they go
up—as you conquer each level, go on to the next!
• Are you an intermediate or more advanced
chess player?
Try the Casual Play Levels, which
range from easy all the way up to a more difficult
three-minute response time on Level 70. For real
excitement, challenge the computer to some fastpaced games of Speed Chess! And, if you are up to
the most demanding levels, be sure to have a go at
the Tournament Levels.
• Learn by watching the computer!
styles of play based on the type of search. Use
Playing Mode to switch between the Selective
Search and Brute Force Search algorithms—look
for differences in how the computer plays!
•Want to experiment?
Use the Problem Solving
Levels to solve problems up to mate in eight—try
searching from a position in one of your own
games, or set up an actual mate problem. Select
the Infinite Level or the Tactical Level and have the
computer analyze complicated positions for hours
or even days! Turn on the Rotating Display Options
and watch its thought process in the greatest detail!
86 30 minutes ..................................... L 86 0:30:99
87 45 minutes ..................................... L 87 0:45:99
88 60 minutes ..................................... L 88 1:00:99
89 90 minutes ..................................... L 89 1:30:99
90 100 min utes..................................... L 90 1:40:99
On the Speed Chess Levels (also called “Sudden Death”
Levels), you set the total time for the whole game. If the
game time is exceeded, the computer announces this (e.g.,
Black loses on time)
and flashes timE along with the
elapsed time to show that the game is over.
If you select a Speed Chess Level, you may want to set
the clocks to display countdown time instead of elapsed time
(see Section 5.1). When the time runs out, the countdown
clock automatically reverts back to the normal clock display.
3.5 Problem Solving Levels
LEVEL PROBLEM ALTERNATING DISPLAY
91 Mate in 1 ....................................... L 91 =in 1
92 Mate in 2 ....................................... L 92 =in 2
93 Mate in 3 ....................................... L 93 =in 3
94 Mate in 4 ....................................... L 94 =in 4
95 Mate in 5 ....................................... L 95 =in 5
96 Mate in 6 ....................................... L 96 =in 6
97 Mate in 7 ....................................... L 97 =in 7
98 Mate in 8 ....................................... L 98 =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 Problem Solving Levels. Your chess
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 cannot find a mate, it will
display a series of dashes (-----). You may continue to play, if
desired, by switching levels.
Start out with the
Study different
PLAYING LEVELS AT A GLANCE
For more details, see Section 3.
FUN LEVELS
DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
1 Fun Level 1.................................... L 1 Fun: 1
2 Fun Level 2.................................... L 2 Fun: 2
3 Fun Level 3.................................... L 3 Fun: 3
…ALL THE WAY UP TO…
58 Fun Level 58 .................................. L 58 Fun:58
59 Fun Level 59 .................................. L 59 Fun:59
60 Fun Level 60 .................................. L 60 Fun:60
CASUAL PLAY LEVELS
AVERAGE TIME PER MOVE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
61 1 second per move ...................... L 61 L 0:01
62 2 seconds per move .................... L 62 L 0:02
63 5 seconds per move .................... L 63 L 0:05
64 10 seconds per move .................... L 64 L 0:10
65 15 seconds per move .................... L 65 L 0:15
66 30 seconds per move .................... L 66 L 0:30
67 45 seconds per move .................... L 67 L 0:45
68 1 minute per move ....................... L 68 L 1:00
69 2 minutes per move ..................... L 69 L 2:00
70 3 minutes per move ..................... L 70 L 3:00
TOURNAMENT LEVELS
NUMBER OF MOVES/TOTAL TIME ALTERNATING DISPLAY
71 40 moves in 1 hour 20 min. ...........L 71 1:20:40
72 40 moves in 1 hour 30 min. ...........L 72 1:30:40
73 35 moves in 1 hour 45 min. ...........L 73 1:45:35
74 40 moves in 1 hour 45 min. ...........L 74 1:45:40
75 35 moves in 1 hour 30 min. ...........L 75 1:30:35
76 40 moves in 2 hours ......................L 76 2:00:40
77 45 moves in 2 hours 30 min. ......... L 77 2:30:45
78 50 moves in 2 hours ......................L 78 2:00:50
79 40 moves in 2 hours 30 min. ......... L 79 2:30:40
80 40 moves in 3 hours ......................L 80 3:00:40
SPEED CHESS LEVELS
TOTAL TIME PER GAME ALTERNATING DISPLAY
81 5 minutes.....................................L 81 0:05:99
82 7 minutes.....................................L 82 0:07:99
83 10 minutes ..................................... L 83 0:10:99
84 15 minutes ..................................... L 84 0:15:99
85 20 minutes ..................................... L 85 0:20:99
86 30 minutes ..................................... L 86 0:30:99
87 45 minutes ..................................... L 87 0:45:99
88 60 minutes ..................................... L 88 1:00:99
89 90 minutes ..................................... L 89 1:30:99
90 100 minutes .....................................L 90 1:40:99
PROBLEM SOLVING LEVELS
PROBLEM ALTERNATING DISPLAY
91 Mate in 1........................................L 91 =in 1
92 Mate in 2........................................L 92 =in 2
93 Mate in 3........................................L 93 =in 3
94 Mate in 4........................................L 94 =in 4
95 Mate in 5........................................L 95 =in 5
96 Mate in 6........................................L 96 =in 6
97 Mate in 7........................................L 97 =in 7
98 Mate in 8........................................L 98 =in 8
TACTICAL LEVEL
DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
99 Tactical Play (no time limit) ............L 99 tact
ENGLISH
3.6 Tactical Level
LEVEL DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
99 Tactical Play (no time limit) ........... L 99 tact
On the Tactical Level, the computer plays differently
because it employs a different search method. On this level,
INFINITE LEVEL
DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
100 Infinite (no time limit) ..................... L100 9:99:99
7
the computer’s goal is to find the best tactical sequence
more quickly than it would on a normal playing level. This
level is similar to the Infinite Level described in Section 3.7,
in that it searches indefinitely until you stop the search by
pressing YES/
Tactical Level for experimentation, allowing the computer to
concentrate fully on special tactical positions!
3.7 Infinite Level
LEVEL DESCRIPTION ALTERNATING DISPLAY
100 Infinite (no time limit)..................... L100 9:99:99
On the Infinite Level, the computer searches indefinitely,
until it finds a forced mate or until you stop the search by
pressing YES/
the move it currently thinks is best. Try experimenting with
this level—set up special board positions and let the computer analyze them for you! It will think for hours and even
days on end, trying to come up with the best possible move.
And don’t forget to watch it as it thinks—take advantage of
the Rotating Display feature described in Section 5.4!
??
?, or until it finds a forced mate. Use the
??
??
?. If the search is halted, the computer makes
??
4. TUTORIAL LESSONS
About the Tutorials
See “LEARN ALL ABOUT CHESS WITH 100 VOICE
TUTORIALS” for a listing of all the Tutorial Lessons.
One of the most unique features of this computer is its
ability to teach you all about the game of chess! With 100
Tutorial Lessons to choose from, you can improve your skills
tremendously with this feature. And, with over three hours of
human voice instructing you, you’ll feel like you have a
personal trainer sitting right by your side! Perfect for all types
of players, the tutorials cover a broad range of lessons:
• Basic chess moves and elementary rules
•Various types of basic endgames
• Detailed information on opening rules and systems
• Advice on tactical play and combinations
• In depth studies of pawn structure
• Examples of typical mating schemes
• Replays and annotated studies of famous chess
matches and games played by wor ld champions
These built-in tutorials have so much to offer—and, as you
will see, the voice that guides you through each tutorial
makes learning so easy! Simply follow the spoken instructions, watch the display window and board lights—you’ll be
amazed at how much fun it is to learn chess this way!
4.1 Selecting a Tutorial Lesson
See “WANT TO SELECT A TUTORIAL? HERE’S
HOW!” for an illustrated, step-by-step example.
Refer to the Tutorial Chart to choose one of the builtin lessons. Press TUTORIAL, and the display will show the
current Tutorial Lesson. Use the FWD and BACK keys to
increase or decrease the lessons by one. As a shortcut,
pressing TUTORIAL increases the lessons by ten. When
your desired tutorial is displayed, press YES/
selection into the computer and start your tutorial. Please
also note the following:
•Tutorial Lessons can be changed at any time. If you
change in the middle of a tutorial, that lesson is discontinued and the new one begins.
•To view the current Tutorial Lesson at any time, press
TUTORIAL. If you then press NO/X to exit, level and
clock settings will not be changed, and any current
lesson will not be interrupted.
• If you should press an invalid key during a tutorial, you’ll
hear
That key is not allowed here, That is incorrect
Invalid key
•To exit Tutorial Mode during a lesson, press NO/X at any
time (except when the computer is waiting for an answer
or input from you). The computer will ask if you want to
leave the lesson—press YES/
.
??
? to confirm. Note that the
??
??
? to enter your
??
, or
WANT TO SELECT A TUTORIAL?
HERE’S HOW!
1. Press TUTORIAL and the current
Tutorial Lesson is displayed.
Let’s say you want to select the
TUTORIAL
FWD
BACK
TUTORIAL
YES/
For more info on choosing Tutorials, see Section 4.
board position is the same as when you left the tutorial.
Reset for a new game, if desired, by simultaneously
pressing YES/
• The Sound and Coach Levels may be changed automatically by the current tutorial. These same Sound and
Coach Levels will remain in effect when you exit Tutorial
Mode.
• Do not attempt to change the Sound or Coach Levels
during a tutorial.
• When a tutorial ends, the level of play and/or certain
Option Mode settings may be changed automatically,
depending on which tutorial you have completed. Check
the current settings for your own information, and then
try to practice what you have just learned!
4.2 Tips on Taking Tutorials
Now you’re ready to start your selected tutorial! The voice
coach automatically takes over, and the computer explains
exactly what you should do. Depending on the tutorial you
have chosen, the computer may start by explaining a game
concept, or having you set up a certain position. If a tutorial
asks you to set up a new game (the display shows Start),
set up the pieces and then press YES/
the way, you may be asked to solve quizzes such as finding
the best move and identifying key squares—anything can
happen! You will see displays such as test and t:f (truefalse) as the computer tests you. To respond, you might have
to press a square, make a move, or simply press YES/
NO/X to answer a question or confirm a true-false statement.
While the unit awaits your input, “reminder beeps” will sound.
After you respond, the tutorial will continue.
Remember: If you don’t hear what the computer says,
press SAY AGAIN. Pressing this key repeatedly may
also give you other previously spoken information. You
can use this feature regardless of the current Sound
Level—pressing SAY AGAIN will always repeat the
phrase(s) that you would have heard on Sound Level 4.
tutorial on Opening traps.
2. Press FWD or BACK to increase or
decrease the tutorials by one. Watch
for Tutorial Lesson 30 (tu 30),
displayed as trAPS.
SHORTCUT: To skip over ten
lessons at a time, press TUTORIAL
repeatedly!
3. When tu 30 and trAPS are
displayed, you have found the
correct tutorial.
4. Press YES/? to enter this lesson
into the computer. That’s it!
See the Tutorial Chart for a complete
list of all 100 Tutorials.
??
? and NO/X.
??
??
? to continue. Along
??
??
? or
??
8
LEARN ALL ABOUT CHESS WITH 100 VOICE TUTORIALS
For detailed instructions, see Section 4.
LEARNING THE RULES
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
1 Notation (board, squares) ...............tu 1 nOtAt --
2Moving King + Queen ..................... tu 2 rULES %&
3 Check.............................................. tu 3 CHEC --
4 Mate................................................ tu 4 MAtE --
5Moving Rook + Bishop + Knight ..... tu 5 rULES @#$
6Moving pawn...................................tu 6 rULES !
7Pawn promotion ..............................tu 7 PROmO --
8 Piece values ................................... tu 8 COUnt --
9 Special rules: En passant ............... tu 9 EnPAS --
10 Special r ules: Castling .................... tu 10 CASt --
SIMPLE ENDGAMES
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
11 King + Queen.................................. tu 11 EndGA %&
12 King + Rook....................................tu 12 EndGA $&
13 King + 2 Bishops............................. tu 13 EndGA #&
14 King + 2 Knights ............................. tu 14 EndGA @&
15 King + Bishop + Knight...................tu 15 EndGA @#&
16 Opposition I: King + pawn ...............tu 16 OPPOS !&
17 Rule of Square: King + pawn .......... tu 17 SQUAr !&
18 Zugzwang: King + pawn ................. tu 18 FOrCE !&
19 Opposition II: King + pawn ..............tu 19 OPPOS !&
20 Promotion: King + pawn.................. tu 20 PrOmO !&
GOLDEN OPENING RULES
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
21 Central pawns ................................. tu 21 Cent !
22 Center control .................................tu 22 COnt --
23 Develop with threat ......................... tu 23 dEvEL --
24 First Knight, then Bishop ................ tu 24 First --
25 Move piece only once ..................... tu 25 OncE --
26 No unmotivated pawn moves.......... tu 26 MOtIv --
27 Castling (safety) .............................. tu 27 CASt --
28 Don’t develop Queen too early ....... tu 28 dEvEL %
29 Strong center squares .................... tu 29 CEnt --
30 Opening tr aps .................................tu 30 trAPS --
TACTICS/COMBINATIONS
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
51 Sacrifices ........................................ tu 51 SACrI --
52 Tricky (feigned) sacrifices ............... tu 52 trIC --
53 Pins .................................................tu 53 PInS --
54 Pawn forks ...................................... tu 54 FOr !
55 Knight forks .....................................tu 55 FOr @
56 Discovered check ........................... tu 56 dISCO --
57 Double discovered check................tu 57 dOUbL --
58 Steering .......................................... tu 58 StEEr --
59 Diversion .........................................tu 59 dISIO --
60 Practice positions............................tu 60 PrAC --
PAWN STRUCTURE
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
61 Pawn definitions I............................tu 61 dEFI --
62 Pawn definitions II...........................tu 62 dEFI --
63 Pawn structures .............................. tu 63 StrUC --
64 Central pawns ................................. tu 64 CEnt --
65 Isolanis ........................................... tu 65 ISOLA --
66 Doubled pawns ............................... tu 66 dOUbL --
67 Outside pawns ................................ tu 67 OUtPA --
68 Backward pawns.............................tu 68 bACPA --
69 Pawn storm ..................................... tu 69 StOrm --
70 Stalemate ....................................... tu 70 StALE --
TYPICAL MATING SCHEMES
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
71 Back-rank mate...............................tu 71 bACrA --
72 Smothered mate.............................tu 72 SNOtH --
73 Arabian mate ..................................tu 73 ArAb --
74 Anastasia mate............................... tu 74 AnAS --
75 Greco’s mate ..................................tu 75 GrECO --
76 Reti’s mate ...................................... tu 76 rEtI --
77 Morphy’s mate ................................ tu 77 MOrPH --
78 Damiano’s mate .............................. tu 78 dANIA --
79 Swallowtail mate ............................. tu 79 TAIL --
80 Epaulette mate ............................... tu 80 EPAUL --
ENGLISH
OPENING SYSTEMS I
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
31 Names of openings.........................tu 31 nAmES --
32 Open games: Italian........................tu 32 Ital --
33 Open games: Spanish .................... tu 33 SPan --
34 Open games: King/Center Gambit..tu 34 Gbit --
35 Open games: Russian .................... tu 35 ruSS --
36 Open games: Scottish .................... tu 36 Scot --
37 Semi-open games: Sicilian ............. tu 37 Sici --
38 Semi-open games: French.............. tu 38 Fran --
39 Semi-open games: Caro-Kann ....... tu 39 Caro --
40 Semi-open games: Scandinavian ... tu 40 Scan --
OPENING SYSTEMS II
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
41 Semi-open games: Alekhine........... tu 41 ALEn --
42 Closed games: Queen’s Gambit ..... tu 42 Gbit %
43 Closed games: King’s Indian .......... tu 43 Indˆ &
44 Closed games: Gruenfeld Indian .... tu 44 Grun --
45 Closed games: Nimzo-Indian..........tu 45 Ntch --
46 Closed games: Queen’s Indian.......tu 46 Indˆ %
47 Dutch Defense ................................ tu 47 Holl --
48 English Opening ............................. tu 48 EnGL --
49 Various gambits .............................. tu 49 GbitS --
50 Special openings ............................ tu 50 SPEC --
SAMPLE GAMES
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
81 Well-known teen games .................tu 81 tEEnS --
82 Well-known teen games .................tu 82 tEEnS --
83 Well-known teen games .................tu 83 tEEnS --
84 Well-known teen games .................tu 84 tEEnS --
85 Famous games ............................... tu 85 FAmE --
86 Famous games ............................... tu 86 FAmE --
87 Famous games ............................... tu 87 FAmE --
88 Young and wild (Kramnik)...............tu 88 YOUnG --
89 Young and wild (Topalov)................tu 89 YOUnG --
90 Young and wild (Anand).................. tu 90 YOUnG --
WORLD CHAMPIONS
LESSON ALTERNATING DISPLAY
91 Steinitz............................................ tu 91 StEIn --
92 Lasker ............................................. tu 92 LASK --
93 Capablanca.....................................tu 93 CAPA --
94 Euwe ...............................................tu 94 EUE --
95 Botvinnik .........................................tu 95 bOt --
96 Tal ................................................... tu 96 tAL --
97 Petrosian.........................................tu 97 PEtrO --
98 Spassky..........................................tu 98 SPASS --
99 Karpov ............................................ tu 99 KArPO --
100 Kasparov.........................................tu100 KASPA --
9
5. GAME OPTIONS
In addition to all the features described so far, your chess
computer also offers many other intriguing game options, all
of which are user-selectable at any time during the game.
The options are described individually in this section, and
summarized in the Option Mode Chart.
Selecting Game Options
See “OPTION MODE: A COMPLETE OVERVIEW” for
a chart summarizing how to use Option Mode. It also
shows all your option choices at a glance!
The Game Options are divided into four main groups:
Operation Mode, Playing Mode, Opening Rules, and Rotating Display.
another. Each main group contains a number of different
sub-groups, and the FWD and BACK keys are used to cycle
through the options within each of the groups. For most
options, a plus (+) in the display indicates the displayed
option is ON, and a minus (–) means the option is OFF.
Press YES/
settings (if any), as they are displayed. Remember that
pressing OPTION cycles through the four main groups, so
you can switch to any of the four main groups at any time.
After you have made your option selections from any or all of
the option groups, press NO/X to exit Option Mode and
return to normal game play.
Note that two options don’t conform to the basic on (+)
and off (–) setting procedure described above. These include
the
Sound Level and Coach Level options.
see the individual descriptions in this section.
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 an asterisk (*).
Whenever you reset the computer for a new game, most of
your selected options are carried over to the next game.
Some exceptions are Auto Response, which is automatically
set back to ON when you start a new game, and Play White
from Top, which is automatically set back to OFF.
5.1 Operation Mode Options
See “OPTION MODE: A COMPLETE OVERVIEW” for
a chart showing all the Operation Mode Options.
Press OPTION once to select the Operation Mode
Options. Then, use the FWD and BACK ke ys to select the
options within this group. Press YES/
ON or OFF, or to select level settings (if any).
a. Auto Response
On:+Aut Off:-Aut
Normally, the computer automatically answers with a
countermove whenever you enter a move. If you tur n Auto
Response off, however, you can enter any number of moves
one by one, without allowing the computer to answer. This
feature can be used in a number of ways:
• Play through master games. Press YES/
•Keep records of your own games. When a game is over,
• Study opening book lines by entering them manually.
• Play against a friend, with the computer acting as a
• Replay to any board position for further study.
If you have some of the coaching features in effect, you
can learn as you go, even when playing against a friend. The
computer will watch as you play, and give both sides hints,
suggestions, warnings, and references to tutorials you might
want to take to improve your game.
When playing against another person, if you want to see
what the computer would do in your position, press YES/
and it will make your next move. After it has moved, Auto
Pressing OPTION cycles from one group to
??
? to turn the options on or off or to select level
??
For more details,
??
? to turn the options
??
??
? to see what
the computer would do in any position.
play to certain board positions to see how other moves
or different strategies might have affected the outcome.
referee by checking all moves for legality and keeping
track of the time for both sides.
??
??
?
??
Response remains off, and you can continue play.
Note that this option will automatically go back to its
default setting of
simultaneously pressing YES/
+Aut
whenever you start a new game by
??
?
and NO/X.
??
b. Sound Levels
Options:-Snd, Snd1, Snd2, Snd3, Snd4
Your computer has five different Sound Level settings,
giving you complete control over your desired amount of
voice interaction! To choose a Sound Level, repeatedly press
??
YES/
? to select one of the levels. When the level you want is
??
displayed, either go on to select other options or exit Option
Mode—the Sound Level that was last displayed will automatically be in effect. Note that when you first turn the computer on, it defaults to Sound Level 2.
• -SnD:
• SnD1:
• SnD2:
• SnD3:
• SnD4:
Sound Off.
voice to acknowledge the basics (such as
Move Ready, Check,
Level together with the Coaching Off Level (-Coch),
you will get complete silence—a very convenient option
for those late-night chess games!
Minimal Nonverbal.
various types of beeps and other game sounds instead
of voice output. This level is considered “minimal” because the computer will only acknowledge the basics,
such as your moves, keypresses and certain events
(new game, move ready, check, etc.).
simulates most other non-voice chess computers.
Minimal V erbal.
equivalent of Sound Level 1—the voice will announce
the basics. You’ll hear, for example,
the computer moves,
when square E2 is pressed, etc.
Functional.
what is happening functionally. For example, instead of
simply saying
??
YES/
? is pressed to exit Level Mode, here the voice will
??
say
New level selected, along with a verbal description
of the newly selected level.
are described as they are selected, as in
83: 10 minutes per game
All On (Demo).
says everything possible. Choose this level when you
don’t want to miss a single thing—and when you want to
show off your computer’s extraordinary voice capabilities
to all your friends!
On this level, there is no beep or
New Game,
etc.). When you choose this Sound
On this level, you will hear
This level basically
This level is essentially the voice
Move ready
Error
when a mistake occurs,
On this level, the voice will describe
New level
(as on Sound Level 2) when
Similarly, levels and options
Level Number
and
Auto Response on
On Sound Level 4, the machine
when
E2
.
Remember that the Volume Control Slider controls the
volume, and the Tutorial Lessons and Coach Levels have
voice “scripts” of their own, regardless of the currently selected Sound Level. For other important points regarding the
computer’s voice and sound features, see “SPECIAL
NOTES REGARDING SOUND” in Section 2.
c. Coach Levels
Options:-Coch, Coch1, Coch2, Coch3
With four different Coach Levels to choose from, you can
select just the right amount of coaching for your personal
needs! To choose a Coach Level, press YES/
select the setting you want. When your desired level is
displayed, either go on to select other options or exit Option
Mode—the Coach Level that was last displayed will be in
effect automatically. Note that when you first turn the computer on, it defaults to Coach Level 2.
• -Coch:
want any of the coaching features turned on.
• Coch1:
more advanced player. Here, the computer assumes that
you are familiar with obvious tactics and strategies, and
thus will not bring them to your attention. It may, however, make you aware of advanced strategies and tactics
which are not obvious, such as sacrifices or combinations. It will also identify the names of openings.
• Coch2:
computer gives the amount of assistance it deems
appropriate for a “regular” chess player—someone who
can see the most blatantly obvious points, but who also
Coaching Off.
Select this option if you do not
Minimal Coaching.
Normal Coaching.
This level is meant for the
On this Coach Level, the
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10
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