QUICK START

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

1 Insert six “AA” (Type AM3/R6) batteries

into the computer, making sure to observe
the correct polarity. If desired, you may
6 x AA/AM3/R6

also purchase an optional AC adapter for

use with this unit.

2 Press GO to turn the game on. If the

computer does not respond, press into the
hole marked ACL at the top edge of the
GO

unit (next to the adapter socket), as

described in Sections 1.1 or 7.1.

8
7
6

3
5

Set up the chess pieces in the initial 3

4

starting position for a new game, with the 1

A
B

White pieces closest to you.

C
D
E
F
G
H

4 To reset the computer for a NEW GAME of

chess, simultaneously press the CLEAR
and ENTER keys.
CLEAR

NEW GAME
ENTER

5 Enter moves by executing them on the

board, pressing the chess pieces down
gently on the from and to squares for PRESS
each move.
PRESS

6 As soon as the computer makes a move,

that move is shown in the display window.
Two board lights also come on to point to
the row and column of the piece to be
moved. Press the computer’s piece lightly ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ
ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ
onto the indicated from and to squares to ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ ዐ屁屃屁屃居屃屁屃ዐ
complete the computer’s move. That’s all ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ
ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ ዎ居巀居巀屁巀居巀ዎ
there is to it! ው巀居巀居屄居巀居ው ው巀居巀居屄居巀居ው
ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ
Make your next move as described above. ዋ屄层屄层巀层屄层ዋ ዋ屄层屄层巀层屄层ዋ
ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ
Press STOP at any time to turn the ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ
computer off. Enjoy your game!
 ENGLISH
8

3
GO STOP LEVEL

1
POSITION OPTION INFO TAKE BACK

BLACK /+ WHITE /– CLEAR ENTER

A B C D E F G H
NEW GAME

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each board square contains a g. INFO KEY: Press to enter Info Mode, to display game
sensor that automatically registers piece movement. Board information and watch the computer think.
squares can also be pressed within Level Mode to select levels, h. TAKE BACK KEY: Press to take back one individual
and within Option Mode to select game options. move (a move for either side). You may take back up to
2. ACL (Reset): At the top edge of the unit (next to the Mains about 200 individual moves.
Adapter Socket). Used to eliminate static discharge after i. BLACK/+ and WHITE/– KEYS: Press to change levels one
inserting new batteries. at a time in Level Mode, and to cycle through options in
3. MAINS ADAPTER SOCKET: Socket for the optional Mephisto Option Mode and Info Mode. Also used to select the color in
mains adapter. Position Mode.
4. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: Uses six “AA” (Type AM3/R6) j. CLEAR KEY: Press to exit Option Mode, Verify Mode, Two
batteries. Players Mode and Position Mode. Press to exit Level Mode
5. LCD DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves and move without changing the level (unless you have used the board
information during a game. Also used for level and option squares to change the level in which case CLEAR acts like
selection, piece verification, position set-up, rotating display, ENTER and enters the new level). Press simultaneously with
and other game information. the ENTER KEY to reset the computer for a new game of
6. GAME KEYS chess.
a. GO KEY: Press to turn the computer on. k. ENTER KEY: Press to change sides with the computer;
b. STOP KEY: Press to turn the computer off. When off, the press while the computer is thinking to force it to move. Also
computer retains the current board position and the moves of used to clear the board in Position Mode, to turn options on
the current game (up to about 200 individual moves) for up and off in Option Mode, to jump between backwards and
to one full year. forwards in a Game in Two Players Mode and to exit Level
c. LEVEL KEY: Press to enter Level Mode. Within Level Mode, Mode after changing playing levels. Press together with the
press LEVEL to skip over eight levels at a time. CLEAR KEY to reset the computer for a new game of chess.
d. PIECE SYMBOL KEYS (尯, 尳, 尷, 尻, 尿, or 屃): Used to l. NEW GAME: Press and hold CLEAR then ENTER to reset
verify and set up positions. Also used to promote pawns. the computer for a new game. Then release ENTER before
e. POSITION KEY: Press to enter Position Mode, to set up or releasing CLEAR.
change board positions. 7. BOARD LIGHTS: Used to show game moves, take back
f. OPTION KEY: Press to enter Option Mode, to access game moves, and verify/set-up board positions.
and display options.

3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of this exciting new SPECIAL FEATURES AT A GLANCE!
chess computer! Perfect for all types of players, this • Strong 64K program boasts an estimated Swedish Elo rating
computer can be whatever you want it to be—a challeng- of 2200—ideal for advanced players!
ing opponent that will test the skills of even advanced • Features powerful 32 bit RISC microprocessor!
players, a perfect chess partner for intermediate players, • The 256 level setting means you can constantly improve your
or a patient chess coach for beginners! Chess is a very skills.
fascinating game, and this computer includes a tremen- • Offers 64 levels of play for learning, variety, and experimen-
tation—including Speed Chess, Tournament, Training,
dous number of features that will let you enjoy the game
Problem Solving, and even special Fun Levels designed
even more. So, go ahead—study the features at your expressly for beginners!
leisure, play some great games, and above all, have fun! • Watch the computer as it thinks—you’ll see the principal
variation, the computer’s evaluation of the current position, its
search depth, and more!
1. GETTING STARTED: THE BASICS • Need a hint? Just ask for a move suggestion!
• Set up positions and problems for further study.
1 First, Install the Batteries or Optional Adapter
Your chess computer runs on six “AA” (Type AM3/
R6) batteries, and we recommend alkaline batteries for
• Use the advanced, high-speed Selective Search or try out the
powerful Brute Force Search!
• Includes large, user-selectable openings.
longer battery life. Make sure the computer is turned off, • Coach Mode allows beginners to learn as they play—even
and insert the batteries as shown at the front of the gives blunder and capture warnings!
manual. Then, press GO to turn the computer on. After the • Features chess clock with countdown feature and unique
unit automatically verifies the board lights and LCD display “ticking” sound option.
• Take back up to about 200 individual moves!
segments, a beep will signal that the computer is ready for • Play against another person with the computer acting as
play. If the unit fails to respond (static discharge may referee.
cause it to lock up), use a paper clip or another sharp • Great problem-solver—up to mate in eight moves!
object to press down into the hole marked ACL on the top • Retains your current position and up to about the last 200
edge of the unit (next to the adapter socket) for at least individual moves!
one second. This resets the computer. • Advanced energy-saving features—Automatic Power Down
and built-in Power Management Intelligence help to save
To conserve energy and extend battery life, this unit
energy and conserve batteries!
features integrated Power Management Intelligence, • Four different Power Saving Mode options enhance the
whereby the computer enters a special Power Saving playing range by further weakening play while saving power,
Mode at various times during the game. There will be no extending the life of your batteries up to about eight times!
visible indication to you when this mode is in effect. You
will, however, definitely end up replacing your batteries
less often! Note that this mode also weakens the d. Take the piece and gently press it down on the square
computer’s play. For details on changing Power Saving to which you are moving. A second beep sounds and
Modes or turning this option off, see Section 6.2. To the computer then starts thinking.
further reduce power consumption, you may also want to Note: At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply
set the Auto Power Down option, as noted in Section 6.1. is often instantaneous on many levels, because it is
This feature causes the unit to turn itself off automatically playing moves which are stored in its openings. For full
after about 15 minutes if no keypresses or moves are details, see Section 2.7.
made during that time.
If you would rather not power your computer with
batteries, you may purchase an optional Mephisto/Saitek
AC-DC adapter. Please use only the adapter specified for
3 Now It’s The Computer’s Turn
When the computer makes its move, it beeps and
shows its move in the display. It also turns on two board
use with this computer (see Section 7.3), as the use of lights indicating the horizontal row and vertical column of
any other adapter will invalidate the unit’s warranty. To the piece it wishes to move. Press the indicated piece
use the adapter, first press STOP to turn off the com- down gently on the square until you hear a beep. The
puter, connect the adapter to the mains power supply, computer then uses lights to show you where that piece
and then push the plug at the end of the adapter cable should go. Move the piece to the indicated square and
into the socket on the computer. Press GO to turn it on. press the piece down to complete the computer’s move.
IMPORTANT: To ensure that the computer’s memory
contents are not lost, keep good batteries installed in the
unit even when you are using the optional adapter.

2 Ready to Play? Here’s How to Move!

Follow these steps to start a game:
a. Press GO to turn the computer on.
The display shows the color, the piece, and the move.
b. Press CLEAR and ENTER simultaneously to reset the
computer for a new game of chess. Then, set up the
pieces in their starting positions, with the White pieces 4 Change Your Mind? Take Back!
Whenever it is your turn to move, you may press
TAKE BACK then press WHITE/– to retract a move. The
nearest to you. If you are unsure of the piece
positions, refer to the rules. display shows the move to be taken back and the to
c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you square of that move is also indicated with the board lights.
want to move until you hear a beep. The sensory Press the indicated piece down on the square, and the
board recognizes the piece automatically, and two computer shows you where that piece came from. Press
board lights turn on to indicate that piece. The display the piece down on the from square to complete the take-
window also shows the color, the piece, and the back. Repeat by pressing WHITE/– and then pressing the
square that was pressed. indicated board square to retract more moves. You may

4
take back up to about 200 individual moves. To resume your desired promotion piece to enter that choice into the
play at any point, simply press CLEAR and make another computer. The computer recognizes your new piece
move on the board. immediately, and begins thinking about its next move.
Note: After taking back a capture, the computer re- The computer can also promote and underpromote.
minds you to put the captured piece back on the board— When it promotes, the display shows both the pawn and

ENGLISH
the piece and its square are displayed, and the board the promoted piece. Remember to change the piece on
lights for that square are turned on. Put the indicated the board after a pawn promotion.
piece back on the board and press down on that square
to complete the take back. 2.3 Illegal Moves/Wrong Moves
Your chess computer never accepts illegal moves. If

5 Game Over? Try Another Game!

Whenever you finish a game (or if you decide to abort
your current game) you may reset the computer to start
you attempt such a move, the computer sounds a low
double beep, and the board lights and display indicate the
square the piece came from. Since the computer will not
another game by pressing the CLEAR and ENTER keys allow you to move to an illegal square, it will completely
simultaneously. A series of beeps signifies that the disregard that square and wait for a legal entry. Either
computer is ready for another game, using the currently move that same piece to another square, or press the
set level. piece back down on its original from square and move a
IMPORTANT: Resetting the computer for a new game different piece.
clears the current game from the computer’s memory—be If you do not execute a computer move correctly, you
careful not to press these keys by mistake. will also hear an error beep and see an error message.
This indicates that you are either trying to move the

6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level!

When the computer is first turned on, it is set to Level
4 (five seconds a move). You may, however, choose any
wrong piece, or are moving the computer’s piece to the
wrong square. If the computer wants to move its pawn
from d7 to d5, for example, and you press down on d7
of the 64 playing levels. For a detailed description of all and then d6, the display shows Er:D5 briefly, pointing
the levels and how to change levels, see Section 3. out your error. The display then returns to showing the
move again (D7-D5), and the computer expects you to
press down on d5 to complete its move.
2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES If you press down on a piece and the from square
2.1 Indication of the Side to Move appears in the display, but you decide not to make that
When the computer plays Black, it flashes a black move, simply press down on that same square again to
square in the display while it is thinking. After it has cancel the input. Now make another move of your choice.
moved, a white square is displayed steadily to show that If you change your mind after entering your whole move,
it is now White’s turn to move. This feature allows you to you must take the move back as described in Section 1.
tell at a glance whether or not the computer is currently
thinking, and which side is to move. 2.4 Check, Mate and Draw
When a King is in check, the computer first displays
2.2 Capturing and Special Moves the move as usual. After the move is made, CHECK
To capture, press down on the piece you want to flashes in the display for a few seconds, along with the
move, remove the captured piece from the board, and checking move. The display then reverts back to showing
press your piece down on the square of the captured the clock.
piece. Captures are displayed as in G6xH5. If the computer discovers a forced mate against its
opponent, it first displays its move as usual. After the
En Passant move has been made on the board, the computer flashes
In an en passant capture, the computer reminds you to a mate announcement along with the move for several
remove the captured pawn by using two board lights to seconds (e.g., =in:2 for a mate in two moves). The
indicate that square. You must press down on the cap- display then goes back to showing the clock.
tured pawn before removing it from the board. Whenever a game ends in checkmate, the computer
beeps, and the display flashes MAtE (along with the
Castling mating move or clock display) for a brief time after the
The computer automatically recognizes castling ma- move has been made. The display then goes back to
neuvers after the King is moved. After you have pressed showing the clock.
the King down on its from and to squares, the computer The computer recognizes draws by stalemate, three-
uses board lights to remind you to move the Rook. Press fold repetition, and the 50-move rule. If you are unfamiliar
down on the Rook’s from and to squares to complete the with these draws, see the Chess Rules at the back of the
move. manual. After a draw has occurred, the display flashes
Note: A Kingside castling is displayed as 0-0, and a End for stalemate or draw by insufficient material,
Queenside castling as 0-0-0. End:3 for three-fold repetition, and End:50 for a draw
by the 50-move rule for several seconds together with the
Pawn Promotion move or clock display.
When you promote a pawn, first press your pawn down Note: Although the computer knows the rules of chess,
on its from square, as usual. To promote to a Queen, it will not display CHECK, MATE, or DRAW messages in
press down on the to square, and then press the QUEEN Two Players Mode, nor will it announce CHECK or MATE
key. The computer will automatically change your pawn to on the computer’s turn.
a Queen.
To underpromote (to a Rook, Bishop, or Knight), follow 2.5 Terminating the Computer’s Search
the same basic procedure. First, press your pawn down To interrupt the computer while it is thinking, press
on its from square, then press down on the to square. ENTER. This forces the computer to play the best move it
Next, press the corresponding PIECE SYMBOL KEY for has found so far. This feature can be very useful on the

5
 HAVING PROBLEMS? SOME TIPS! TRY OUT TWO PLAYERS MODE!
• Is it really your turn to move? Check the color symbol in • Play through master games. Press CLEAR then ENTER
the display window—if the square for the computer’s color to get the computer’s analysis of any board position!
is flashing, the computer is currently thinking about its • Replay a sequence of moves in order to study them.
move. • Study book lines by entering them manually.
• Did you execute the computer’s last move incorrectly? • Play against a friend, with the computer checking all
If the display shows an error message, Er:d5 for ex- moves for legality on both sides!
ample, press the indicated square to correct the problem
and complete the computer’s move.
• Does the computer merely beep and keep showing your countermove whenever you enter a move. If you enter
“from” square when you try to move? You are attempt- Two Players Mode by pressing TAKE BACK however,
ing to enter an illegal move. Either move the piece to
you can enter any number of moves one by one without
another square, or press the indicated from square again to
erase the move, and make a different move. Trust the letting the computer answer. This feature can be used to
computer—it knows all the rules of chess and will not allow enter a series of moves for both sides or to replay a game
an illegal move! to a certain position. It also allows you to play against
• Are you unsure of the board position? Have some another person, with the computer acting as referee and
pieces been moved inadvertently? Use Verify Mode to checking the legality of all moves. To exit Two Players
check the piece positions. For details, see Section 5.1. Mode, press CLEAR.
• Is your King in check? If your King is in check, you must
move it out of check before you can make any other move. You might also want to go back to an earlier position
• Computer won’t make a move? Two Players Mode is (up to about the last 200 individual moves) of a game and
active. Press CLEAR once or twice to exit Two Players play on from there. This is possible, of course, by actually
Mode. Then, either make your own move or press ENTER (if taking back until the desired position is reached and then
it is the computer’s turn). continuing play, as noted in Section 1.4. However, you
can also take back moves rapidly without actually taking
higher levels, especially on the Infinite Level, where the back step by step on the chessboard. This is done by first
computer thinks indefinitely unless you stop it. pressing TAKE BACK to enter Two Players Mode. Then,
Note: On the Problem Solving Levels, pressing ENTER press ENTER to jump forwards to the final position of the
does not cause the computer to make a move. Instead, game or backwards to the initial position in memory. You
after a short time the computer sounds an error beep and can also press TAKE BACK to jump forwards in 10 move
displays – – – – – to indicate that it was interrupted before count steps or jump to the final position/initial position in
it found a mate. To continue your game, switch to another memory. Press BLACK/+ or WHITE/– to jump forwards
playing level. or backwards an individual move at a time. Press CLEAR
when you reach your desired position. You can then
2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer make moves for both sides from that position, or press
You may change sides with the computer at any time, CLEAR again to exit Two Players Mode and play against
and as often as you wish during any game. To do so, the computer from that position. If it is the computer’s turn
simply press ENTER when it is your turn. The computer to move after exiting Two Players Mode, press ENTER.
will immediately start thinking about the next move for Note: If you need help while playing against another
your side! player in Two Players Mode, you can press INFO and the
computer will display its suggested move and evaluation,
2.7 Openings if available.
At the beginning of a game, the computer’s reply is
usually instantaneous on many levels. This is because it 2.10 Thinking on the Opponent’s Time
is playing moves which are stored in its memory. The As you play, you may notice that the computer some-
computer’s openings consist of many positions from times replies to your moves instantaneously, even in the
grandmaster play. If the current board position is in its middle of games played on the higher levels (when Power
opening, the computer plays a response to that position Saving Mode is turned off). This is because the computer
from its collection of moves, instead of thinking about the thinks on your time, using the time you are contemplating
move. your next move to think ahead and plan its strategies. It
Your computer can also handle opening transpositions, tries to anticipate the move you are likely to make, and
with its built-in Automatic Transposition Manager. A then calculates its responses for that particular move
transposition occurs when a position reached by a certain while you are still thinking. If it has guessed right, there is
set of moves can also be reached when those same no reason for it to keep on calculating—it immediately
moves occur in a different order. plays the move it has already found!
Note: This chess computer offers a unique user-select- You may turn this feature off by selecting one of the
able book feature, which lets you choose from various Power Saving Modes, as described in Section 6.2.
types of openings, or even turn the book off, if desired.
For details, see Section 6.2.
3. LEVELS OF SKILL
2.8 Game Memory Your chess computer offers 64 different playing levels,
You may interrupt a game at any time by pressing including levels for casual play, tournament play, speed
STOP. Play is then suspended, and the computer stores chess, problem solving, and even levels especially for
your current position and game (up to about 200 indi- beginners. When you set the playing level, keep in mind
vidual moves). When you switch on again, you can re- that when the computer has more time to think about its
sume your game right where you left off! moves, it becomes stronger and plays better—just like a
human chess player!
2.9 Two Players Mode Your chess computer also has a unique Power Saving
Normally the computer automatically answers with a Feature, as detailed in Section 6.2. This option greatly

6
extends the battery life of the set, as well as expanding
the playing range to a total of 256 level settings.
TIPS ON CHOOSING A LEVEL!
Setting a Playing Level • Are you a beginner? Start out with the Fun Levels or
There are two methods of setting the playing level. You lower Training Levels. These levels restrict the computer’s

ENGLISH
can choose levels by using the game keys or the board search depth, resulting in weaker play, and giving you the
squares. Whichever method you use, you must always chance to learn about the game and perhaps even win! For
press LEVEL first to enter Level Mode. Note that chang- even more of a shot at winning, combine one of these
levels with the Power Saving option, so the computer thinks
ing a level always resets the chess clocks. for less time. For details, see Section 6.2.
To select a level using the game keys, first press • Are you an intermediate or advanced chess player?
LEVEL, and the computer displays the current playing Try the Normal or Tournament Levels, or the higher Train-
level. For an overview of all 64 levels, please refer to the ing Levels. The Normal Levels range from easy all the way
Level Chart. The levels are also described individually in up to a difficult 15-minute response time. The Training
this section. Levels allow you to set your desired search depth—as you
conquer each level, go on to the next! The Tournament
When you enter Level Mode the first time, the com-
Levels are the most challenging.
puter is automatically set on Level 4 (with an average • Want to experiment? Try the Speed Chess Levels for
response time of five seconds a move), and the display some fast and exciting games. Or use the Problem Solving
shows L0:05. Change levels one at a time by using the Levels to solve problems up to mate in eight—search from
BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys. As a shortcut, press a position in one of your games, or set up an actual mate
LEVEL repeatedly to skip over eight levels at a time. problem for the computer to solve!
When the display shows the desired level, press ENTER
to enter your selection into the computer and exit Level
3.2 Tournament Levels (Squares C1-C8)
Mode.
LEVEL TIME MOVES DISPLAY
Note: If you press LEVEL to verify the level but do not
17 ...... 1 hour 30 min. ........... 40 .... 1:30;40
want to actually change levels, press CLEAR. This allows
18 ...... 1 hour 45 min. ........... 35 .... 1:45;35
you to exit Level Mode without changing the level or clock
19 ...... 1 hour 45 min. ........... 40 .... 1:45;40
settings, even while the computer is thinking.
20 ...... 1 hour 30 min. ........... 35 .... 1:30;35
Another method of changing levels is to use the board
21 ...... 2 hours ...................... 40 .... 2:00;40
squares. As indicated in the Level Chart, each of the 64
22 ...... 2 hours 30 min. ......... 45 .... 2:30;45
squares corresponds to one level. Press LEVEL to enter
23 ...... 2 hours ...................... 50 .... 2:00;50
Level Mode, then press a square to activate a level, using
24 ...... 3 hours ...................... 40 .... 3:00;40
the chart as a guide. When you press down on the de-
sired square and the level shows in the display, press The Tournament Levels require you to make a certain
ENTER to enter your selection into the computer and exit number of moves within a specified amount of time. If a
Level Mode. When making your selection via the board player exceeds the allotted time for a given number of
squares, press CLEAR which has the same effect as moves, the computer beeps and flashes tinE along with
pressing ENTER—it enters your level into the computer. the elapsed time to signify the game is over. If you wish,
Note that changing the level always resets the chess you may continue to play even after the time has run out.
clocks. It is not recommended that you change the playing Note: If you select a Tournament Level, you may want
level while the computer is thinking. If you want to change the to set the chess clocks to display countdown time instead
level, press ENTER to force the computer to abort the search of the elapsed time (see Section 6.1). When the game
and make the computer’s move, if any. After taking back the time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts
computer’s move and changing the level, press ENTER to back to the normal clock display.
have the computer start thinking on a new playing level.
3.3 Speed Chess Levels (Squares D1-D8)
3.1 Normal Playing Levels (Squares A1-B8) LEVEL TIME PER GAME DISPLAY

LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY 25 ........... 5 minutes ...... 0:05;99

1 ................ 1 second .......... L 0:01 26 ......... 10 minutes ...... 0:10;99
2 ................ 2 seconds ........ L 0:02 27 ......... 15 minutes ...... 0:15;99
3 ................ 3 seconds ........ L 0:03 28 ......... 20 minutes ...... 0:20;99
4 ................ 5 seconds ........ L 0:05 29 ......... 30 minutes ...... 0:30;99
5 .............. 10 seconds ........ L 0:10 30 ......... 45 minutes ...... 0:45;99
6 .............. 15 seconds ........ L 0:15 31 ......... 60 minutes ...... 1:00;99
7 .............. 20 seconds ........ L 0:20 32 ......... 90 minutes ...... 1:30;99
8 .............. 30 seconds ........ L 0:30 On the Speed Chess Levels (also called “Sudden
9 .............. 45 seconds ........ L 0:45 Death” Levels), you set the total time for the whole game.
10 ............... 1 minute ........... L 1:00 If the game time is exceeded, the computer beeps and
11 ............ 1.5 minutes ......... L 1:30 flashes tinE (along with the elapsed time) to show that
12 ............... 2 minutes ......... L 2:00 the game is over.
13 ............... 3 minutes ......... L 3:00 Note: If you select a Speed Chess Level, you may
14 ............... 5 minutes ......... L 5:00 want to set the chess clocks to display countdown time
15 ............. 10 minutes ......... L10:00 instead of the elapsed time (see Section 6.1). When the
16 ............. 15 minutes ......... L15:00 game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically
When you select one of the Normal Playing Levels, reverts back to the normal clock display.
you are selecting an average response time for the com-
puter. Note that the times are averaged over a large 3.4 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E7)
number of moves. In the openings and endgame, the LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY
computer tends to play faster, but in complicated middle- 33 .......... 1 second ........... Fun:1
game positions, it may take longer to move. 34 .......... 2 seconds ......... Fun:2

7
 SELECT YOUR PLAYING LEVELS FROM THE 64 BOARD SQUARES

30 seconds 15 minutes 40 moves 90 minutes Infinite Mate in 8 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 3:00 per game Level 8 ply 16 ply
8
L0:30 L15:00 3:00;40 1:30;99 9:99;99 =in:8 PLY:8 PLY:16

20 seconds 10 minutes 50 moves 60 minutes Fun Level Mate in 7 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 2:00 per game #7 7 ply 15 ply
7
L0:20 L10:00 2:00;50 1:00;99 Fun:7 =in:7 PLY:7 PLY:15

15 seconds 5 minutes 45 moves 45 minutes Fun Level Mate in 6 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 2:30 per game #6 6 ply 14 ply
6
L0:15 L5:00 2:30;45 0:45;99 Fun:6 =in:6 PLY:6 PLY:14

10 seconds 3 minutes 40 moves 30 minutes Fun Level Mate in 5 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 2:00 per game #5 5 ply 13 ply
5
L0:10 L3:00 2:00;40 0:30;99 Fun:5 =in:5 PLY:5 PLY:13

5 seconds 2 minutes 35 moves 20 minutes Fun Level Mate in 4 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 1:30 per game #4 4 ply 12 ply
4
L0:05 L2:00 1:30;35 0:20;99 Fun:4 =in:4 PLY:4 PLY:12

3 seconds 1.5 minutes 40 moves 15 minutes Fun Level Mate in 3 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 1:45 per game #3 3 ply 11 ply
3
L0:03 L1:30 1:45;40 0:15;99 Fun:3 =in:3 PLY:3 PLY:11

2 seconds 1 minute 35 moves 10 minutes Fun Level Mate in 2 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 1:45 per game #2 2 ply 10 ply
2
L0:02 L1:00 1:45;35 0:10;99 Fun:2 =in:2 PLY:2 PLY:10

1 second 45 seconds 40 moves 5 minutes Fun Level Mate in 1 Search Depth Search Depth
per move per move in 1:30 per game #1 1 ply 9 ply
1
L0:01 L0:45 1:30;40 0:05;99 Fun:1 =in:1 PLY:1 PLY:9

A B C D E F G H

NORMAL TOURNA- SPEED FUN LEVELS/ PROBLEM TRAINING LEVELS

PLAYING LEVELS MENT CHESS INFINITE SOLVING (Fixed Search Depth)
(Average Time Per Move) LEVELS LEVELS LEVEL LEVELS

35 .......... 3 seconds ......... Fun:3 Various handicaps are built into the Fun Levels, dem-
36 .......... 4 seconds ......... Fun:4 onstrating common mistakes made by beginners. Level
37 .......... 5 seconds ......... Fun:5 33 (displayed as Fun:1) is the weakest level. On this
38 .......... 6 seconds ......... Fun:6 level, the value of material is set so that the computer will
39 .......... 7 seconds ......... Fun:7 not only “hang” pieces (leave pieces unguarded), but will
These unique “Fun Levels” are meant especially for also actually try to lose material. Even watching the
beginners and young players—these levels allow those computer throw away its Queen would not be uncommon
who might otherwise never win a game of chess to come on this level! Levels 34, 35, and 36 are similar to Level
up on the winning side for a change! On these Fun Lev- 33, in that they also give away material, but they do not
els, your computer acts much more “human” than most do it as consistently. They progressively start to consider
chess computers—it gives everyone a chance to win, in a the value of pieces more and more, and Level 36 only
world where chess machines are typically relentless and occasionally gives pieces away.
often quite difficult to beat. Even though the general On Fun Levels 37 to 38, the computer does not actu-
consensus seems to be that computers don’t ever make ally give away material. Here, the computer plays more
mistakes, on the Fun Levels, your computer actually will! like a beginner who has learned the basics of the game,
Chess books often advise of basic rules—warning not and the levels get progressively smarter when it comes to
to give away material, not to bring the Queen out too material. Players will see the computer make errors like
early, and advising on the development of pieces before bringing its Queen out too early, leaving its pieces un-
starting an attack. Yet players see their opponents break- guarded, and opening itself up to threats of check and/or
ing these rules and getting away with it! The Fun Levels checkmate. Therefore, although Levels 37 to 39 may be
provide a way of practicing the punishment of these “smarter” than Levels 33 to 36, they are still very much
typical mistakes, enabling the beginner to strengthen his “fun” levels, offering beginners a winning edge!
game against the human opponents he is likely to face. Even after a player has mastered the Fun Levels, they

8
can still be a valuable training tool. A game can be that, its evaluation of the current position, how deeply it is
started on a Fun Level, for example, and, when the com- searching, and more. Studying this information can help
puter makes a bad move, the player can switch to a you learn more about chess!
Normal Level and try to convert his advantage to a win,
playing against the stiffer opposition of a higher level. Using Info Mode

ENGLISH
You may access game information at any time by
3.5 Infinite Level (Square E8) using Info Mode. If you do this while the computer is
LEVEL TIME DISPLAY thinking, you will see the information displays change as
40 .................. Infinite ........... 9:99;99 the computer considers different moves and searches
On the Infinite Level, the computer searches indefi- deeper. Some of the displays may change even if you
nitely until it finds a forced mate (or forced move), until it access Info Mode during your turn.
has fully searched the position to its maximum depth, or Game information is divided into four groups, and
until you stop the search by pressing ENTER. If the pressing INFO cycles from one group to another. The
search is halted, the computer makes the move it cur- BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys can be used to cycle
rently thinks is best. Use the Infinite Level to let the com- through the information within each of the groups, as
puter analyze complicated positions for hours or days! described in the Info Mode Charts in this section.
After familiarizing yourself with Info Mode, refer to
3.6 Problem Solving Levels (Squares F1-F8) Section 6.3 for a description of the user-programmable
LEVEL PROBLEM DISPLAY Rotating Display feature. Selecting this feature makes the
41 ................ Mate in 1 ............ =in:1 computer automatically cycle through the information
42 ................ Mate in 2 ............ =in:2 described below in one-second intervals every time it
43 ................ Mate in 3 ............ =in:3 thinks about its move—you can actually watch the com-
44 ................ Mate in 4 ............ =in:4 puter “think out loud”!
45 ................ Mate in 5 ............ =in:5 Note: There may be instances when some game
46 ................ Mate in 6 ............ =in:6 information is not available. In such cases, the display will
47 ................ Mate in 7 ............ =in:7 show a series of dashes (– – – – –).
48 ................ Mate in 8 ............ =in:8
4.1 Principal Variation
Selecting one of these levels activates a special mate
Pressing INFO the first time shows you the first move
finder program. If you have a position where there may be
of the principal variation (the line of predicted play). This
a mate and you would like the computer to find it, set the
first move is the move the computer is currently consider-
computer on one of the Problem Solving Levels. Your
ing making. Use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to see
chess computer can solve mates in up to eight moves.
the rest of the moves. The principal variation is shown to
Mates in one to five are usually found quite quickly,
a maximum depth of six ply, or six individual moves.
whereas solutions taking six to eight moves may take
quite some time. If there is no mate present or the com-
4.2 Search Information
puter cannot find a mate, it will beep and display a series
Pressing INFO a second time gives you information on
of dashes (– – – – –). You may continue to play, if de-
the computer’s search. Use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/–
sired, by switching levels.
keys to cycle through the different displays, as described
in the Info Mode Charts in this section.
3.7 Training Levels (Squares G1-H8)
LEVEL DISPLAY LEVEL DISPLAY
4.3 Chess Clocks
49 ........... PLY:1 57 .......... PLY: 9
Pressing INFO a third time gives you access to the
50 ........... PLY:2 58 .......... PLY:10
chess clocks. Use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to
51 ........... PLY:3 59 .......... PLY:11
cycle through the five different clock displays, as shown
52 ........... PLY:4 60 .......... PLY:12
in the Info Mode Charts.
53 ........... PLY:5 61 .......... PLY:13
The chess clocks keep track of the time for both sides.
54 ........... PLY:6 62 .......... PLY:14
The clocks stop whenever you take back a move, verify a
55 ........... PLY:7 63 .......... PLY:15
level, select options, verify or set up a position, or turn the
56 ........... PLY:8 64 .......... PLY:16
unit off. In all of these cases, however, the times are
On each of the Training Levels, the computer’s search
retained in memory, and the clocks resume as soon as
depth is limited to a certain number of moves, as shown
play is continued. Whenever you press CLEAR and
above. As you cycle through the levels, the computer
ENTER together to reset the computer for a new game,
displays PLY:n for each level. A “PLY” is an individual
the chess clocks are always reset to 0:00;00.
move (a move for either side), and “n” is the number
Note: Press CLEAR to restart the clock if it has
representing the search depth. For example, on Level 49,
stopped after returning to Normal Mode.
the computer searches to a depth of one individual move
(PLY:1), and thus looks ahead only one move. On this
4.4 Move Count
level, therefore, it will often overlook a mate in one. This
Pressing INFO the fourth time shows the number of
produces weaker play, giving beginners a chance to win!
Black moves that have to be played in the game. At this
point, you may use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to
4. GAME INFORMATION cycle through the last moves of the current game (up to
about 200 individual moves).
In a normal game of chess, you would never ask your
opponent what move he was considering, nor would you
4.5 Move Suggestions
ask his evaluation of the current position. However, when
If you would like advice on any particular move, the
you play against this chess computer, you can do just
computer can give you a move suggestion. Press INFO
that! In fact, you can get a wealth of information about the
when it is your turn to move, and the computer will show
computer’s thought process—it shows you the move it is
you its suggested move.
currently considering, the continuation it expects after

9
 INFO MODE OPERATION AT A GLANCE!
FOR PRINCIPAL VARIATION INFORMATION: FOR MOVE COUNT INFORMATION:
PRESS DISPLAY PRESS DISPLAY

INFO(x1) First move of principal variation INFO(x4) Number of moves to be played by

BLACK/+ Second move of principal variation black side so far
BLACK/+ Third move of principal variation BLACK/+ or WHITE/– Moves of current game
BLACK/+ Fourth move of principal variation
BLACK/+ Fifth move of principal variation
FOR A MOVE SUGGESTION:
BLACK/+ Sixth move of principal variation
PRESS DISPLAY
INFO(on your turn) Suggested move
FOR SEARCH INFORMATION:
PRESS DISPLAY
INFO(x2) Computer’s evaluation of the current SUMMARY OF ALL INFO MODE DISPLAYS:
position, (number is based on a pawn PRESS DISPLAY
being worth 1.0 points; a positive • INFO First move of principal variation
number indicates that White is ahead) BLACK/+ Second move of principal variation
BLACK/+ Two numbers: The current search
BLACK/+ Third move of principal variation
depth (number of individual moves the
BLACK/+ Fourth move of principal variation
computer is looking ahead); and the
number of moves examined so far BLACK/+ Fifth move of principal variation
BLACK/+ Current move under consideration BLACK/+ Sixth move of principal variation
BLACK/+ Number of positions (nodes) being • INFO Computer’s evaluation of position
examined every second BLACK/+ Search depth & moves examined
BLACK/+ Move currently being considered
BLACK/+ Nodes examined per second
FOR CHESS CLOCK INFORMATION:
• INFO Time since last move was made
PRESS DISPLAY
BLACK/+ Elapsed time for White
INFO(x3) Elapsed time since last move was
BLACK/+ Elapsed time for Black
executed on the board
BLACK/+ Elapsed time for White BLACK/+ Remaining time for White*
BLACK/+ Elapsed time for Black BLACK/+ Remaining time for Black*
BLACK/+ Remaining time for White* • INFO Number of Black moves to be played
BLACK/+ Remaining time for Black* BLK/+ or WHITE/– Moves of current game
*Speed Chess/Tournament Levels only; on • INFO Move suggestion (on your turn)
other levels, the display will show – – – – – *Speed Chess/Tournament Levels only

Press POSITION to enter Position Mode, and the

5. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS display shows -POS-. You may change or set up a
5.1 Verifying Board Positions board position at any time during a game, whenever it is
If you should knock over the chess pieces or if you your turn to move. After you have set up your desired
think the board position is incorrect, the computer can position, always press CLEAR to exit Position Mode.
verify all piece locations for you. • To remove a piece from the board, press the piece
When it is your turn, press one of the PIECE SYMBOL down gently on its square and remove the piece.
KEYS (尯, 尳, 尷, 尻, 尿, or 屃). The computer uses the Notice that the display indicates the piece type and
board lights and display window to show you where the color, along with a minus sign (–), and the location for
first piece of that type is located on the board. The board that square.
lights indicate the square, and the display shows the • To move a piece from one square to another,
piece symbol, color indicator, and square designation. press the piece down on its original square, pick it up,
Press the same PIECE SYMBOL KEY again to see the and then press it down on the new square. As you do
location of the next piece of that same type. All the White this, the display will show a minus sign (–) for the first
pieces are shown first, then the Black pieces. When there square, and a plus sign (+) for the second square.
are no more pieces of that type, the board lights go out • To add a piece to the board, first press the PIECE
and only the piece symbol remains in the display. SYMBOL KEY for that piece (尯, 尳, 尷, 尻, 尿, or 屃).
Repeat the above procedure using the other PIECE Make sure the display shows the correct color symbol
SYMBOL KEY, verifying the entire board if desired. Press for the piece you wish to add. If not, press the
CLEAR to return to normal play. BLACK/+ or WHITE/– key to change the color. When
the display shows the correct piece type and color,
5.2 Changing and Setting Up Positions place that piece on the desired square and press
Your chess computer allows you to set up special down gently. The display shows a plus sign, along
board positions to play from, or problems you want the with the location for that square. To add another piece
computer to solve for you. of the same type, simply press down on another

10
 square. To add a different piece, press a different
PIECE SYMBOL KEY and follow the same steps
GIVE VERIFY MODE A TRY!
outlined above.
• To clear the board, press ENTER while you are in PRESS DISPLAY
Position Mode. The display will show _ to symbol- CLEAR+ENTER [, 0:00;00 (New game, White to move)

ENGLISH
ize the empty chessboard. Press ENTER once more KNIGHT KEY White Knight, B1 (1st square with a White Knight)
to confirm that you really want to clear the board. KNIGHT KEY White Knight, G1 (2nd square with a White Knight)
Then add pieces as described above. Note that this KNIGHT KEY Black Knight, B8 (1st square with a Black Knight)
feature can be handy whenever you want to set up a KNIGHT KEY Black Knight, G8 (2nd square with a Black Knight)
position which contains only a few pieces, where it KNIGHT KEY Knight only (No more Knights on the board)
would be easier to start out with an empty board. CLEAR [, 0:00;00 (Exit Verify Mode)
• Once you have changed the board position as
described above, make sure the color indicator in
the display is showing the correct color of the side to AND…
move. Change the color, if necessary, by pressing
BLACK/+ or WHITE/–.
• Press CLEAR to exit Position Mode TRY OUT POSITION MODE, TOO!
Any legal board position may be set up using the
PRESS DISPLAY
procedures outlined above. The computer will not permit
CLEAR+ENTER [, 0:00;00 (New game, White to move)
you to set up an illegal position, such as one where there
POSITION -POS- (Enter Position Mode)
are more than the prescribed number of pieces for a
Square D2 White pawn, –D2 (Remove White pawn from D2)
normal game, or one where a King is in check and is not
Square D4 White pawn, +D4 (Move White pawn to D4)
to move. If the position is illegal, the computer will sound
BLACK/+ Black pawn (Change color to Black)
an error beep and the display will not return to normal
Square D8 Black Queen, –D8 (Remove Black Queen from D8)
when you press CLEAR. Check the position using the
Square H5 Black Queen, +H5 (Move Black Queen to H5)
PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, if necessary, and correct the
WHITE/– White Queen (Set White to move next)
position by setting up a piece, removing an illegal piece,
CLEAR [, 0:00;00 (Exit Position Mode, White to move)
or replacing an incorrectly placed piece. Then exit Posi-
tion Mode by pressing CLEAR.
CAUTION: All previous moves in your current game
will be erased from the computer’s memory if you make The only options which go back to their default state
changes to the position during a game. when you start a new game are Auto Play Mode and Play
White From the Top.

6. GAME OPTIONS 6.1 Operation Mode Options

In addition to all the features described so far, your These eight options affect how you operate your com-
chess computer also offers many other intriguing game puter. Press OPTION once to select this group, and then
options, all of which are user-selectable at any time use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to select the op-
during the game. For an overview of these options, refer tions. Press ENTER to turn options on (+) or off (–).
to the Options Chart in this section.
Auto Play Mode (Square A1)
Selecting Game Options Normally, the computer automatically answers with a
The computer’s Game Options are divided into three countermove whenever you enter a move. If you turn
groups: Operation Mode, Playing Mode, and Rotating Auto Play on by choosing +AuTo, however, you can
Display Mode. Pressing OPTION cycles from one group watch the computer play against itself! Auto Play Mode
to another. Each group contains eight different options, can be extremely useful if you want to analyze a position
and the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys are used to cycle very deeply, and the ideal levels to use with this feature
through the options within each of the groups. For each are the higher Training Levels. On level 58, for example,
option, a plus (+) in the display indicates the displayed the computer searches 10 ply for each move, unless it
option is on, and a minus (–) means the option is off. finishes its search early (e.g., if it is playing from its open-
Press ENTER to turn each option on, off, or select other ings, finds a forced mate or draw, etc.). Selecting this
factors as they are displayed. After making all your option level will enable the computer to analyze game positions
selections, press CLEAR to return to normal game play. very deeply as it plays against itself—perhaps overnight
Another method of selecting game options is to press or even for several days! When you get back to the com-
certain board squares. As shown in the Options Chart, puter, you can take back approximately the last 200
Squares A1-H1, A2-H2, and A3-H3 can be used to turn moves of the game and replay them on the board. You
Game Options on, off or select other alternatives. First, can then study the results of the computer’s work at your
press OPTION to enter Option Mode; then press the leisure. Note that, when you leave the computer and let it
desired square to access any option, using the chart as a search for a long period of time, it is recommended that
guide. Notice that pressing a square repeatedly turns that you use an AC-DC adapter.
option on, off or selects other alternatives again, with plus Note: You can speed up the computer’s opening play
(+) for on and minus (–) for off. Once you have made all in Auto Play Mode by pressing CLEAR while it is still
your selections, press CLEAR to return to the game. playing from memory in the opening. Also note that Auto
When the computer is first powered on, certain default Play Mode will be cancelled if you press ENTER to abort
options are set. Options which are automatically on at the the computer’s search, or if the game ends.
first startup are shown in the chart with a plus (+), and
options which are off are shown with a minus (–). When- Sound with Keypress (Square B1)
ever you reset the computer for a new game, most of This option allows you to turn off the sound that accom-
your selected options are carried over to your next game. panies each keypress by choosing -SNd. You will still

11
 OV E RV I E W O F T H E G A M E O P T I O N S *
Principal Principal Principal Principal Position Search Nodes Time per
ROTATING Variation Variation Variation Variation Evaluation Depth/Moves Searched Move
DISPLAY 3 1st ply 2nd ply 3rd ply 4th ply Examined per Second
OPTIONS
-rD:1 -rD:2 -rD:3 -rD:4 -rD:E -rD:D -rD:n -rD:T

Selective/ Power Randomize Book Full Passive Active Tournament

PLAYING Brute Force Saving Play On/Off Book Book Book Book
MODE 2 Search Mode
OPTIONS
+SEL +PS:2 -ranD +BOOK -BK:FL -BK:Pa -BK:aT -BK:Tn

Auto Play Sound with Silent Reply Coach Ticking Countdown Play White Auto Power
OPERATION Mode Keypress Mode Mode Clock Clock from Top Down
MODE 1
OPTIONS
-AuTo +SND -SIL -Co:ch -Tic -c:Dn -ToP -aPD
A B C D E F G H
*option on = +, option off = – (defaults are shown)

hear beeps when the computer makes its moves or when Auto Power Down (Square H1)
an illegal move or keypress is made. The Auto Power Down option is a battery-saving fea-
ture. When this option is turned on by selecting +aPd,
Silent Reply Mode (Square C1) the computer will automatically turn itself off after about
Normally, the computer always beeps when it has 15 minutes if there are no keypresses or moves made
found its move. Turning on Silent Reply Mode by select- during that time. To continue the game where you left off,
ing +SIL allows for completely silent operation. press GO to turn the computer back on.
Note: The computer will not turn itself off while it is
Coach Mode (Square D1) thinking about a move.
Selecting +Co:ch turns on a special Coach Mode,
which encourages you to concentrate on your strategic 6.2 Playing Mode Options
planning. In this mode, the computer warns you when it These eight options affect how the computer selects its
thinks you have committed a blunder (except on the Fun moves. Press OPTION twice to choose this group, and
Levels) by sounding a double warning beep and flashing then use the BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to select the
the move it intends to make on the LCD. At this point, you options. Press ENTER to turn the options on (+) or off (–),
can either enter the computer’s move, or take back your or to select other alternatives.
own move and make another one.
When Coach Mode is on, the computer will also warn Selective Search (Square A2)
you if you are in danger of losing a piece. If one of your The program in this chess computer normally uses a
pieces is being threatened by a lesser valued piece, for Selective Search algorithm. This allows the computer to
example, the computer will sound a double warning beep see combinations that would otherwise take much longer
and flash the lights of the threatened piece for a few to compute. Turning this option off by choosing -SEL
seconds. To continue the game, make your next move, or makes the program switch to a powerful Brute Force
take back your last move and make a different one. algorithm. This search method minimizes the risk of an
occasional oversight.
Ticking Clock (Square E1) Note: The Problem Solving Levels always use the
When you turn on the unique Ticking Clock option by Brute Force method.
choosing +tic, you activate a ticking sound that makes
the computer’s chess clock sound like a real chess clock! Power Saving Mode (Square B2)
Just imagine—you can create the atmosphere of a cham- This option effectively extends both the playing range
pionship tournament in your very own living room. and battery life of your computer, without affecting the
computer’s time controls. At its PS:0 setting, as de-
Countdown Clock (Square F1) scribed in Section 2.10, Power Saving Mode is turned off,
Turn on this option by selecting +c:dn. This forces and the computer thinks on your time—using the time you
the computer to display the countdown time instead of the are contemplating your next move to think ahead and
elapsed time. plan its strategies. This is part of what makes your chess
Note: This option is only available in combination with computer such a tough opponent. Power Saving Mode
the Tournament and Speed Chess Levels. allows you to make all the levels weaker by switching the
computer into a dormant state and then waking it up
Play White From the Top (Square G1) automatically. This effectively gives you four times as
You may want to depart from the usual standard and many levels to choose from, and extends the life of your
have the computer play the White pieces from the top of batteries at the same time. Press ENTER to cycle through
the board. Turn this option on by choosing +toP at the PS:0 to PS:3, as follows:
beginning of a new game. Set up the board with the Black -PS:0 = Computer will play at full strength.
pieces closest to you, as shown in the diagram in this +PS:1 = Computer will not use the time you
section. Notice, in particular, that the Kings and Queens use to compute its next move.
are positioned differently in this set-up. +PS:2 = Computer will use about 20% of the
available time and rest for the remainder.

12
 TRY PLAYING BLACK FROM THE BOTTOM! WATCH THE COMPUTER THINK!
• When you select Option G1, the computer will play the Turn on the Rotating Display options:
White pieces from the top of the board. If you choose this Principal line – First move ................ +rD:1

ENGLISH
option, make sure you set up the board as shown below! Principal line – Second move ........... +rD:2
Principal line – Third move ............... +rD:3
ዛዙዘ዗ዖዕዔዓዒዜ Principal line – Fourth move ............. +rD:4
ዊ尸尾尼尮尴尺局尶ዊ Position evaluation ........................... +rD:E
ዋ层屄层屄层屄层屄ዋ Search depth/move count ................ +rD:d
ዌ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዌ Nodes searched per second ............ +rD:n
ው居巀居巀居巀居巀ው Time taken per move ........................ +rD:t
ዎ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዎ
ዏ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዏ
ዐ屃屁屃屁屃屁屃屁ዐ Passive Book (Square F2)
ዑ尵尿尹尯就尻尽尷ዑ Choosing +bk:Pa forces the computer to give prefer-
ዝዙዘ዗ዖዕዔዓዒዞ ence to passive and closed positions when deciding
which lines to play.
Board set-up with White at the top
Note: If this option is selected, the Active Book and
Tournament Book options are disabled.

You may expect battery life to be extended Active Book (Square G2)
up to about five times. When this option is activated by picking +bK:at, the
+PS:3 = Computer will use about 5% of its time to computer will give preference to active lines and open
compute. Battery life will be extended up to positions when deciding which lines to play.
about eight times. Note: If this option is selected, the Passive Book and
Note 1: When a Power Saving Mode is in effect, the Tournament Book options are disabled.
computer automatically and periodically wakes up to
perform necessary functions. You will not see any differ- Tournament Book (Square H2)
ence in the display when any of the Power Saving Modes When you select +bk:tn to turn the Tournament
are activated, but you will notice extended battery life and Book option on, the computer is forced to always select
weakened play. the best possible line of play in every opening. While this
Note 2: When the playing level is changed, the computer results in the best chess play, it also narrows down the
will automatically choose the best Power Saving Mode for computer’s choice of moves by limiting its available book
that particular level. If you would like to change the Power lines.
Saving Mode, you must change the level before selecting Note: If this option is selected, The Active Book and
the Power Saving Mode. Passive Book options are disabled.

Randomize Play (Square C2) 6.3 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3)
Turn this option on with +rand for greater variety of IMPORTANT: The Rotating Display feature is only
play. Instead of selecting one single best move, the activated WHILE THE COMPUTER IS THINKING.
computer will choose one of the best moves to play by Normally, the computer’s display shows the time for
consulting its built-in Randomizer. the player to move. However, the computer can also
display other information, as described in Section 4 (Info
Book On/Off (Square D2) Mode). The Rotating Display feature works hand-in-hand
Set this option to minus (–) to lock out the computer’s with Info Mode, since it allows you to choose which of the
openings completely. When you turn the book off by info displays you want to see, and then cycles your
choosing -bOOk, the computer is forced to take time to choices in about one-second increments. You may turn
think of its moves from the very beginning of the game, on any or all of the Rotating Display options, as desired.
rather than using its openings memory. For more details If you think the display information is changing too
on openings, see Section 2.7. quickly when it rotates, press INFO to freeze the display.
Note: If you turn the book off, the remaining book Successive presses of INFO and the BLACK/+ and
options (described below) are automatically disabled. WHITE/– keys will allow you to cycle through all the
displays manually, as described in Section 4. To start the
Full Book (Square E2) display rotation again, press OPTION followed by
Turning on the Full Book option with +bk:FL gives CLEAR. In any event, when the computer starts thinking
the computer the freedom to choose any move from its about its next move, the display automatically starts
openings, so you will see a greater variety of opening rotating again.
lines being played. To set the Rotating Display, first press OPTION three
Note: With this option on, the computer may make times to select this group of options. Then use the
some questionable moves. This is because its openings BLACK/+ and WHITE/– keys to select the options you
memory must contain responses to certain lines of play want to be rotated. Press ENTER to turn options on (+) or
(even questionable lines) in case they are played. While off (–).
the computer would not make these moves on its own, it
needs to know how to respond to them in the best man-
ner. When you turn on the Full Book, the computer could
potentially play one of these moves. Note, also, that
enabling this option will disable the Passive, Active, and
Tournament Book options.

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7. TECHNICAL DETAILS CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY
1. Warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase with proof of
7.1 The ACL Function purchase submitted.
Computers sometimes “lock up” due to static discharge 2. Operating instructions must be followed.
or other electrical disturbances. If this occurs, take out the 3. Product must not have been damaged as a
batteries and use a pin or another sharp object to press result of defacement, misuse, abuse, neglect,
into the hole marked ACL at the top edge of the unit for at accident, destruction or alteration of the serial
number, improper electrical voltages or cur-
least one second. This resets the computer and clears its
rents, repair, alteration or maintenance by any
memory. person or party other than our own service facility
or an authorized service center, use or installation of
7.2 Care and Maintenance non-Saitek replacement parts in the product or the
Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, modification of this product in any way, or the incorporation of this
and should never be subjected to rough handling or product into any other products, or damage to the product caused
exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. Do not use by accident, fire, floods, lightning, or acts of God, or any use
violative of instructions furnished by Saitek plc.
chemical agents to clean the unit, as they can damage 4. Obligations of Saitek shall be limited to repair or replacement with
the plastic. Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, the same or similar unit, at our option. To obtain repairs under this
since they can leak and damage the computer. warranty, present the product and proof of purchase (e.g., bill or
invoice) to the authorized Saitek Technical Support Center (listed
7.3 Technical Specifications on the separate sheet packaged with this product) transportation
Clock Frequency: 20MHz charges prepaid. Any requirements that conflict with any state or
Federal laws, rules and/or obligations shall not be enforceable in
Keys: 17 that particular territory and Saitek will adhere to those laws, rules,
LED Lamps: 16 and/or obligations.
LCD Display: 48-segment LCD 5. When returning the product for repair, please pack it very care-
Sound: Piezo-electric buzzer fully, preferably using the original packaging materials. Please
Batteries: 6 AA cells (AM3/R6) also include an explanatory note.
Dimensions: 34 x 26 x 3.2 cm 6. IMPORTANT: To save yourself unnecessary cost and inconve-
nience, please check carefully that you have read and followed
Optional AC-DC
the instructions in this manual.
Adapter available: 9V at 300mA + – 7. This warranty is in Lieu of all other expressed warranties, obliga-
(HGN 5009) –––
tions or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS,
OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IM-
Use alkaline or zinc carbon batteries only. PLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
Warning: Use a center positive adapter with a safety isolating FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURA-
transformer. The polarity symbols confirming its center positivity TION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WAR-
should be clearly marked on the adapter which must comply with RANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
the CEE Publication 15. The adapter should be regularly examined implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to
for potential hazards such as damage to the plug, cable or cord, you. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL
casing or other parts. In the event of damage, the adapter should OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR
not be used.
ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSO-
The manufacturer reserves the right to make technical changes EVER Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
without notice in the interest of progress. special, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limita-
tion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.

Information for Customers in the United States:

FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip-
ment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular instal-
lation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equip-
ment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Saitek Industries, 2295 Jefferson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA

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