Chess Trainer

Instructions Bedienungsanleitung Mode demploi Instrucciones de Funcionamiento Istruzioni duso Handleiding

QUICK START

Want to play a game without reading the entire manual first? Little Alec will be glad to help! Simply follow these Quick Start steps
First, insert two AA (AM3/R6) batteries into the computer (alkaline recommended). Be sure to observe the correct polarity!

2 x AA/AM3/R6

Next, press GO/STOP to turn the computer on, and youll see Alecs animated face in the display! If the unit doesnt respond, reset it as noted in Section 1.1. Set up the chess pieces in the initial starting position for a new game, with the White pieces closest to you, as shown in this diagram. Press NEW GAME to reset the computer. Now youre ready to play your very first game against Alec!
Enter moves by making them on the board, pressing the pieces down gently on the from and to squares for each move. The board automatically senses which piece you are movingits just like magic! As soon as the computer makes its move, that move is displayed, with the from square flashing. Press the indicated piece down on the flashing from square (Square d7, in our example), and the display will now flash the to square. Press down on the flashing to square (d5, here) to complete the computers move. Thats all there is to it! Press GO/STOP at any time to turn the computer offand Alec will be ready to continue when you turn it back on!

PRESS PRESS

GO/STOP

NEW GAME

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves, information, and chess clocks, as well as Alecs animated expressions and antics! Also used to select playing levels and Teach Modes, and to verify pieces. 2. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge after inserting new batteries. 3. GAME KEYS GO/STOP: Press to turn the computer on and off. Current position is retained in memory when turned off. NON AUTO: Press to enter Non Auto Mode, which allows moves to be entered manually. NEW GAME: Press to reset for a new game of chess. PIECE SYMBOL KEYS: Used to verify piece positions and select Teach Modes. Also used for pawn promotions. LEVEL: Press to enter Level Mode. SOUND: Press to turn the sound on and off. TEACH MODE: Press to enter Teach Mode. HINT: Press and hold down to get a suggested move.
A N I M AT E D D I S P L AY

8 LEVEL SETTINGS

SMART HINT FUNCTION EXTENDED TEACH MODES

NON AUTO NEW GAME

TEACH MODE

TAKE BACK

TAKE BACK: Press to take back the last individual move made. You may take back two individual moves, or a move for each side. PLAY: Press to change sides with the computer; press while the computer is thinking to force it to move. 4. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Uses two AA (AM3/R6) batteries (alkalines recommended for longer battery life). 5. PIECE STORAGE COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Handy compartment stores your chess pieces when theyre not in use. 6. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor that automatically registers piece movement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START KEYS AND FEATURES INTRODUCTION 1. LETS GET STARTED! 1.1 First, Install the Batteries 1.2 Ready to Play? Heres How to Move! 1.3 Now Its the Computers Turn 1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back! 1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play Again! 1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level! 2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES 2.1 Whose Move? Check the Display! 2.2 Special Chess Moves 2.3 Illegal Moves 2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw 2.5 Interrupting the Computers Search 2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer 2.7 Need Help? Ask for a Hint! 2.8 Chess Clocks 2.9 Built-In Openings 2.10 Auto Power Down 2.11 Game Memory 3. THE PLAYING LEVELS 3.1 Fun Levels 3.2 Fixed Depth Levels 3.3 Casual Levels 4. SPECIAL MODES TO EXPLORE 4.1 Verify Mode 4.2 Non Auto Mode 4.3 Teach Mode 5. TECHNICAL DETAILS 5.1 The ACL Function 5.2 Care and Maintenance 5.3 Technical Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

should fail to respond (static discharge can sometimes cause it to lock up), use a paper clip or another sharp object to press down into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This will reset the computer. 1.2 Ready to Play? Heres How to Move! Okay, its time to start a game! Its so easyjust follow these steps: a. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on, if you havent already done so. Youll see Little Alecs face appear in the displayhell be your constant playing companion from now on! b. Press NEW GAME to reset the computer for a new game of chess. Set up the pieces in their starting positions, with the White pieces nearest to you, as shown in the Quick Start. c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to move until you hear a beepand the sensory board will recognize your piece automatically. Check out the displayit now shows the square that you pressed, along with the piece and color symbols for your chosen piece! This information flashes alternately with the clock display. d. Take your piece and gently press it down on the square you are moving to. Youll hear a second beep as the computer confirms the move. Youve just made your first full move of the game! Next, its the computers turn to move for Black. At the start of a game, the computer will often move instantly because it is playing from memory, using its built-in book of opening moves. For details, see Section 2.9. 1.3 Now Its the Computers Turn When the computer moves, it beeps and displays its move, with the from square flashing. Press the indicated piece down on the flashing from square until you hear a beep. The display now flashes the square the piece is moving to. Move that same piece to the indicated to square and press it down to complete the computers move. And its your turn again Note that the following may sometimes occur while the computer is thinking: Game keys may need to be pressed down for two to three seconds before the computer responds. The clock display may occasionally skip a few seconds, and the duration between consecutive seconds may appear to be uneven. Game play will not be affected. 1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back! When youre playing chess against this computer, nothing is set in stoneyou can change your mind or decide to play a different move whenever you want! You can take back two individual moves, or one move for each side. To take back the last move played, press TAKE BACK. The display will show the piece symbol, the color symbol, and the move to be taken back, with the original to square flashing. Press the piece down on that square. You now see the from square flashing. Press the piece down on the flashing from square to complete the take-back. If the move taken back was a capture, the computer reminds you to put the captured piece back on the board by displaying the piece type and color, and flashing the square location. Press this piece down on the indicated square. To take back another move, press TAKE BACK again. To continue the game, either make your next move or press PLAY to have the computer move next. 1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play Again! Whenever you finish a game (or if you give up on your current game), its easy to start over again! Simply press NEW GAME, and the computer will reset itself, putting all the pieces back in their initial starting positions. The same

ENGLISH

INTRODUCING ALEC, THE LITTLE ALCHEMIST!
So happy to meet youand so glad that well be enjoying the wonderful world of chess together! You might ask yourself, What is this little guy doing inside my computer? Its simple: I LOVE CHESS! And, what better way to enjoy the game whenever possible, than to be here every single time you turn your computer on! Chess is truly a magical gameits fun, exciting, and intellectually stimulating. You simply couldnt ask for a better way to spend your time! So, my goal in life is to be your constant companion, ready and willing to play whenever you are! If you see me grinning, dont worryIm not making fun of you Im just delighting in my own chess abilities! And, when you see me cry after I lose a game, dont feel too sorry for me I might just beat you the next time around! Have a fabulous time, and be sure to explore this manual to discover all the great features your chess computer has to offer. Plus, watch out for the stars throughout the manual theyll alert you to charts and diagrams that will help you to understand your computer better! As for me, Ill look forward to enjoying many great games with you, now and for a long time to come! Have fun!

1. LETS GET STARTED!

Whether youre just starting to learn about chess or youve already discovered this great game, youre going to benefit from your new chess computer in so many ways! After all, its a very unique combination of opponent and tutor! And, by the way, your computer knows and follows the rules of chessand you can be sure that it will never cheat! For those who havent played before, we have included a brief overview of the rules to get you started. For more detailed information, why not visit your local library, where youre sure to find lots of interesting chess books! 1.1 First, Install the Batteries Your chess computer runs on two AA (AM3/R6) batteries. Insert the batteries into the compartment in the base of the unit, as shown in the Quick Start. Use fresh alkaline batteries for longer battery life! Turn the computer on by pressing GO/STOP, and a beep will signal that the game is ready to play. If the computer
playing level will be in effect, but you can change it if youd like, as explained in Section 3.
TYPICAL DISPLAYS AT A GLANCE!
King is in check (White/Black) Checkmate (for White/Black)

Display on entering Teach Mode
Computer is thinking for Black

Player to move for White

Note: Random expressions are shown for Alec. His animated expressions will change according to specific game situations!
displayed, but you decide not to make that move, simply press down on that same square again to cancel. Then make another move. If you change your mind after entering your whole move, take the move back as described in Section 1.4. Caution: Be careful when playing with the sound turned off, since you wont be able to hear the error beeps! 2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw Check: When the computer puts your King in check, the computer first displays the move as usual. After the move is made, the display alternates between the time and ch, along with [ if White is in check or ] if Black is in check. When you put the comptuters King in check, the display shows ch then starts thinking. Checkmate: When a game ends in checkmate, youll hear a series of beeps and the display will flash End, along with [ if White has won or ] if Black has won. Notice how delighted Little Alec is when he winsand how sad he gets when he loses a game! Draws: The computer recognizes draws by stalemate and immediate three-fold repetition. After a draw has occurred, the display will flash End and both of the color symbols ([ and ]), along with the drawing move. 2.5 Interrupting the Computers Search Think the computer is taking too long to move? No problemyou can interrupt it any time! Simply press PLAY while the computer is thinking, and it will stop and make the move it is currently considering. This feature can come in handy for those of you who are impatientespecially when using Fixed Depth Levels C6 and higher, where the computer can occasionally take an hour or more to make its move. 2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when its your turn to moveand the computer will make the next move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish! Want the computer to play the first move for White at the start of a new game? Press NEW GAME to reset the computer, and then press PLAY!
GET TO KNOW ALECS MANY MOODS!
Not sure what Alecs trying to tell you? Wondering why he looks so happy, so sad, or so annoyed? Here are some of his expressions!

secutive seconds may appear to be uneven. Your game will not be affected.
2.9 Built-In Openings At the beginning of a game, the computer will often move instantly on many levels. This is because it is playing from memory, using its own built-in book of opening chess moves, which includes most major openings. If the current board position is in its book, the computer will play a response to that position automatically, instead of having to think about the move! 2.10 Auto Power Down Whenever its your turn to move and you havent made a move or pressed a key for 20 minutes, the computer will automatically turn itself off to conserve batteries. To continue your game, press GO/STOP to turn the unit back on. Note that the computer will not turn itself off while it is thinking. 2.11 Game Memory If you want to interrupt your game for any reason, you may do so by pressing GO/STOP. Play is then suspended, and the computer will store your current position for up to two years (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch back on again, you and Alec can simply continue right where you left off!
I really do love this game especially when Im winning! Looks like weve got a pretty even game so far
I cant believe I really lost this game Wont you please give me another chance? Yes, Id say that mate is right around the corner! / Go aheadpromote my pawn for me! Heyyou captured my piece while I wasnt looking! / Oh, no! How did you manage to check my King? Ha, ha! Capturing your pieces sure is fun! / Better watch out for your King Im coming after him! Heyare you still there? You sure are taking a long time! / I hate to admit it, but I guess this games a draw!
This isnt good I cant believe youve got the advantage! What happened here? I thought I was winning
Wow, this is greatI really improved my position! Hooray, I won the game! That sure was fun want to play again?

3. THE PLAYING LEVELS

With 768 level settings to choose from (incorporating the Teach Modes), you can definitely learn and grow with this chess computer! When you set the level, keep in mind that the more time the computer has to think about its moves, the stronger and better it playsjust like a human player!
Check out A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO LEVEL SELECTION! for an overview of all the levels.
Want to watch the computer play chess against itself? Press PLAY after each moveand watch as the computer plays for both sides of the board, one move after another. Study its strategies, and you might improve your own game! 2.7 Need Help? Ask for a Hint! Its easy to get assistance from the computer whenever you need it. On your turn, simply press and hold down HINT. The computer will show Hint briefly, and it will then display a move suggestion for you! Note that pressing and holding HINT repeatedly may give you more than one suggested move in certain positions. The computer may take a few seconds to display a hint especially in complicated positions. 2.8 Chess Clocks Your computer contains a built-in chess clock that keeps track of the time, with a four-digit display showing the total elapsed time for the side to move (computer or player) while that side is thinking. Heres an easy way to differentiate between the time displays at a glance: For the first hour, the display will show MM:SS (Minutes:Seconds), with a steady colon in the middle and a leading zero. If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour, youll see HH:MM (Hours:Minutes), with a flashing colon in the middle and no leading zero. Please also note the following points in regard to the chess clocks: The clocks will stop in certain situations, such as when moves are taken back, or when levels are changed or verified. In these cases, the times are retained in memory, and the clock resumes when play is continued. Occasionally, while the computer is thinking, the display may skip a few seconds, or the duration between conAs shown in the Level Selection Chart, each playing level corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. The levels are categorized into three different groups: Fun Levels (Squares A1-B8), Fixed Depth Levels (Squares C1-D8), and Casual Levels (Squares E1-H8). On the higher levels, the computer thinks more deeply and becomes a progressively more challenging opponent. The highest level in each of the groups produces the best moves the computer can make within the constraints of that particular level setting. Try experimenting a littlestart out with some of the lower level settings, and advance to the more difficult levels as your skills grow! Note that on some of the higher levels, the computer may take a long time to complete its search. If you want to force the computer to stop thinking and make a move, simply press PLAY at any time. Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is shown, with the display alternating between the Level Square and the Level Name. As an example, Level E4 (Casual Level 4), which is the default level at the first powerup, displays as L:E4 and 00:04. To change the level, press a board square (using the Level Selection Chart as a guide), and that level will be displayed. Press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode, with your newly selected playing level in effect. Other important points to remember regarding levels: If you press LEVEL to verify the level, but you dont want to change levels, press LEVEL again to exit without making any changes. You can use LEVEL to check the playing level while the computer is thinking, but you cannot change the level until its your turn to move. Pressing NEW GAME resets the computer and retains the current playing level.

A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO LEVEL SELECTION!

Fun Level 8

Fun Level 16

3+ ply search

6 ply search

8 sec. per move

16 sec. per move

55 sec. per move

15 min. per move

15 sec. per move

10 min. per move

Fun Level 7

Fun Level 15

3 ply search

5++ ply search

7 sec. per move

50 sec. per move
Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode.

14 sec. per move

6 min. per move

Fun Level 6

Fun Level 14

2++ ply search

5+ ply search

6 sec. per move

45 sec. per move
2. Next, select your level, using the chart on the right. Simply locate your level square and press down on the square to display that level!

13 sec. per move

5 min. per move

Fun Level 5

Fun Level 13

2+ ply search

5 ply search

5 sec. per move

40 sec. per move

12 sec. per move

4 min. per move
For example: To select Level G2 (with an average computer response time of 25 seconds per move), press Square G2. The display will alternate between L:G2 and 00:25.

Fun Level 4

Fun Level 12

2 ply search

4++ ply search

4 sec. per move

35 sec. per move

11 sec. per move

3 min. per move

Fun Level 3

Fun Level 11

1++ ply search

4+ ply search

3 sec. per move

30 sec. per move

10 sec. per move

2 min. per move

Fun Level 2

Fun Level 10

1+ ply search

4 ply search

2 sec. per move

25 sec. per move
Finally, press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode. Now you can start playing on your newly selected level!

9 sec. per move

1 min. per move

Fun Level 1

Fun Level 9

1 ply search

3++ ply search

1 sec. per move

20 sec. per move
For more details on the levels, see Section 3.

FUN LEVELS

FIXED DEPTH LEVELS

CASUAL LEVELS

3.1 Fun Levels (Squares A1-B8)

LEVEL SQUARE ALTERNATING DISPLAY LEVEL SQUARE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
A1. L:A1 / Fu 1.. B1. L:B1 / Fu 9 A2. L:A2 / Fu 2.. B2. L:B2 / Fu10 A3. L:A3 / Fu 3.. B3. L:B3 / Fu11 A4. L:A4 / Fu 4.. B4. L:B4 / Fu12 A5. L:A5 / Fu 5.. B5. L:B5 / Fu13 A6. L:A6 / Fu 6.. B6. L:B6 / Fu14 A7. L:A7 / Fu 7.. B7. L:B7 / Fu15 A8. L:A8 / Fu 8.. B8. L:B8 / Fu16 If you are a novice or beginning player, the Fun Levels are especially for youtheyll give you the opportunity to beat the computer for a change! Here, the computer does not exhaustively search for the best available move, as you would normally expect. Instead, it disregards scores and uses a strong randomizer to deliberately weaken play which causes it to sometimes make moves that are not necessarily the best it has found. This variability makes the computer prone to some very human errors in judgment. Beat the computer by capitalizing on its mistakes, and you may soon discover that you can win games against friends in the same manner! The Fun Levels start out easy and get a little stronger as they go, allowing you to strengthen your playing abilities along the way. 3.2 Fixed Depth Levels (Squares C1-D8)
LEVEL SQUARE SEARCH DEPTH ALTERNATING DISPLAY
D3. 4 ply+. L:D3 / Fd11 D4. 4 ply++. L:D4 / Fd12 D5. 5 ply. L:D5 / Fd13 D6. 5 ply+. L:D6 / Fd14 D7. 5 ply++. L:D7 / Fd15 D8. 6 ply. L:D8 / Fd16 On the Fixed Depth Levels, the computers search depth is limited to a certain number of moves, or ply. A ply is an individual move, or a move for either side. For example, on Level C1, the computer searches to a depth of one ply, and thus looks ahead only one individual move. On this level, therefore, it will often overlook a mate in one. This produces weaker play, giving beginners a better chance of beating the computer! Use these levels to sharpen your skillsas you conquer each level, graduate to the next! The levels marked with plus signs (+ and ++) indicate small, incremental jumps in the search depth. On these levels, the computer will look ahead that particular number of ply, plus a few extra moves (+), or a few more selected extra moves (++). Note that the computer may take a long time to move on some of the Fixed Depth Levels. On Levels C6 and above, for instance, it might not be unusual for the computer to think for an hour or more. Please be assured that this is normal for these particular levels! To interrupt the computer and force it to make a move, simply press PLAY. 3.3 Casual Levels (Squares E1-H8)

LEVEL SQUARE TIME PER MOVE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
C1. 1 ply. L:c1 / Fd 1 C2. 1 ply+. L:c2 / Fd 2 C3. 1 ply++. L:c3 / Fd 3 C4. 2 ply. L:c4 / Fd 4 C5. 2 ply+. L:c5 / Fd 5 C6. 2 ply++. L:c6 / Fd 6 C7. 3 ply. L:c7 / Fd 7 C8. 3 ply+. L:c8 / Fd 8 -----------------------------------------------------------D1. 3 ply++. L:D1 / Fd 9 D2. 4 ply. L:D2 / Fd10
E1. 1 second.. L:E1 / 00:01 E2. 2 seconds. L:E2 / 00:02 E3. 3 seconds. L:E3 / 00:03 E4. 4 seconds. L:E4 / 00:04 E5. 5 seconds. L:E5 / 00:05 E6. 6 seconds. L:E6 / 00:06 E7. 7 seconds. L:E7 / 00:07 E8. 8 seconds. L:E8 / 00:08 ------------------------------------------------------------F1. 9 seconds. L:F1 / 00:09
ITS EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!
SELECTING A TEACH MODE GAME!
Here, well choose to study Bishops and Rooks. Remember that Kings and Pawns are always on the board.
1. Press NEW GAME and set up the pieces in the initial starting position. 2. Press ROOK. Display: White Rook on Square A1. 3. Press ROOK again. Display: White Rook on Square H1. 4. Press ROOK again. Display: Black Rook on Square A8. 5. Press ROOK again. Display: Black Rook on Square H8. 6. Press ROOK again. Display: No more Rooks. Repeat for any other piece! To continue, make the next move.
For more details, see Section 4.1.
2. Press BISHOP. Bishops added. On the board: Kings, Pawns, Bishops. 3. Press ROOK. Rooks added. On the board: Kings, Pawns, Bishops, Rooks.
4. Press TEACH MODE again. The computer resets for a new game, with only Kings, Pawns, Bishops, and Rooks on the boardbe sure to set up only those pieces!
For more details, see Section 4.3.
F2. 10 seconds. L:F2 / 00:10 F3. 11 seconds. L:F3 / 00:11 F4. 12 seconds. L:F4 / 00:12 F5. 13 seconds. L:F5 / 00:13 F6. 14 seconds. L:F6 / 00:14 F7. 15 seconds. L:F7 / 00:15 F8. 16 seconds. L:F8 / 00:16 ------------------------------------------------------------G1. 20 seconds. L:G1 / 00:20 G2. 25 seconds. L:G2 / 00:25 G3. 30 seconds. L:G3 / 00:30 G4. 35 seconds. L:G4 / 00:35 G5. 40 seconds. L:G5 / 00:40 G6. 45 seconds. L:G6 / 00:45 G7. 50 seconds. L:G7 / 00:50 G8. 55 seconds. L:G8 / 00:55 ------------------------------------------------------------H1. 1 minute. L:H1 / 01:00 H2. 2 minutes. L:H2 / 02:00 H3. 3 minutes. L:H3 / 03:00 H4. 4 minutes. L:H4 / 04:00 H5. 5 minutes. L:H5 / 05:00 H6. 6 minutes. L:H6 / 06:00 H7. 10 minutes. L:H7 / 10:00 H8. 15 minutes. L:H8 / 15:00 The Casual Levels allow you to control the computers strength by limiting the time it has to think for each move. When you choose one of these levels, you are selecting the computers response time per move. As the levels go up, the computer becomes strongerand the more time you give the computer, the better it will play! Note that in the opening and endgame, the computer tends to play faster.

no more Bishops on the board, for example, youll see :__ displayed, along with [ and #. The computer will then return to your previous game display. To verify other pieces, repeat the same steps using the other PIECE SYMBOL KEYS. When youre finished, simply make your next move. Note that the computer will exit Verify Mode automatically if no keypresses are made for about five seconds. 4.2 Non Auto Mode Normally, the computer automatically answers with a countermove whenever you enter a move. If you press NON AUTO to enter Non Auto Mode, however, you can enter any number of moves one by one, without allowing the computer to answer!
Since you wont be playing against Alec in this mode, hell disappear as soon as you press NON AUTO! Dont worry, thoughwhen you return to normal play, Little Alec will be back!
This feature can be used in a number of ways: Play through master chess games. Press PLAY to see what the computer would do in any position! Study opening book lines by entering them manually. Replay to any board position for further study. Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting as referee. It will monitor your game, checking all moves for legality and keeping track of the time for both sides! If you should need help with a move, press PLAY and the computer will make the next move for your side. After the computer has moved, Non Auto Mode remains in effect, and you can continue your game! To exit Non Auto Mode and return to normal game play at any time, press NON AUTO again. A double beep will verify that this mode has been cancelled, and Alec will reappear in the display! Note that Non Auto Mode is also automatically cancelled whenever you press NEW GAME. 4.3 Teach Mode
4. SPECIAL MODES TO EXPLORE

4.1 Verify Mode

See ITS EASY TO VERIFY PIECES! for a step-bystep example of using Verify Mode.
If you should knock over the chess pieces or if you think your board position may be incorrect, the computer can verify all the piece locations for you! When its your turn, press one of the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS. The computer will show the symbol for that piece, along with the square location of the first piece of that type. Press that same PIECE SYMBOL KEY repeatedly to see the board locations of all pieces of that same type. All the White pieces ([) are shown first, and then all the Black pieces (]). When there are no more pieces of that type, the computer will sound a double beep and show two dashes, along with the piece symbol and the symbol for White. When there are
See SELECTING A TEACH MODE GAME! for an illustrated look at trying out Teach Mode!

Your computer offers 11 Teach Modes, which allow you to study basic moves and master the tactics of the individual chess pieces, one by one! For each Teach Mode game, the only pieces on the board will be Kings, Pawns, and your choice of one or two selected piece types. This allows beginners to concentrate on one or two pieces at a time, without losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the board! More developed players can use the Teach Modes to practice using selected combinations.

1. Press TEACH MODE.

Whenever its your turn to move, follow these steps to select one of the Teach Mode games: a. Press TEACH MODE. The display shows tEAC. b. Press one or two of the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, depending on which piece(s) you would like to study. The display will show the selected piece(s) as the keys are pressed. The listing below shows all the different piece combinations, and the keys you should press to select them. c. After making your piece selection(s), press TEACH MODE again. The computer will reset for a new game, using only the pieces you have chosen. Remember to set up only those pieces on the board! Use this list to select one of the Teach Modes:
PRESS TO STUDY THESE PIECES.. DISPLAY

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY

1. Warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase with proof of purchase submitted. 2. Operating instructions must be followed. 3. Product must not have been damaged as a result of defacement, misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, destruction or alteration of the serial number, improper electrical voltages or currents, repair, alteration or maintenance by any person or party other than our own service facility or an authorized service center, use or installation of non-Saitek replacement parts in the product or the modification of this product in any way, or the incorporation of this product into any other products, or damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods, lightning, or acts of God, or any use violative of instructions furnished by Saitek plc. 4. Obligations of Saitek shall be limited to repair or replacement with the same or similar unit, at our option. To obtain repairs under this warranty, present the product and proof of purchase (e.g., bill or invoice) to the authorized Saitek Technical Support Center (listed on the separate sheet packaged with this product) transportation charges prepaid. Any requirements that conflict with any state or Federal laws, rules and/or obligations shall not be enforceable in that particular territory and Saitek will adhere to those laws, rules, and/or obligations. 5. When returning the product for repair, please pack it very carefully, preferably using the original packaging materials. Please also include an explanatory note. 6. IMPORTANT: To save yourself unnecessary cost and inconvenience, please check carefully that you have read and followed the instructions in this manual. 7. This warranty is in Lieu of all other expressed warranties, obligations or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

!.. Kings+Pawns.. &\\\\! @.. Kings+Pawns+Knights.. &\\\@! #.. Kings+Pawns+Bishops.. &\\#\! $.. Kings+Pawns+Rooks.. &\$\\! %.. Kings+Pawns+Queens.. &%\\\! @+#.. Kings+Pawns+Knights+Bishops.. &\\#@! @+$.. Kings+Pawns+Knights+Rooks. &\$\@! @+%.. Kings+Pawns+Knights+Queens. &%\\@! #+$.. Kings+Pawns+Bishops+Rooks.. &\$#\! #+%.. Kings+Pawns+Bishops+Queens.. &%\#\! $+%.. Kings+Pawns+Rooks+Queens.. &%$\\!
Please also note the following regarding the Teach Modes: If you press more than two PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, only the last two pieces displayed will be selected when you press TEACH MODE to start the game. If no PIECE SYMBOL KEY is pressed in step (b) above, pressing TEACH MODE again will exit Teach Mode and return you to your previous game. To exit Teach Mode and return to a standard, 32-piece game at any time, press NEW GAME.

5. TECHNICAL DETAILS

5.1 The ACL Function Computers can sometimes lock up due to static discharge or various other electrical disturbances. If this should happen, use a pin or another sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This resets the computer. 5.2 Care and Maintenance Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Remove the batteries before cleaning the unit, and do not use chemicals or liquids to clean it, as they may damage the plastic. Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they can leak and damage the computer. Please also note the following regarding the use of batteries: Use only alkaline or zinc carbon batteries. Do not mix different types of batteries or new and used batteries. Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the recommended batteries or equivalent. Be sure to observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries. Remove worn out batteries from the unit promptly. Do not short circuit the supply terminals. 5.3 Technical Specifications Keys: 15 LCD Display: Viewing area 30 x 13 mm Sound: Piezo-electric buzzer Batteries: 2 AA (AM3/R6) cells Dimensions: 314 x 252 x 34 mm
Please retain this information for future reference. Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the interest of progress.
Information for Customers in the United States: FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Saitek Industries, 2295 Jefferson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE SYMPTOMS
The computer doesnt react, or freezes during your game.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Batteries are not inserted properly. Batteries are weak or bad. Static discharge or an electrical disturbance has caused a lock-up. Batteries are weak. Non Auto Mode may be in effect. You may be on a level where the computer thinks for a long time.

ACTION TO TAKE

Insert batteries as shown in the Quick Start. Replace the batteries. Press into the hole marked ACL, as described in Section 1.1. Replace the batteries. The computer only responds automatically if Non Auto Mode is off (see Section 4.2). Check the level (see Section 3). To interrupt the computers search, press PLAY. Make sure that you are familiar with the rules. Use TAKE BACK to reconstruct the last move that was made. To interrupt the computer, press PLAY. Check the displayed move. Press the correct square to complete the computers move.
The display is dim. The computer wont play a move.
The computer wont accept your move.
Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your move put your King in check? Did you move the Rook first when castling? Are you moving to an illegal square? The computer is thinking. You have entered the computers last move incorrectly (pressed the wrong from or to square). The computer has made a special move (en passant, castle, pawn promotion). Your board position is incorrect. You may be on a Fun Level, where the computer deliberately weakens play. The SOUND key has been pressed to turn the sound off. Non Auto Mode is in effect. Since you are not playing against the computer in this mode, Alec is not displayed. The computer exits Verify Mode if no keys are pressed for about 5 seconds. This can sometimes occur while the computer is thinking.
The computer seems to be making illegal or irrational moves.
Review the chess rules. Use TAKE BACK to reconstruct the last move. Verify the board (see Section 4.1). Check the level (see Section 3).

The computer is silent.

Press SOUND again to turn the sound back on. When you exit Non Auto Mode and return to normal play, Alec will reappear.

Talking Chess Trainer

Instructions Bedienungsanleitung Mode demploi

QUICK START

To play a game of chess right away, without reading the entire manual first, simply follow these Quick Start steps!
Open the battery compartment at the back of the computer by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. Insert 3 AA (Type AM3/ R6) batteries into the computer, making sure that you observe the correct polarity. Then, reinstall the battery door.

3 x AA/AM3/R6

Enter moves by executing them on the board, pressing the chess pieces down gently on the from and to squares for each move.
Press GO/STOP to turn the game on. If the computer does not respond, press a paper clip or similar sharp object into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit, as described in Section 4.1. Set up the chess pieces in the initial starting position for a new game, with the White pieces closest to you.
As soon as the computer makes a move, that move is shown in the display window. Press the computers piece lightly onto the indicated from and to squares to complete the computers move. Thats all there is to it! Make your next move as described above. Press GO/STOP at any time to turn the computer off. Enjoy your game!

Press the NEW GAME key to reset the computer for a new game of chess.
Note: The computer will automatically switch off to conserve power if no keys are pressed for about 20 minutes and the computer is not currently thinking. For details, see Section 2.9.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START KEYS AND FEATURES INTRODUCTION 1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER 1.1 Battery Installation 1.2 Making Moves 1.3 The Computers Move 1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back! 1.5 Check, Mate, or Draw! 1.6 Start a New Game 1.7 Change Levels 1.8 Openings Coach 2. ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES 2.1 Language Selection 2.2 Chess Clocks 2.3 Capturing and Special Moves 2.4 Illegal Moves 2.5 Interrupting the Computers Search 2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer 2.7 Getting Hints from the Computer 2.8 The Computer Plays Against Itself 2.9 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down 2.10 Openings Library 3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES 3.1 Levels of Play 3.2 Fun Levels 3.3 Casual Levels 3.4 Blitz Levels 3.5 Bronstein Levels 3.6 Bonus Timer Levels 3.7 Tournament Levels 3.8 Fixed Depth Levels 3.9 Tactical Level 3.10 Teach Modes 3.11 Selecting Levels and Teach Modes 3.12 Openings Coach Mode 3.13 Verify Mode. Check Piece Positions! 3.14 Non Auto Mode 4. TECHNICAL DETAILS 4.1 The ACL Function 4.2 Care and Maintenance 4.3 Technical Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Figure 1. Display Symbols and Sounds

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. LCD Display Window: The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is used to show moves, game information, and chess clocks for both players. For a complete list of the symbols, refer to Figure 1. 2. Piece Symbol Keys & (King), % (Queen), $ (Rook), # (Bishop), @ (Knight), ! (Pawn): Used to verify positions, select various Teach Modes, and underpromote pawns. 3. Game Keys a. GO/STOP Key: Press to turn the computer on; press again to turn the unit off. The current game is retained in memory for up to 550 hours. b. NEW GAME Key: Press to reset the computer for a new game of chess. c. OPENINGS COACH Key: Press to enter Openings Coach Mode for training on opening gambits and responses. d. LEVEL Key: Press to enter Level Mode to adjust the level of play to the complexity and type of game you desire. Also used to select the Teach Modes. e. TAKE BACK Key: Press to take back the last individual move made. You may take back up to 14 individual moves. Note that an individual move is a move for one side. f. NON AUTO Key: Press to enter Non Auto Mode, which allows moves to be entered manually. Here, the computer monitors the game, but makes no moves. g. PLAY Key: Press to exchange sides with the computer. Press while the computer is thinking to force it to move, or press during your own turn to get a move suggestion from the computer. h. SOUND Key: Pressing this key causes the sound option to cycle through three levels of operation. You can tell which level you have selected by the number of high tone beeps you hear, as indicated below:

Fig. 1-1

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

Fig. 1-2

Making Moves Follow the steps below to start a game. a. If necessary, press GO/STOP to turn the computer on. b. Set up the chess pieces in their starting positions with the White pieces nearest to you, as shown in Figure 1-2, and press NEW GAME. The computer will say Lets play, and indicate on the display that you should play a White piece. 00:00

PRESS PRESS

Note: If NEW GAME is pressed while certain modes are selected (Teach Mode, Openings Coach, or Non Auto Mode), these modes will automatically be cancelled.
c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to move until you hear a beep (see Figure 1-3). The computers sensory board registers your move, and the left side of the display will show the from square that was pressed. E2:__ d. Take the piece and lightly press it down on the square you want to move to. A second beep sounds, and the computer briefly shows the to square on the right-hand side of the display. E2:E4 As soon as your move is finished (if you have Voice selected), the display will show Coch while it evaluates your move. You also hear a spoken comment relating to the move you executed. e. Next, it is the computers turn, and the computer will start thinking about its move. Note that in the early stages of a game, the computers response is often virtually instantaneous. This is because it is playing moves already stored in its openings library (see Section 2.10).

Fig. 1-3

Fig. 1-4
3. The Computers Moveready, it beeps a move, see Figures 1-5a andcoordinates ofindicated When the computer is and displays the from and to its move, as shown in Figure 1-4. For an example of b. Press the
piece down on its from square (E7, in this case), until you hear a beep and the from side of the display changes to show the color and symbol for that piece. For a chart of the symbols, see Figure 1. Next, press that same piece down on the second square in the displaythe square the computer wants to move to (E5, here). Once you press E5, the display clears and you have completed the computers move! The display then indicates that it is once again your turn to move. Change Your Mind? Back! 4.your turn to move, andTakedisplaymove, you cansquare.back. Presspiece down on whilesquare. If you change your mind about a take it TAKE BACK it is still the shows the to Press the that You now see the piece symbol and the square that piece came from. Press the piece down on the from square to finish the take-back. If the move taken back was a capture, the computer reminds you to put the captured piece back on the board by displaying the piece type and its square location. Press this piece down on the indicated square. To take back another move, press TAKE BACK again. You can take back up to 14 individual moves (or 7 moves for each side), allowing you to experiment and try out various What if.? approaches. To continue the game, either make your next move or press PLAY to have the computer make a move for you. Figures 1-6 a and b show an example of taking back a Knight move from G8 to F6. After pressing TAKE BACK, the display shows F6, the square the Knight moved to (Figure 1-6a). Press 4

Fig. 1-5a

Fig. 1-5b
down on F6, and the display changes to show the piece color and symbol (Black Knight) and the square that piece came from (Figure 1-6b). Press the Knight back down on G8.
Note that en passant captures cannot be replayed if the take back of the previous move was not allowed.
Draw! 5. Check,aMate,isorinrunning).the display game endscheck symbol (alternately(by stalemate, When King check, shows the with the clock display, if the clock is When the in checkmate or a draw immediate 3-fold repetition, or the 50-move rule), various End symbols are displayed. These symbols are shown in Figure 1. New Game 6. Start aNEW GAME to start a new game at anyclears your current game from the computers Press time, using the currently selected level and sound/voice settings. Since pressing NEW GAME memory, be very careful not to press this key by mistake. Change Levels 7. Your squares. Togetheroffers the 11 built-in of play, each of which corresponds atochoiceofofthe chess computer you 64 levels one 64 board with Extended Teach Modes, you have 768 level settings! Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is displayed (e.g., the level equivalent to board square A3 shows L:A3 alternately with Fun3). To change the level, simply press a board square, and that level will show in the display. Press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode. For more information on the playing levels, see Section 3. Openings Coach 8.Queens Gambit.has 16 opening sequences forand thenstudy, such of the squaresOpening and Your computer you to as the Italian the Press OPENINGS COACH, press one from A1 to B8 to select one of the openings. Press the square again to choose how much help you would like to get from the computer, and then press OPENINGS COACH once more to start practicing or to test your knowledge. For more details, see Section 3.12.

Fig. 1-6a

Fig. 1-6b

Fig. 2-1a

2. ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES
2.1 Language Selection With your chess computer switched off, turn the board upside down and locate the Language Selection Switch in the bottom left-hand corner. Select your chosen language by moving the switch to either Eng (English), Fr (French), or De (German). Then, turn the board over and switch on the unit. 2.2 Chess Clocks Built in chess clocks keep track of the time for your side and the computers side, with a fourdigit display showing the total elapsed time or remaining time for each player alternately during his turn. After you have entered the computers move, the display shows your chess clock until a key or square is pressed, keeping track of your time until the to square is pressed. After you make your move, the display immediately switches to the computers clock while it thinks, until the computer indicates that it is ready to move. Note that the computer may also display Coch after your move has been made, while it analyzes whether you have made a good move or a bad one. If the Sound Level is set to Beep and Voice, and the computer concludes that you have made a good move, it encourages you with MmGood Move! On the other hand, if it thinks your move is not a good one, it will say Uh-uh. For the first hour of the game, or whenever the remaining time is less than a hour, the display will show MINUTES:SECONDS, with a steady colon. If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour or the remaining time exceeds one hour, the display will show HOURS:MINUTES, and the colon will flash while the clock is showing. Please also note the following: The clock stops if you verify the level, verify the board, or turn the computer off. In each of these cases, however, the times are retained in memory, and the clock display resumes when play is continued. The clock resets if you change the level or press a square while in Level Mode. When your King is in check, the display shows check alternately with the chess clock. If you are playing on a level which is against the clock, the clock counts down from your selected time to show time remaining. When the first clock reaches zero, three low tone beeps will signal that time has run out. The clock will then begin counting time up from zero. On levels where time is not part of the competition, the clock counts upwards to show the total elapsed time. If you take back while playing against the clock, the clock does not reverse for each take back. It simply stops until you start making a move again. 2.3 Capturing and Special Moves a. CAPTURES: To capture, press down lightly on the piece you want to move, take the captured piece off the board, and press your piece on the square of the captured piece. The computer will announce the capture. b. EN PASSANT: In an en passant capture, the computer reminds you to remove the captured pawn from the board by displaying the pawns location. Press down on the captured 5

Fig. 2-1b

Fig. 2-1c

Fig. 2-2

pawn before removing it from the board. For an example, see Figures 2-1a, b, and c. c. PAWN PROMOTION AND UNDERPROMOTION: When you promote a pawn, first press your pawn down on its from square, as usual. The computer displays your from square and the Queen symbol (alternately with the clock display). As soon as you press your pawn down on the to square, it automatically becomes a Queen. Remember to change your piece on the board! If you wish to underpromote your pawn to a Rook, Bishop, or Knight, simply press the appropriate Piece Symbol Key between pressing the from and to squares. When the computer promotes a pawn, it will show its from and to squares as usual. After you press its from square, the display indicates the promotion piece type by showing the piece symbol and the to square. Press down on the to square with the indicated new piece to complete the computers promotion move. d. CASTLING: The computer automatically recognizes castling after the King is moved. After you have pressed the King down on its from and to squares, the computer displays the Rooks from square and the voice announces the move. Press down on this square, and the computer then displays the Rook symbol, along with the square the Rook should move to. Press down on the Rooks to square to complete the move (see Figure 2-2). 2.4 Illegal Moves Your computer will never accept an illegal move. If you attempt an illegal move, the computer gives a low tone error beep or says Illegal move! and the display keeps showing the from square. Press on that square to clear the illegal move, and then move again. If you should move the computers piece incorrectly, you will also hear an error beep. This can occur if you move the wrong piece or move a piece to the wrong square. Check the display and move again. If you press a piece and the from square shows in the display, but you decide not to make that move, press that same square once again to cancel. Be careful not to make mistakes when the sound is off, as you will not be able to hear the error beeps. 2.5 Interrupting the Computers Search To interrupt the computer while it is thinking, press PLAY, and the computer will play the best move it has found so far. This can be very useful in games at higher levels of play, when an exhaustive search for the best move can be quite time consuming. 2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when it is your turn to move. The computer will then make the next move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish! 2.7 Getting Hints from the Computer Whenever Voice is selected, the computer is likely to make encouraging remarks like MmGood Move! when you make a good move, as well as indicating disapproval with Uh-uh! if you make a bad move. If you need more help, however, you can also have the computer show you what it would do in your position! Simply press PLAY on your turn, and the computer will make the next move for you. To keep this move as your own, make the displayed move on the board. Then, press PLAY again and the computer will make its next move. Continue the game by making your own next move. If you do not want to use the computers move, first make the displayed move on the board, and then take it back. Once you have cleared the move in this way, you can make your own move. 2.8 The Computer Plays Against Itself To watch the computer play a game against itself, press PLAY for every move. Study the computers playing strate6

gies to learn more about chess! 2.9 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down You may interrupt a game by pressing GO/STOP to turn the computer off. The computer will remember your position for up to 550 hours (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch on again, simply continue where you left off! If you do not press a key or make a move for about 20 minutes (when the computer is not thinking), the computer will switch off to conserve power, while retaining your game in memory. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer back on and resume your unfinished game. 2.10 Openings Library At the beginning of a game, the computers reply is usually instantaneous because the computer is playing moves which are stored in its openings library. If the current board position is in its openings library, the computer plays a response to that position from its collection of moves, instead of thinking about the move.
3. LEVELS AND SPECIAL MODES
3.1 Levels of Play With 768 level settings to choose from (including the Extended Teach modes), you can learn and grow with this chess computer! As shown in the playing level charts in the following sections, each level corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. The basic levels are categorized into 8 groups, intended to suit users of different abilities. Fun Levels: A1 to A8. For the early beginner, with A1 being the easiest. Casual Levels: B1 to C8. For games not played against the clock. Full range of difficulty, from easy (B1) to extremely challenging (C8). When you first power up the computer, B4 will be the selected level. Blitz Levels: D1 to D8. Also known as Sudden Death. Game must be concluded within the selected time. Bronstein Levels: E1 to E4. The game must be concluded within the selected time, which is then increased by an amount to compensate for each move. The compensation is the actual time used or the allowed time, whichever is shorter. Bonus Timer Levels: E5 to E8. The game must be concluded within the selected time, which is increased by a prescribed amount to compensate for each move before the move is made. Tournament Levels: F1 to F8. A certain number of moves must be made within the given amount of time.

L:E5/03:00/00:02 L:E6/10:00/00:02 L:E7/20:00/00:02 L:E8/50:00/00:02
B1.. 1 second. L:B1/00:01 B2. 2 seconds.. L:B2/00:02 B3. 3 seconds.. L:B3/00:03 B4. 5 seconds.. L:B4/00:05 B5.. 10 seconds. L:B5/00:10 B6.. 15 seconds. L:B6/00:15 B7.. 20 seconds. L:B7/00:20 B8.. 30 seconds. L:B8/00:30 C1.. 45 seconds. L:c1/00:45 C2.. 1 minute.. L:c2/01:00 C3.. 2 minutes. L:c3/02:00 C4.. 3 minutes. L:c4/03:00 C5.. 4 minutes. L:c5/04:00 C6.. 5 minutes. L:c6/05:00 C7. 10 minutes.. L:c7/10:00 C8. 15 minutes.. L:c8/15:00 3.4 Blitz Levels The levels on the D squares are the Blitz Levels. If you wish to play speed chess, or instant death, you can select from a range of times allowed for the game to be completed. You may choose between a 5-minute pressure cooker of a game, up to a more relaxed 1-1/2 hour game. When you select one of these squares, the display will alternate between the square you have selected and the corresponding time limit for the game.
3.7 Tournament Levels The F1-F8 squares provide 8 Tournament Levels. When one of these is selected, you and the computer are each required to make a prescribed number of moves within a given amount of time. For example: If you select Level F3, you will be required to make 40 moves within 2 hours under the Primary Time Control. If the game is not finished within that time, the Secondary Time Control period will begin, and you will be required to make 20 moves within 1 hour. If this secondary period does not produce a result, it is repeated until a conclusion is reached. In accordance with tournament regulations, any time remaining at completion of the moves of the Primary Time Control is carried forward and added to the time allowed for the Secondary Time Control. For example: If you selected Level F3 and completed the first 40 moves in just one hour, you would be allowed 2 hours for the next 20 moves. Surplus time, if any, is carried forward and accumulated in this way throughout the game. When you select one of these Tournament Levels, the display will cycle through three pieces of information, each of

Chessboard Square

Primary Time Control Moves Time
Secondary Time Control Moves Time

Display

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7
30 min 1 hr 30 min 2 hr 2 hr 2 hr 30 min 1 hr 30 min 2 hr 30 min 1 hr

remaining

30 min 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr 30 min 1 hr 30 min
L:F1/ 30/0:30 L:F2/ 30/1:30 L:F3/ 40/2:00 L:F4/ 40/2:00 L:F5/ 40/2:30 L:F6/ 45/1:30 L:F7/ 50/2:30 L:F8/ 60/1:00
D1.. 5 minutes. L:D1/05:00 D2. 10 minutes.. L:D2/10:00 D3. 15 minutes.. L:D3/15:00 D4. 25 minutes.. L:D4/25:00 D5. 30 minutes.. L:D5/30:00 D6. 45 minutes.. L:D6/45:00 D7. 60 minutes. L:D7/1:00 D8. 90 minutes. L:D8/1:30 3.5 Bronstein Levels By selecting a square from E1 to E4, you can choose a time limit for the game following the Bronstein system. A basic time is selected for the game, and an increment of a 7

which shows for one second. For example, if square F4 is selected, the display will show: The selected square L:F4 and then The number of moves in the Primary Time Control 40 and then The duration of the Primary Time Control 2:00 3.8 Fixed Depth Levels The Fixed Depth Levels in file G limit the skill of the computernot by the time to search for its next move, but by the number of moves it searches ahead. At the lower levels, it behaves like a novice player. At the lowest level, G1, where the computer looks ahead only one individual move, it does not anticipate the game at all, and could even miss a mate that you might make in one more move. At the other end of the scale, on Level G8, the computer will review all the possibilities within the next 8 individual moves. On these levels, the display alternates between the level you have selected and how many individual moves (ply) ahead the computer searches: The selected square L:G5 and then The number of individual moves the computer is looking ahead 5PLY 3.9 Tactical Levels The Tactical Levels are found on squares H1 through H8. These levels limit how many individual moves ahead the computer looks, but in this case the computer does not evaluate strategic advantages, and looks only for material gain such as checkmate or draws. The number of individual moves the computer looks ahead is equivalent to the chessboard square, e.g., H1 equals one individual move ahead, and H8 equals 8 moves ahead. On the Tactical Levels, the display alternates between the level you have selected, and how many individual moves (ply) ahead the computer will search. The selected square L:H8 and then The number of individual moves the computer is looking ahead 8PLY 3.10 Teach Modes Your chess computer contains 11 built-in Extended Teach Modes. This feature allows you to learn basic moves and master the tactics of the pieces, one at a time! For each individual Teach Mode, the only pieces on the board will be Kings and Pawns, or Kings and Pawns and one or two selected piece types. This allows beginners to concentrate on one or two pieces at a time, without losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the board. More developed players can use this feature to practice playing with selected combinations of pieces.
To change the level, simply press a board square, and the display will show the new level, alternating with the level details. Press LEVEL again to exit Level Mode.
Note the following key sequences and effects:
No change; previous level remains selected. LEVEL, Square, LEVEL New level selected, clock resets. LEVEL, Piece Symbol, Starting position of selected LEVEL Teach Mode is set at previously selected level. LEVEL, Square, Starting position of selected Piece Symbol, LEVEL Teach Mode is set at new level. LEVEL, Piece Symbol, New level is set, previous Square, LEVEL Teach Mode selection is canceled, existing game is retained. To select Teach Mode, press LEVEL. The display will show the skill level, as indicated by the equivalent chessboard square, alternating with the level details. To select a Teach Mode, press one or two of the Piece Symbol Keys (%, $, #, @ or !) you would like to use. The display will then show the selected pieces. For example, if you want to play with Kings, Bishops, Knights, and Pawns, after pressing LEVEL, you should press # and @. The display will show your selection. Then, press LEVEL to exit Level Mode and enter your selection into the computer, and you can begin your game. Since the King is always required for the game, you do not need to select this piece for the Teach Mode. In fact, pressing & is how you select a normal, 32-piece game. LEVEL, LEVEL

Note that Non Auto is automatically canceled whenever a Teach Mode is selected in the existing Level Mode.
The 11 Teach Modes and the normal game are indicated by the following displays:

TEACH MODE DISPLAY

Note the following, in regard to Level and Teach Modes: If NEW GAME is pressed during a game, the computer will exit Teach Mode and switch back to the standard 32piece game, with the current level still in effect. If you press LEVEL and then decide not to change the current playing level or Teach Mode, simply press LEVEL againand the current status will remain as is. You may select a new level at any time during your turn. If you do so, however, note that the clock will be reset. If you press more than 2 Piece Symbol Keys during a Teach Mode selection, only the last 2 symbol selections will be valid when you exit Level Mode. If you accidentally press a Piece Symbol Key in Level Mode, you will lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To continue with the current game, press the square corresponding to the current level of play before exiting Level Mode. Note, however, that the clock will have been reset.
3.11 Selecting Levels and Teach Modes Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is displayed. For example, Level A3 shows as L:A3, alternating with Fun3 (the level selected by pressing board square A3). 8
Kings and Pawns... te:_p Kings, Knights and Pawns.. te:_n Kings, Bishops and Pawns. te:_b Kings, Rooks and Pawns.. te:_r Kings, Queens and Pawns. te:_q Kings, Knights, Bishops and Pawns. te:nb Kings, Knights, Rooks and Pawns.. te:nr Kings, Knights, Queens and Pawns. te:nq Kings, Bishops, Rooks and Pawns. te:br Kings, Bishops, Queens and Pawns. te:bq Kings, Rooks, Queens and Pawns. te:rq All Pieces (standard board-normal game). te:sb 3.12 Openings Coach Mode Your computer has 16 different opening sequences in memory, all of which can be played through so that you may learn them. Press OPENINGS COACH, and, when first selected, the computer will beep and the display will flash o(: You can then choose which opening game you want to review by pressing one of the squares from A1 to B8. Figure 3-1 lists the available openings. For example, to select the third Openings Coach, press square A3, and o(:3 will flash in the display to confirm that the third Openings Coach has been selected. The two bars indicate that the computer will display moves for both sides, so you can watch and learn. Press the same square again and the display will change to o_:3, indicating that the computer will play the white side and let you work out the moves for black. Another press on the square changes the bar to show that the computer will play black while you play white. One more press will remove the bars altogether, indicating that the computer will leave all the moves to you while it monitors your moves for legality. Press

Figure 3-1. Moves in Openings Coach

Square Name Moves

Key Press

Display Shows

Meanings
Press @ first time Press @ second time Press @ third time Press @ fourth time

A1 A2 A3

Italian Opening Two Knights Defense Spanish Opening

Sicilian Defense

A5 A6 A7 A8 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8
French Defense Caro-Kann Defense
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6, f1c4, f8c5 e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6, f1c4, g8f6 e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6, f1b5, a7a6, b5a4, g8f6, e1g1, b7b5 e2e4, c7c5, g1f3, d7d6, d2d4, c5d4, f3d4, g8f6, b1c3 e2e4, e7e6, d2d4, d7d5

_n:B1 -n:B8 -n:F6 _n:__

(beep, beep)
White Knight on B1 Black Knight on B8 No more Knights, white to move Black Knight on F6
other pieces, repeat the same steps using the other Piece Symbol Keys. When you are finished, make your next move. Note that the clock stops temporarily during piece verification, and the computer automatically exits Verify Mode if no Piece Symbol Keys are pressed for about 5 seconds. 3.14 Non Auto Mode Normally, the computer automatically answers with a countermove whenever you enter a move. If you press NON AUTO, however, the computer responds with a beep and you can then enter all the moves for both sides, one by one, without allowing the computer to answer! This special feature can be used in a number of different ways: Play through master chess games. Try pressing PLAY to see what the computer would do in any position! Study opening book lines by entering them manually. Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting as referee, checking the legality of all moves and keeping track of the time for both sides! If you need help with a move, simply press PLAY and the computer will make the next move. After the move, Non Auto Mode remains in effect, and you can continue your game. Replay to any board position for further study. To exit Non Auto Mode and return to normal play, press NON AUTO once again. A double beep will verify that the mode has been canceled.
e2e4, c7c6, d2d4, d7d5, b1c3, d5e4 e2e4, d7d5, e4d5, d8d5, Scandinavian Defense b1c3, d5a5 e2e4, g8f6, e4e5, f6d5 Alekhines Defense d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, e7e6, Queens Gambit b1c3, g8f6, c1g5, f8e7 Queens Gambit Accepted d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, d5c4 d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6, Nimzo-Indian Defense b1c3, f8b4 Queens Indian Defense d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6, g1f3, b7b6 d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6, Kings Indian Defense b1c3, f8g7, e2e4, d7d6 d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6, Gruenfeld Defense b1c3, d7d5 d2d4, f7f5, c2c4, g8f6, Dutch Defense b1c3, e7e6 c2c4, e7e5, b1c3, g8f6, English Opening g1f3

Note that Non Auto Mode is automatically canceled whenever you press NEW GAME or select a Teach Mode upon exiting Level Mode.
OPENINGS COACH once again, and the display will indicate that you should move. While you are playing, you can press PLAY to have the computer remind you of the next move. Every time you make a correct move, the computer will confirm the move with a single beep. If you are wrong, however, it will sound a double beep and prevent the from square from being displayed. The computers voice will also indicate the coachs disapproval with Uh-uh. Press the correct to square to end the move or the from square to cancel it. At the end of the opening sequence, you may continue to play the game if you wish. Note that the clock is not used during this mode, and Non Auto Mode, if selected, is only in effect after the opening moves are finished.

4. TECHNICAL DETAILS

4.1 The ACL Function Computers can sometimes lock up due to static discharge or other electrical disturbances. If this should happen, use a pin or a similar sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second. This resets the computer. 4.2 Care and Maintenance Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Be sure to remove the batteries before cleaning the unit. Do not use chemical agents or liquids to clean your unit, as they may damage the plastic. Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they can leak and damage the computer. Please also note the following regarding the use of batteries. Warning: Use only alkaline or zinc carbon batteries. Do not mix different types of batteries or new and used batteries. Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the recommended batteries or equivalent. Be sure to observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries. Worn out batteries should be removed from the unit promptly. Do not short circuit the supply terminals. 4.3 Technical Specifications Keys: 14 LCD Display: Viewing area 30 x 13 mm Sound: Mylar speaker Batteries: 3 AA/AM3/R6 (1.5V) cells Power Consumption: 40 mW Dimensions: 314 X 252 X 34 mm
Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the interest of progress.

Note that your current Openings Coach selection is retained in memory until another selection is made.
When you want to get back to playing a normal game, simply press NEW GAME, and you will be returned to the standard board. 3.13 Verify Mode: Check Piece Positions! If the pieces get knocked over, or you think some might be in the wrong positions, you can ask the computer to run a check for you. Simply press the Piece Symbol Key for the piece you are questioning. The computer will then show you the symbol for that color and piece type, along with the square on which it should be placed. Pressing the key again shows the position of the next piece of that type, and so on, until all the pieces of that type on the board have been shown. The display shows white pieces first, and then the black pieces. When there are no more pieces of that type on the board, the display reverts to showing the side to move, and the computer sounds two beeps to get your attention. An example of the sequence of displays is shown below. This example indicates that one of the white Knights has been captured, and it is now whites turn to move. To verify 9

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY

1. Warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase with proof of purchase submitted. 2. Operating instructions must be followed. 3. Product must not have been damaged as a result of defacement, misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, destruction or alteration of the serial number, improper electrical voltages or currents, repair, alteration or maintenance by any person or party other than our own service facility or an authorized service center, use or installation of non-Saitek replacement parts in the product or the modification of this product in any way, or the incorporation of this product into any other products, or damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods, lightning, or acts of God, or any use violative of instructions furnished by Saitek plc. 4. Obligations of Saitek shall be limited to repair or replacement with the same or similar unit, at our option. To obtain repairs under this warranty, present the product and proof of purchase (e.g., bill or invoice) to the authorized Saitek Technical Support Center (listed on the separate sheet packaged with this product) transportation charges prepaid. Any requirements that conflict with any state or Federal laws, rules and/or obligations shall not be enforceable in that particular territory and Saitek will adhere to those laws, rules, and/or obligations. 5. When returning the product for repair, please pack it very carefully, preferably using the original packaging materials. Please also include an explanatory note. 6. IMPORTANT: To save yourself unnecessary cost and inconvenience, please check carefully that you have read and followed the instructions in this manual. 7. This warranty is in Lieu of all other expressed warranties, obligations or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an

implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Information for Customers in the United States: FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Saitek Industries, 2295 Jefferson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOMS
The computer doesnt react or freezes during a game.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

The batteries are not inserted properly. The batteries are weak or bad. Static discharge has caused a lockup.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Re-install the batteries, as noted in Section 1.1. Replace the batteries. Use the ACL reset feature, as described in 4.1. Replace the batteries. Press NON AUTO to de-select. You may force the computer to make a move by pressing PLAY. A low tone/illegal move indicates you are making an error. Check the chess rules. Use TACK BACK to reconstruct the last move. To interrupt the computer, press PLAY. Check the displayed move. Press the correct square to complete the move. Check the chess rules.
The display is dim. The computer will not play a move.
The batteries are weak. Non Auto Mode is activated. The computer is still thinking.
The computer will not accept your move.
Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your move leave your King in check? Did you move the Rook first to initiate castling? Are you moving to an illegal square? The computer is thinking. You have entered the computers last move incorrectly (pressed the wrong squares).
The computer seems to be making illegal moves.
The computer has made a special move, such as en passant, castle, or pawn promotion. Your board position is incorrect.
Verify the board, as described in Section 3.13. Press SOUND to turn the sound back on.

The computer is silent.

The SOUND Key has been pressed to turn the sound off.

SCHNELLSTART

ffnen Sie das Batteriefach auf der Unterseite des Computers und legen Sie 3 AA (AM3/ R6) Batterien gem der eingezeichneten Polaritt ein. Schlieen Sie das Batteriefach wieder. Details siehe Abschnitt 1.1.
Zur Eingabe von Zgen, drcken Sie die gewnschte Figur zunchst auf ihr Ausgangsdann auf ihr Zielfeld. Der Computer registriert so automatisch, welche Figur gezogen wurde. Sobald der Computer einen Zug macht, wird dieser im Display angezeigt. Drcken Sie dann die gewnschte Figur auf ihr Ausgangs- dann auf ihr Zielfeld. Hier im Beispiel wrden Sie den schwarzen Bauern zunchst auf e7 dann auf e5 drcken. So einfach geht das! Geben Sie Ihren nchsten Zug auf die gleiche Weise ein! Drcken Sie GO/STOP, um den Computer auszuschalten. Die aktuelle Stellung wird gespeichert und kann spter fortgefhrt werden!