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.

CHESS COMPUTER

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
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 memor y, 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 playing level will be in effect, but you can change it if youd

TYPICAL DISPLAYS AT A GLANCE!
King is in check (White/Black) Checkmate (for White/Black)

Game has ended in a draw

Clock showing Minutes/Seconds: Steady colon, with leading zero Clock showing Hours/Minutes: Flashing colon, no leading zero

2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES

2.1 Whose Move? Check the Display! You can always tell at a glance if the computer is currently thinking, and which side is to movejust by taking a look at the color symbols (] for Black and [ for White)! Whenever the computer is thinking, the color symbol for the side it is playing flashes in the display. When it is your turn to move, the color symbol for your side shows steadily. 2.2 Special Chess Moves Captures: To capture, press down lightly on the piece you want to move, take the captured piece off the board, and press your piece down on the square of the captured piece. En Passant: In an en passant capture, the computer reminds you to remove the captured pawn from the board by flashing the pawns location in the display. Press down on the captured pawn before removing it from the board. Castling: The computer automatically recognizes castling after the King is moved. After you have pressed the King down on its from and to squares, the computer displays the Rooks move, with the from square flashing. Press down on this square, and the display flashes the square the Rook should move to. Press down on the Rooks to square to complete the move. Pawn Promotion: When you promote a pawn, first press your pawn down on the from square, as usual. The computer will flash the from square and the symbols for the pawn and Queen, along with the clock display. You now have two choices: (a) To promote to a Queen, simply complete your move by pressing your pawn down on the to square. The promotion will take place automatically, accompanied by a series of beeps. (b) To underpromote to a Knight, Bishop , or Rook, press the PIECE SYMBOL KEY for your desired promotion piece (@, #, or $). That symbol will be displayed, and pressing your pawn down on the to square will complete your move. When promoting, always remember to change your piece on the board! When the computer promotes a pawn, the display shows its move, as usual, with the from square flashing. Youll notice, though, that the display shows the symbol for the pawn plus the symbol for the computers promoted piece. Press on the from square, and the to square flashes. Press down on the to square, change the computers piece on the board, and continue your game! 2.3 Illegal Moves Your computer will never accept an illegal move! If you try to make one, youll hear a low beep and the display will alternate between showing the from square and the time. Either move that same piece to another square, or press the piece back down on its original from square and move a different piece. If you dont move the computers piece correctly, youll also hear an error beep. This means that you are either moving the wrong piece, or moving the computers piece to the wrong square. Check the display and make the move again. If you press down on a piece and the from square is

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 a King is 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. 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 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! Want to watch the computer play chess against itself?

ENGLISH

GET TO KNOW ALECS MANY MOODS!
Not sure what Alecs trying to tell you? Wondering why Alec looks so happy, so sad, or so annoyed? This chart will help you identify some of his expressionsand may help you understand whats going on in your game!
I really do love this game especially when Im winning!
Computer has the advantage
I cant believe I really lost this game Wont you please give me another chance?

Computer loses the game

Looks like weve got a pretty even game so far
Both sides have a fairly even position
Yes, Id say that mate is right around the corner! / Go aheadpromote my pawn for me!
Computer predicts mate / Computer promotes pawn
This isnt goodI cant believe youve got the advantage!

Player has the advantage

What happened here? I thought I was winning
Computer changes from advantage to disadvantage
Heyyou captured my piece while I wasnt looking! / Oh, no! How did you manage to check my King?
Computers piece is captured / Computer is checked
Wow, this is greatI really improved my position!
Computer changes from disadvantage to advantage
Ha, ha! Capturing your pieces sure is fun! / Better watch out for your King Im coming after him!
Computer captures / Computer checks
Hooray, I won the game! That sure was funwant to play again?

Computer wins the game

Heyare you still there? You sure are taking a long time! / I hate to admit it, but I guess this games a draw!
Computer waits for player to move / Game ends in a draw
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. 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 memor y, 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 consecutive 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. This book contains hundreds of positions, including 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!

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.
As 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
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

Fun Level 3

Fun Level 11

1++ ply search

4+ ply search

3 sec. per move

11 sec. per move

30 sec. per move

3 min. 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

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 A4 (Fun Level 4), which is the default level at the first power-up, displays as L:A4 and Fu4. 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. 3.1 Fun Levels (Squares A1-B8)

LEVEL SQUARE ALTERNATING DISPLAY LEVEL SQUARE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
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
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
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 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
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
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
ITS EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!
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.
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 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 average 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 the times are averaged over a large number of moves. In the opening and endgame, the computer tends to play faster, but in complicated middlegame positions , it may take longer to move.
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 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 e xit Verify Mode automatically if no keypresses are made for about three 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 man ually. 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 mak e the next move for your side. After the computer has mo ved, 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
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
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 TEACH MODE.

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.
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 Battery Life: 1,000 hours (new alkalines) Dimensions: 31.4 x 25.2 x 3.4 cm
Please retain this information for future reference. Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the interest of progress.
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. 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
!.. 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
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 3 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.
Alec is not showing in the display.
The clock is displayed while verifying pieces. The display skips seconds, or the time between seconds seems uneven. There is no response when a key is pressed. The computer turns itself off while you are thinking about your move.
Start verifying again by pressing one of the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS. Your game will not be affected.
This can sometimes occur while the computer is thinking. If no moves are made or keys pressed for 20 minutes, the unit powers down to conserve batteries.
Hold the key down for 2 to 3 seconds, until the computer responds. Your game has been stored in memory. To resume play, press GO/STOP.

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. Reinstall the battery door. (Details at Section 1.1)

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!

B C D E F G H
Press the NEW GAME key to reset the computer for a new game of chess.
Note: Computer will automatically switch off to conserve power if no key is pressed for about 20 minutes when computer is not thinking (see Section 2.8)

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 Chess Clocks 2.2 Capturing and Special Moves 2.3 Illegal Moves 2.4 Interrupting the Computers Search 2.5 Changing Sides with the Computer 2.6 Getting Hints from the Computer 2.7 The Computer Plays Against Itself 2.8 Game Memory and Automatic Power Down 2.9 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 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

ENGLISH

QUICK START
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. Most of the symbols it uses are obvious, but a full list is shown in Figure 1. 2 Piece Symbol Keys &(Kings), %(Queen), $(Rook), #(Bishop), @(Knight), !(Pawn): The Piece Symbol keys are used to verify positions and to select the different Teach modes, and some pieces are used for underpromotion of pawns. 3 Game Keys a. GO/STOP key: Press to turn the computer on. Press again to turn the computer off. The current game is retained in memory for up to 600 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 and train on recognized 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. (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 - the computer monitors the game, but makes no moves. g. PLAY key: Press to exchange sides with the computer. Also you may press while the computer is thinking to force it to move, or during your own move to get a suggestion from the computer. h. SOUND key: Pressing the key causes the sound feature to cycle through its three levels of operation. You can tell which condition you have selected by the number of high tone beeps you hear:
SOUND LEVEL SIGNAL EMITTED WHEN IT IS SELECTED
SYMBOLS 1. 1 A. A k. King 2. 2 B. b q. Queen 3. 3 c. C r. Rook 4. 4 D. D b. Bishop 5. 5 E. E n. Knight 6. 6 F. F p. Pawn 7. 7 G. G Sb. Standard board 8. 8 H. H 9. 9 0. 0 PM. Indicates player to move. S.. Indicates black to move. ch -. Steady colon indicates that figures are : Minutes and Seconds ch -. Flashing colon indicates that figures are : Hours and Minutes ch:--.. Black in check EnD-. Checkmate black wins EnDZ. Draw te:.. Teach mode oZ:3. Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) computer plays both sides oz:3. Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) computer plays white o-:3. Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) computer plays black o-:3. Openings Coach (Spanish Opening) computer plays neither SOUNDS 1 high tone. Acknowledge operation of any key or sensory square 1 low tone. Error wrong move or wrong key pressed 2 low tones. Warning from Coach 3 high tones. New game or Sound and coach set 3 low tones. In games against the clock, time has run out

Sound and Coach Sound only Silent.
3 high tones 2 high tones 1 high tone
With Coach selected, the computer will evaluate your move immediately it is completed, and emit two low tones if it is considered bad. With Sound selected, the buzzer beeps to show that the computer is responding to your actions. The meanings of the various beeps are shown in Figure 1. Sensory Chessboard: Each square has a highly sensitive sensor that registers piece movement. Squares are identified by file (letters) and rank (numbers). ACL (Reset): In the base of the unit is a recessed reset switch. It is used to eliminate static discharge after inserting a new set of batteries. Battery Compartment: The batteries are housed in the base of the unit. The computer uses 3 AA (Type AM3/R6) alkaline batteries. Piece Storage Area: Handy storage compartment for your chess pieces.
This electronic chess board is a powerful computer that will play chess with you at whatever level of complexity you choose, or if you prefer, you can play a game with a friend and the computer will act as referee. The huge range of levels of play (64) combined with the extended teach modes (11) will satisfy anyone with an interest in chess, including young and old. There are 768 combinations altogether. The teach modes and openings coaches are superb learning features at any level of play, and the various modes of timed competition will please the intermediate player.

Fig. 1-1

1. USING YOUR CHESS COMPUTER
Battery Installation Your chess computer runs on 3 AA (AM3/R6) batteries. For longer battery life (up to 600 hours), use fresh alkaline batteries. Slide back the cover in the back of the case and insert the batteries as shown in Figure 1-1. Reinstall the cover and press GO/STOP to turn the computer on. If the computer does not respond, use a paper clip or other sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base of the unit for at least one second to reset the computer. After the battery is inserted or ACL is pressed, the computer runs a self-test. 3 beeps indicate that the test is OK; a buzz or silence indicates a problem and you should check it with your local distributor.
Note that putting in new batteries or pressing ACL will reset the computer and its memory, losing any game that it might contain.

Fig. 1-2

Making Moves Follow these steps 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 indicate on the display that you should play a White piece 00:00

PRESS PRESS

Note that pressing NEW GAME will cancel Teach mode or Openings Coach if either is selected, or switch off the Non Auto function.
c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you want to move until you hear a beep (see Figure Fig 1-3). The computers sensory board registers your move, and the display shows on the left side the from square that was pressed E2:zz 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 side of the display E2:E4 As soon as your move is finished, if you have Sound and Coach selected, the display will show Cocch while it evaluates your move. Two low tones are emitted if the move is considered bad. e. Then it is the computers turn, and the computer starts thinking about its move. However, in the early stages of a game the computers response is often virtually instantaneous, because it is playing moves already stored in its openings library (see Section 2.9).

Fig. 2-1a

2 ADDITIONAL COMPUTER FEATURES
2.1 Chess Clocks Built in chess clocks keep track of the time for you and also for the computers side, with a four-digit display showing the total elapsed time or the remaining time for each player alternately when it is his turn. After you have entered the computers move the display shows your chess clock until a key or square is pressed. However, it keeps tally 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 it indicates that it is ready to move. However, the computer may instead display Conch after your move while it analyzes whether you made a good or a bad move. If it thinks your move is not good, it sounds two low tones. For the first hour of the game or 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 becomes a flashing colon while the clock is showing.

Fig. 2-1b

Fig. 2-1c
Notes: The clock stops if you verify the level, if you verify the board, or if you 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 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 in 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, there will be three low tone beeps to signal that time has run out. The clock will then begin counting time up from zero. In the 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.)

2.2 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. 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 pawn before removing it from the board. See Figure 2-1a, b and c. c. PAWN PROMOTION AND UNDER-PROMOTION: 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 under-promote your pawn to Rook, Bishop, or Knight, then press the appropriate Piece Symbol key in between pressing the from and to squares. When the computer promotes a pawn, it will show the from and to square as

Fig. 2-2

usual. After you press its from square, the display indicates the piece type that the pawn will be promoted to 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. Press down on this square. 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). 2.3 Illegal Moves Your computer will never accept an illegal move. If you attempt an illegal move, the computer gives a low tone error beep and the display keeps showing the from square. Press on that square to clear the illegal move; then move again. Also, if you should move the computers piece incorrectly you will also hear an error beep. This can happen 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. 2.4 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 most useful in games at a high level of play, when an exhaustive search for the best move can be quite time consuming. 2.5 Changing Sides with the Computer To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when it is your turn. The computer will make the next move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish!
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 charts of playing levels in the following paragraphs, 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. A1 is easiest. Casual Levels: B1 to C8. For games not 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: D1 to D8. Also known as Sudden Death. Game must be concluded within the selected time. Bronstein: 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: 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: F1 to F8. A certain number of moves must be made within the given amount of time. Fixed Depth: G1 to G8. Computer skill is limited by not being able to look ahead more than the selected number of moves. Tactical: H1 to H8. Computer skill is limited by not being able to look ahead more than the selected number of moves, and by not evaluating strategic advantage. When you set the level, bear in mind that when the computer has more time to think about its moves, it gets stronger and plays better just like a human player! Sharpen your chess skill as you beat the computer on each level, graduate to the next. Keep challenging yourself and learn more about the game!

CASUAL LEVELS

BONUS TIMER
2.6 Getting Hints from the Computer If you need help, you can have the computer show you what it would do in your position! 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, press PLAY again CHOOSE A LEVEL FROM THE 64 BOARD SQUARES and the computer will make its next move; then continue the game by making your own next move. H16 B8 B16 I8 I16 A8 A16 H8 If you do not want to use the computers move, first 8 make the displayed move on the board, and then take it back. Once you have cleared the move in H15 B7 B15 I7 I15 A7 A15 H7 this way, you can make your own move. 7

HH5 H14 B6 B14 I6 I14 A6

FIXED DEPTH

FUN LEVELS

HHH1 1

BRONSTEIN

2.8 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 600 hours (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch on again, continue where you left off! If you do not press a key or make a move within about 20 minutes when the computer is not thinking, the computer will switch off to conserve power, and will retain the game in memory. Press GO/STOP to resume the unfinished game. 2.9 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

5 H4 4

TACTICAL
2.7 The Computer Plays Against Itself To watch the computer play a game against itself, press PLAY for every move. Study its playing strategies to learn more about chess!

TOURNAMENT

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.
3.2 Fun Levels Selection of any of the squares from A1 to A8 will give you the fun levels. In this range the computer does not make an exhaustive search for the best available move. It disregards scores, and in addition the program makes use of randomizers which cause the computer to occasionally make a move that is not the best of those it has found. This introduces an interesting variability in the computers responses, and sometimes it will seem to make quite human errors of judgement. A1 is the lowest skill level, and A8 is somewhat higher. 3.3 Casual Levels When casual levels are selected, you are controlling the skill level of the computer by limiting the average amount of time it has to select its move. As the skill level is increased, the computer will think ahead progressively more deeply, and as a consequence, play a more skillful game. When one of these levels is selected from the B or C files of squares, the display will alternate every second between the level selection and the average response line of the computer. Your choice is shown below:

Chessboard Square Time per Move Display

Chessboard Square

Time for Game

Free Time per Move

Display

E1 E2 E3 E4

.. 5 min. 3 sec. L:E1/05:00/00:03. 10 min. 5 sec. L:E2/10:00/00:05. 15 min. 10 sec. L:E3/15:00/00:10. 20 min. 10 sec. L:E4/20:00/00:10
3.6 Bonus Timer Levels Selection of a square in the range E5 to E8 gives the Bonus Timer Levels. This is similar to the Bronstein Levels, except that the time increment is always 2 seconds, and it is added to the time before the move is made.
Chessboard Square Time for Game Free Time per Move Display

E5 E6 E7 E8

.. 3 min. 2 sec. L:E5/03:00/00:02. 10 min. 2 sec. L:E6/10:00/00:02. 20 min. 2 sec. L:E7/20:00/00:02. 50 min. 2 sec. L:E8/50:00/00:02
B1.. 1 sec.. L:B1/00:01 B2.. 2 sec.. L:B2/00:02 B3.. 3 sec.. L:B3/00:03 B4.. 5 sec.. L:B4/00:05 B5. 10 sec. L:B5/00:10 B6. 15 sec. L:B6/00:15 B7. 20 sec. L:B7/00:20 B8. 30 sec. L:B8/00:30 C1. 45 sec. L:c1/00:45 C2.. 1 min.. L:c2/01:00 C3.. 2 min.. L:c3/02:00 C4.. 3 min.. L:c4/03:00 C5.. 4 min.. L:c5/04:00 C6.. 5 min.. L:c6/05:00 C7. 10 min. L:c7/10:00 C8. 15 min. L:c8/15:00 3.4 Blitz Levels The levels in the D file of squares are the Blitz levels. If you wish to play speed chess, or instant death, you can select from a range of times which are allowed for the game to be completed. You may choose between a 5 minute pressure cooker of a game to a more relaxed 11/2 hours. When you select one of these squares, the display will alternate every second between the name of the square you have selected, and the corresponding time limit for the game.
3.7 Tournament Levels The file of F squares provides 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 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. And 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 there is 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 items of information, each of which shows for a 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

Chess board Square Primary Time Control Moves Time Secondary Time Control Moves Time Display
D1.. 5 min.. L:D1/05:00 D2. 10 min. L:D2/10:00 D3. 15 min. L:D3/15:00 D4. 25 min. L:D4/25:00 D5. 30 min. L:D5/30:00 D6. 45 min. L:D6/45:00 D7. 60 min.. L:D7/1:00 D8. 90 min.. L:D8/1:30 3.5 Bronstein Levels By selecting a square from E1 to E4 on the chess board, you can select a time limit for the game following the Bronstein system. A basic time is selected for the game, and an increment of a few seconds is then added to that time every time a move is made. The increment is either the free time shown in the table below, or the actual time taken to move, whichever is shorter. Your choice is shown in the table. When you choose one of these levels, the display cycles through three different pieces of information, each of which is shown for 1 second. For example, if you chose E2 you would see: The selected square L:E2 and then. The base time in minutes 10:00 and then. The free time in seconds 00:05

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8

30 min 1hr 30 min 2 hr 2 hr 2 hr 30min 1 hr 30 min 2 hr 30 min 1 hr
30 remain 20 remain 20 30
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
3.8 Fixed Depth Levels The fixed depth levels in file G limit the skill of the computer, not by the time to search for its next play, but by
the number of moves ahead. At the lower levels it behaves more like a novice player. At the lowest level, G1, where the computer looks ahead only one individual move, it really does not anticipate the game at all, and could even miss a mate that you could make in one more move. At the other end of the scale the computer will review all the possibilities within the next 8 individual moves (G8). In this case the display alternates every second 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 ahead 5PLy 3.9 Tactical Level Tactical levels are found in the last file of squares, H file. These levels also 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. Again, the number of individual moves ahead that the computer reviews is equivalent to the chessboard square - H1 is one individual move ahead; H8 is 8 moves ahead. The display alternates every second between the level you have selected, and how many individual moves (ply) ahead the computer searches, in similar fashion to the Fixed Depth levels. The selected square L:H8 and then.. The number of individual moves ahead 8PLy 3.10 Teach Modes Your chess computer contains eleven 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.

Teach mode is set at previ ously 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 canceled, existing game retained To select Teach mode, press LEVEL. The display will show the skill level, as indicated by the equivalent chess board square, alternating with the level details. To select a Teach mode press the one or two appropriate Piece Symbol keys (%, $, #, @ or !) that you want to use. The display will then show the selected pieces. For example, if you wish to play with Kings, Bishops, Knights, and Pawns, after pressing LEVEL, you will press and # and @. The display will show your selection. Then press LEVEL to exit Level mode and enter your selection into the computer and begin your game. Since the King is always required for the game, you do not need to select this piece for the Teach mode, and in fact pressing & is the way you select a normal, 32 piece game.
Note that NonAuto is automatically canceled whenever a teach mode is selected on the existing level mode.
The eleven teach modes and normal game are indicated by the following displays:

Teach Mode Display

Note the following, in relation to the Levels and Teach modes:
If NEW GAME is pressed during any game, the computer will quit the Teach mode and switch back to the standard (32 pieces), with the current level still in effect. If you press LEVEL and you then decide not to change the current playing level or Teach mode, simply press LEVEL again, and the current status will remain as it is. You may select a new level at any time during your turn. However, 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 any piece symbol key in Level mode, you will lose the 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. However, 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 (eg Level A3 shows as L:A3 alternating with Fun3, which is the level selected by pressing board square A3). To change the level, simply press a board square, and the new level alternating with the level details will show in the display. Press LEVEL again to exit Level mode.

Kings and Pawns.. te:zp Kings, Knights and Pawns. te:zn Kings, Bishops and Pawns.. te:zb Kings, Rooks and Pawns.. te:zr Kings, Queens and Pawns.. te:zq 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 (normal game).. te:sb 3.12 Openings Coach Mode The computer has 16 different openings sequences in memory, which are played through so that you may learn them. Press OPENINGS COACH and when first selected, the computer will beep and the display will flash oZ: You can then choose which opening game you wish 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 oZ:3 will be flashing in the display. This confirms that the third openings coach has been selected and the two bars indicate that the computer will display moves for both sides, so that you can watch and learn. Press the same square again and the display will change to oz:3, which indicates 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 on the right to show that the computer will play black while you play white, and a further press will remove the bars altogether, which means that the computer will leave all the moves to you while it monitors you for correctness. Press OPENINGS COACH again, and the display will indicate that you should move. While you are playing you can press PLAY to ask the computer to remind you of the next move. Every time you make a correct move, the computer will confirm the move with a single beep, but if you are wrong, it makes a double beep and keeps the from square showing on the display. 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 and play the game if you wish.
Note the following key sequences and effects:
LEVEL, LEVEL LEVEL, Square, LEVEL LEVEL, Piece Symbol, No change. Previous level remains selected New level selected, clock resets Starting position of selected
The clock is not used during this mode and NonAuto, when selected, is only in effect after the opening moves are finished.
Note that the method chosen for playing the Openings Coach is retained in memory until batteries are replaced of ACL is pressed.
Figure 3-1 Moves in Openings Coach

Square Name Moves

other Piece Symbol keys. When you are finished, simply make your next move. Meanwhile the clock has been temporarily stopped. The computer automatically exits Verify Mode if no piece symbol key is pressed within 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 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. It is interesting to press 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 to check the legality of all moves and keep 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, and a double beep verifies that the mode has been canceled.

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
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 also automatically canceled whenever you press NEW GAME or select a Teach mode on exiting Level mode.

4 TECHNICAL DETAILS

4.1 The ACL Function Computers can sometimes lock up due to static discharge or other electrical disturbances. If this should happen, take out the batteries and 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 chemicals 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 Clock Frequency: 4.2MHz Keys: 14 LCD Display: Viewing area 30 x 13 mm Sound: Piezo-electric buzzer Batteries: 3 AA/AM3/R6 (1.5V) cells Battery Life: 600 hrs for new alkaline batteries Dimensions: 314 X 252 X 34 mm

Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the interest of progress.
When you want to get back to playing a normal game, just 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 any of them have been put in the wrong places, you can get the computer to run a check for you. Just press the Piece Symbol key for the piece you are questioning. The computer will show you the symbol for the 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 such pieces that should be 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 to report, the display reverts to showing the side to move, and sounds two beeps to get your attention. An example of the sequence of displays is shown in Figure 3-1.
Key Press Display Shows Meanings
Press first time Press second time Press third time Press fourth time

zn:B1 Zn:B8 n:F6 zn:zz

(beep, beep)
White Knight on B1 Black Knight on B8 black Knight on F6 no more Knight, white-to-move
This example indicates that one of the white knights has been captured, and it is now white to play. To verify other pieces, repeat the same steps using the

SYMPTOMS

Computer doesnt react or freezes during a game

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Batteries not inserted properly Batteries are weak or bad Static discharge has caused a lockup

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Re-install batteries as shown in 1.1 Replace batteries Use ACL reset as described in 4.1 Replace batteries Press Non-Auto to de-select You may force the computer to make a move by pressing PLAY A low tone indicates you are making an error. Check the chess rules. Use Take 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 rules
Display is dim Computer will not play a move

Batteries are weak Non Auto mode activated High level of play is set computer still thinking
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 one of the special moves such as en passant, castle, or pawn promotion Your board position is incorrect
Verify the board as described in 3.13 Press SOUND

The computer is silent

The Sound key has been pressed to turn the sound off

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE