Chess Challenger

Instructions Bedienungsanleitung Mode demploi Handleiding

QUICK START

To play a game right away, without reading the entire manual first, simply follow these Quick Start steps!
Plug in the AC adapter (supplied), or insert four C (Type AM2/R14) batteries into the computer, making sure to observe the correct polarity. When using the adapter (see Section 9), plug it into the wall and then into the unit. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on. If the unit doesnt respond, reset it as noted in Section 9.1.

4 x C/AM2/R14

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 moving!

GO/STOP

Set up the chess pieces in the initial starting position with the White pieces closest to you, as shown in this diagram.

NEW GAME

As soon as the computer makes a move, its move is shown in the display window. Two board lights also come on, pointing to the row and column of the piece to be moved. Press the computers piece lightly onto the indicated from and to squares to complete the computers move. Thats it! Make your next move as described above. Enjoy your game!
To reset the computer for a NEW GAME of chess, simultaneously press the CLEAR and ENTER keys.
Press GO/STOP at any time to turn the computer off. Your current position and game (up to 50 individual moves) will be stored in memory. When you switch back on again, you can continue right where you left off!

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Uses four C (AM2/R14) alkaline batteries. 2. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor that automatically registers piece movement. Certain squares can also be pressed within Level Mode and Option Mode to select levels and options. 3. PIECE STORAGE COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. 4. ADAPTER SOCKET: For AC-DC adapter. 5. DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show moves and move information during a game. Also used for Level, Option, and Study Game selection, piece verification, position set-up, and more. 6. GAME KEYS GO/STOP: Press to turn the unit on and off. OPTION: Press to enter Option Mode; within Option Mode, press to cycle through the main option groups. INFO: Press to enter Info Mode; within Info Mode, press to cycle through the main info groups. Press during your move to request a hint. LEVEL: Press to enter Level Mode; within Level Mode, press to skip over eight levels at a time. Also used to access the Extended Teach Modes. STUDIES: Press to enter Study Mode. TAKE BACK: Press to take back an individual move (a move for either side). Take back up to a maximum of 50 individual moves. POSITION: Press to enter Position Mode. </WHITE and BLACK/> KEYS: Press to change levels > one at a time in Level Mode, and press to cycle through options in Option Mode and Info Mode. Also used to select Study Games in Study Mode, and to select the color in Position Mode. CLEAR: Press simultaneously with ENTER to reset for a NEW GAME. Press to exit Option, Verify, and Position Modes. Press to clear Info Displays and cancel Clear Board requests in Position Mode. Press to cancel Study Mode (if you havent yet pressed ENTER), and press to cancel Level
GO/STOP OPTION INFO LEVEL STUDIES
TAKE BACK POSITION < / WHITE BLACK / >

1 A B C D E F G H

Mode if you decide not to make changes (unless you have pressed board squares to change levels). ENTER: Press simultaneously with CLEAR to reset for a NEW GAME. Press to change sides with the computer, and press while the computer is thinking to force it to move. Press to turn Option settings on and off, to select Bronstein Clock settings, and to exit Level Mode with your new level or Teach Mode game selected. Press to exit Study Mode with a new Study Game selected. Press to clear the board in Position Mode, then press again to confirm. PIECE SYMBOL KEYS: Used in Verify, Position, and Teach Modes. Also used for pawn promotions. 7. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge after inserting new batteries or adapter. 8. BOARD LIGHTS: Used to show game moves, take back moves, and verify/set up board positions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK START KEYS AND FEATURES INTRODUCTION 1. LETS GET STARTED! 1.1 First, Install the Batteries or Adapter 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. MORE FEATURES TO EXPLORE 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 Built-In Openings 2.8 Thinking on the Opponents Time 2.9 Game Memory 3. THE PLAYING LEVELS Setting a Playing Level 3.1 Normal Playing Levels (Squares A1-B7) 3.2 Infinite Level (Square B8) 3.3 Tournament Levels (Squares C1-C8) 3.4 Blitz Levels (Squares D1-D8) 3.5 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E8) 3.6 Mate Search Levels (Squares F1-F8) 3.7 Training Levels (Squares G1-G8) 3.8 Self-Adaptive Weak Levels (Squares H1-H8) 4. INFO MODE: WATCH THE COMPUTER THINK Using Info Mode 4.1 Principal Variation 4.2 Search Information 4.3 Chess Clock Information 4.4 Move Count/Game Moves 4.5 Want a Hint? Just Ask! 5. OPTIONS FOR FUN AND VARIETY Selecting Game Options 5.1 Operation Mode Options (Squares A1-H1) 5.2 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3) 5.3 Bronstein Clock Options (Square A4) 6. TEACH MODE: LEARN ABOUT TACTICS Using the Teach Modes 7. STUDY MODE: TRY RATING YOURSELF Understanding ELO Ratings Using Study Mode 8. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS 8.1 Verifying Positions 8.2 Changing and Setting Up Positions 9. TECHNICAL DETAILS 9.1 The ACL Function 9.2 Care and Maintenance 9.3 Technical Specifications TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE APPENDIX: 20 STUDY GAMES

1. LETS GET STARTED!

1.1 First, Install the Batteries or Adapter
Your computer runs on four C (Type AM2/R14) batteries. Insert the batteries into the compartment in the base of the unit, making sure to observe the correct polarity. Use fresh alkaline batteries for longer battery life. Please use only the adapter specified in Section 9.3. Using any other adapter could damage the computer and will invalidate your warranty. Please also read the precautionary information regarding adapter use in Section 9.2. When using an adapter, first plug it into a wall outlet, and then into your computer. Important: To ensure that the computers memory contents are not lost, keep good batteries installed in the unit even when you are using the AC-DC adapter. Turn the computer on by pressing GO/STOP, and a beep will signal that the game is ready to play. If the computer fails to respond (static discharge may 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.

ENGLISH

Tip: To conserve energy and extend battery life, turn on the Auto Power Down option (see Section 5.1).
1.2 Ready to Play? Heres How to Move!
Okay, now 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. b. Press the CLEAR and ENTER keys together 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 beep and two board lights turn on to indicate that square. The sensory board will recognize your piece automatically. Dont believe it? Just look at the display window, which is suddenly full of informationit shows your piece, along with the piece color and the square you just pressed! d. Take that piece and gently press it down on the square to which you are moving. Youll hear a second beep as the computer confirms your move. Thats ityouve just made your first move of the game! Next, its Blacks turnand the computer will make its first move. Youll notice that the computer often moves instantly at the beginning of a game, instead of taking time to think. This is because it is playing from memory, using a built-in book of opening moves (for more information, see Section 2.7).

NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEVEL? SOME TIPS FOR YOU
Are you a beginning player? You have lots of choices! Check out the Fun Levels, the lower Training Levels, or the Self-Adaptive Weak Levels. These levels all restrict the computers search depth in different ways, resulting in weaker play and giving you the chance to learn more about the game and perhaps even beat the computer occasionally. Are you an intermediate or more advanced player? Try the Normal, Training, or Tournament Levels. The Normal Levels range from easy all the way up to a difficult 10-minute response time, and the Tournament Levels are extremely challenging. And dont forget to try the Blitz Levels for some fast and exciting games of Speed Chess! By the way, for Tournament and Blitz Games, you can activate the built-in Bronstein Clock, as youll see in Section 5.3. Want to experiment? Use the Mate Search Levels to solve problems up to mate in eighttry searching from a position in one of your own games, or set up an actual mate problem. Choose the Infinite Level to have the computer analyze complicated positions for hours or even days.

Setting a Playing Level

See USE THIS CHART TO SELECT A PLAYING LEVEL! for an illustrated look at how to set a level and a chart showing all the levels at a glance.
There are two methods of setting levelsby using the game keys or pressing the board squares. Whichever method you use, always press LEVEL first to enter Level Mode, and the computer will display the current playing level. When you enter Level Mode the first time, the computer is set on Normal Playing Level A4 (with an average response time of five seconds a move), and the display shows L0:05. To select a level by using game keys: After entering Level Mode by pressing LEVEL, change levels one at a time by using the BLACK/> and </WHITE keys. As a shortcut, press LEVEL repeatedly to skip over eight levels at a time. When the display shows your desired level, press ENTER to enter your new level into the computer and exit Level Mode. To select a level by pressing board squares: As shown in the Level Chart, each of the 64 squares corresponds to one level. After entering Level Mode by pressing LEVEL, press a square to activate a level, using the chart as a guide. When you press down on the desired square and that level shows in the display, press ENTER to enter your new level into the computer and exit Level Mode. Note that when making your selection via the board squares, pressing CLEAR has the same effect as pressing ENTERit enters your level into the computer. To verify the level without changing it: If you press LEVEL to verify the level but you dont want to actually change levels, press CLEAR. This returns you to normal play without changing the level or clock settings, even while the computer is thinking. Other important points to remember regarding levels: Changing the level always resets the chess clocks. We dont recommend changing levels while the computer is thinking, since the clock is reset and the current search is aborted. If you must do this, first press ENTER to abort the computers search, and make its move on the board. Then, take back the computers move and change the level. Finally, press ENTER to make the computer start thinking on the new level.

3. THE PLAYING LEVELS

Your chess computer offers 64 different levels of play! When you set the level, keep in mind that when the computer has more time to think about its moves, it becomes stronger and plays betterjust like a human chess player! For an overview of all the levels, refer to the Level Chart. The levels are also described individually in this section.
The LEVEL Key is also used to enter Teach Mode, as you will see in Section 6. If you accidentally press a PIECE SYMBOL KEY while in Level Mode, you will enter Teach Mode and lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To prevent this and retain your current board position, press CLEAR to cancel Level Mode.
3.1 Normal Playing Levels (Squares A1-B7)
LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY
3.4 Blitz Levels (Squares D1-D8)
LEVEL TIME PER GAME DISPLAY
A1.. 1 second. L 0:01 A2.. 2 seconds. L 0:02 A3.. 3 seconds. L 0:03 A4.. 5 seconds. L 0:05 A5.. 10 seconds. L 0:10 A6.. 15 seconds. L 0:15 A7.. 20 seconds. L 0:20 A8.. 30 seconds. L 0:30 B1.. 45 seconds. L 0:45 B2.. 1 minute. L 1:00 B3.. 1.5 minutes. L 1:30 B4.. 2 minutes.. L 2:00 B5.. 3 minutes.. L 3:00 B6.. 5 minutes.. L 5:00 B7.. 10 minutes.. L10:00 When you choose one of the Normal Playing Levels, you are selecting an average response time for the computer. 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. 3.2 Infinite Level (Square B8)

LEVEL MOVE TIME DISPLAY

D1.. 5 minutes.. 0:05;99 D2.. 10 minutes.. 0:10;99 D3.. 15 minutes.. 0:15;99 D4.. 20 minutes.. 0:20;99 D5.. 30 minutes.. 0:30;99 D6.. 45 minutes.. 0:45;99 D7.. 60 minutes.. 1:00;99 D8.. 90 minutes.. 1:30;99 On the Blitz Levels (also called Speed Chess or Sudden Death Levels), you set the total time for the whole game. If game time is exceeded, the computer flashes time (TImE) along with the elapsed time, to show that the game is over. If you select a Blitz Level, you may want to set the chess clocks to display countdown time instead of elapsed time (see Section 5.1). When game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts back to the normal clock display. Your computer also offers the option of using Bronstein Clock time controls when playing Blitz games! For complete details, see Section 5.3. 3.5 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E8)

F1.. Mate in 1. =in: 1 F2.. Mate in 2. =in: 2 F3.. Mate in 3. =in: 3 F4.. Mate in 4. =in: 4 F5.. Mate in 5. =in: 5 F6.. Mate in 6. =in: 6 F7.. Mate in 7. =in: 7 F8.. Mate in 8. =in: 8 Selecting one of these levels activates a special Mate Finder Program. If you have a position where there may be a mate and you would like the computer to find it, set the computer on one of the Mate Search Levels. Your computer can solve mates in up to eight moves. Mates in one to five are usually found quite quickly, whereas solutions taking six to eight moves may take quite some time. If there is no mate present or the computer cant find a mate, it will sound an error beep and display a series of dashes ( ). To continue play, simply switch to another level. 3.7 Training Levels (Squares G1-G8)
LEVEL SEARCH DEPTH DISPLAY
G1. 1 move. PLY: 1 G2. 2 moves.. PLY: 2 G3. 3 moves.. PLY: 3
USE THIS CHART TO SELECT A PLAYING LEVEL!
Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode.

8 ply search PLY: 8

Next, select your level, using the chart below. There are two ways to do this. Cycle through the levels until your level is displayed: Press BLACK/> to increase levels by one. Press </WHITE to decrease levels by one. Press LEVEL to increase levels by eight. OR, simply locate your level square and press it to display that level!

30 sec. per move L 0:30

Infinite Level 9:99;99

40 moves in 3:00 3:00;40

90 min. per game 1:30;99

8 sec. per move* Fun: 8

Mate in 8 moves =in: 8

Selfadaptive 8 Adt: 8

20 sec. per move L 0:20

10 min. per move L10:00

50 moves in 2:00 2:00;50

60 min. per game 1:00;99

7 sec. per move Fun: 7

Mate in 7 moves =in: 7

7 ply search PLY: 7

Selfadaptive 7 Adt: 7

Finally, press ENTER to exit Level Mode, using your new level!

15 sec. per move L 0:15

5 min. per move L 5:00

45 moves in 2:30 2:30;45

45 min. per game 0:45;99

6 sec. per move Fun: 6

Mate in 6 moves =in: 6

6 ply search PLY: 6

Selfadaptive 6 Adt: 6

10 sec. per move L 0:10

3 min. per move L 3:00

40 moves in 2:00 2:00;40

30 min. per game 0:30;99

5 sec. per move Fun: 5

Mate in 5 moves =in: 5

5 ply search PLY: 5

Selfadaptive 5 Adt: 5

5 sec. per move L 0:05

2 min. per move L 2:00

35 moves in 1:30 1:30;35

20 min. per game 0:20;99

4 sec. per move Fun: 4

Mate in 4 moves =in: 4

4 ply search PLY: 4

Selfadaptive 4 Adt: 4

3 sec. per move L 0:03

1.5 min. per move L 1:30

40 moves in 1:45 1:45;40

15 min. per game 0:15;99

3 sec. per move Fun: 3

Mate in 3 moves =in: 3

3 ply search PLY: 3

Selfadaptive 3 Adt: 3

2 sec. per move L 0:02

1 min. per move L 1:00

35 moves in 1:45 1:45;35

10 min. per game 0:10;99

2 sec. per move Fun: 2

Mate in 2 moves =in: 2

2 ply search PLY: 2

Selfadaptive 2 Adt: 2
*Increases with users time per move. For more details on all the playing levels, see Section 3.

1 sec. per move L 0:01

45 sec. per move L 0:45

40 moves in 1:30 1:30;40

5 min. per game 0:05;99

1 sec. per move Fun: 1

Mate in 1 move =in: 1

1 ply search PLY: 1

Selfadaptive 1 Adt: 1
NORMAL LEVELS + INFINITE LEVEL

TOURNAMENT LEVELS

BLITZ LEVELS

FUN LEVELS

MATE SEARCH LEVELS

TRAINING LEVELS

SELF-ADAPTIVE WEAK LEVELS
G4. 4 moves.. PLY: 4 G5. 5 moves.. PLY: 5 G6. 6 moves.. PLY: 6 G7. 7 moves.. PLY: 7 G8. 8 moves.. PLY: 8 On the Training Levels, the computers search depth is limited to a certain number of moves, as shown above. As you cycle through the levels, the computer displays PLY:# for each level. A ply is an individual move (a move for either side), and # is the number representing the search depth. For example, on Level G1, the computer searches to a depth of one ply (PLY:1), 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!
3.8 Self-Adaptive Weak Levels (Squares H1-H8)

LEVEL TYPE DISPLAY

H1. Self-Adaptive 1. Adt: 1 H2. Self-Adaptive 2. Adt: 2 H3. Self-Adaptive 3. Adt: 3 H4. Self-Adaptive 4. Adt: 4 H5. Self-Adaptive 5. Adt: 5 H6. Self-Adaptive 6. Adt: 6 H7. Self-Adaptive 7. Adt: 7 H8. Self-Adaptive 8. Adt: 8 The Self-Adaptive Weak Levels are perfect for players who are just starting out. Here, beginners have the chance to interact with the computer on eight weakened levels of varying ELO rating strengths, and the computers strength is adjusted to match that of the player. On the lowest level (H1), the computer will set its playing
strength to a deliberately weakened setting of about 350 ELO. On the upper end, Level H8 matches the strength of the player by putting the ELO difference at zero. As you play, the computer will try to keep this difference constant. That is, if you play badly, the computer will not play well eitherbut it will fight to win back material it has lost to you, if necessary. On the other hand, if you play stronger, the computer will also play stronger. Work your way up! For more information on ELO ratings, see Section 7.

MOVE COUNT INFO:

Current move number made so far
Moves of the current game
4.2 Search Information Press INFO a second time to get information on the computers search. Press BLACK/> repeatedly to cycle forward through these four displays: Evaluation of the current position (based on a pawn being worth 1.0 points; a positive number indicates White is ahead) Two numbers: The first is the current search depth, or the number of individual moves the computer is looking ahead; the second is the number of moves the computer has examined so far The move currently being considered The search speed, or number of positions (nodes) being searched every second Press </WHITE to cycle backwards and see previous displays again. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display. 4.3 Chess Clock Information Press INFO a third time for chess clock information. The chess clocks keep track of the time for both sides. Press BLACK/> repeatedly to cycle forward through the clock displays: Elapsed time since the last move was made Total elapsed time for White Total elapsed time for Black Remaining time for White (Blitz/Tournament Levels only)
Remaining time for Black (Blitz/Tournament Levels only) Press </WHITE to cycle backwards and see previous displays again. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display. The clocks stop whenever you take back a move or set up a new position. However, the times are retained in memory, and the clocks resume as soon as play is continued. Whenever you change levels or reset for a new game by pressing CLEAR and ENTER together, the chess clocks are always reset. During the game, a clock showing elapsed time will display the piece symbols one by one, from pawn to King. A clock showing countdown time will show the symbols going in the opposite direction, from King to pawn. 4.4 Move Count/Game Moves Press INFO a fourth time to show the move number in the game so far. You can then press </WHITE repeatedly to cycle back through the moves of your game (up to 50 individual moves). Current move number (so far) Moves of the current game Press BLACK/> to go forward through the moves again at any point. Press CLEAR to return to the normal clock display. 4.5 Want a Hint? Just Ask In case you missed this feature when it was mentioned in Section 4.1, we wanted to point it out againif you ever need advice on a move, you can always ask the computer for a hint. Simply press INFO when its your turn to move, and the computer will show a suggested move for your side.
PLAYING BLACK FROM THE BOTTOM? HERES THE POSITION!
When the computer plays White from the top of the board (Section 5.1, Option G1), be sure to set up the pieces correctly! Notice that the Kings and Queens are positioned differently, and the board notation is reversed.
For Operation Mode and Rotating Display Mode options, pressing the square repeatedly turns that option on and off, with plus (+) for ON and minus () for OFF. For Bronstein Clock Options, pressing Square A4 repeatedly selects your desired clock setting. Once you have made all your selections, press CLEAR to return to your game. When the computer is first powered on, certain default options are set. Options which are automatically in effect at the first startup are shown in the chart with a plus, and options which are off are shown with a minus. Whenever you reset the computer for a new game, most of your selected options are carried over to your next game. Some exceptions are Auto Answer, which is automatically set back to ON when you start a new game, and Play White from the Top, which is automatically set back to OFF.

THE BASICS OF OPTION MODE: HERES HOW

1. Press

OPTION
repeatedly to select a Mode: x1 = OPERATION MODE (Auto.) x2 = ROTATING DISPLAY MODE (rd:1.) x3 = BRONSTEIN CLOCK MODE (bron) x4 = back to OPERATION MODE.
2. Next, select your option(s), using the chart below. There are two ways to do this.
Cycle through the options within that mode: Press BLACK/> to cycle > forward. Press </WHITE to cycle < backward. When your option is displayed, press ENTER to toggle it on (+) or off ().
(For the Bronstein Clock, press ENTER repeatedly to select a clock setting.)
OR, simply locate your option square and press it to toggle that option on (+) or off ().
(For the Bronstein Clock, press Square A4 repeatedly to select a time setting.)

BRONSTEIN CLOCK OPTIONS

Bronstein Clock
+b0:01 >+b0:02 >+b0:03 >+b0:05 >+b0:10 >+b0:20 >+b0:30

B4 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 H4

ROTATING DISPLAY OPTIONS

Variation to ply 1

Variation to ply 2

Variation to ply 3

Variation to ply 4

Position Evaluation

Depth & Moves

Nodes Searched

Time per Move

O P T I O N S

T H E S E

S Q U A R E S

OPERATION MODE OPTIONS

Auto Answer

Sound with Keypress

Silent Mode

Coach Mode

Ticking Clock

Countdown Play White Auto Power from Top Down Clock

-Co:ch

3. Finally, press
to exit Option Mode, using your new option(s)!
For more details, see Section 5.
c. Silent Mode (Square C1) On:+SIL Off:-SIL Normally, the computer always beeps when it has found its move. For completely silent operation, turn on Silent Mode. d. Coach Mode (Square D1) On:+Co:ch Off:-Co:ch Selecting +Co:ch turns on special coaching features that encourage you to concentrate on your strategic planning! In Coach Mode, the computer looks over your shoulder while you play, watching what you do and helping you when you need assistance! In this unique Guardian Angel capacity, the computer will warn you with a Capture Alert if you are in danger of losing a piece. If one of your pieces is threatened by a lesser valued piece, for example, the computer will sound a series of warning beeps and flash the board lights of the threatened piece for a few seconds. To continue the game, make your next move (or take back your last move and make a different one). With Coach Mode on, the computer will also sound a Tactical Alert if it thinks you have committed a blunder and your move is about to lead to an avoidable material loss. It does this by sounding a series of warning beeps and flashing the move it intends to make. You can either enter the computers move, or take back your own move and make another one.

e. Ticking Clock (Square E1) On:+tic Off:-tic When you turn this option on, you activate a ticking sound that makes the computers clock sound like a real chess clock! Just imagineyou can create the atmosphere of a championship chess tournament in your own living room! f. Countdown Clock (Square F1) On:+c:dn Off:-c:dn Turning this option on causes the computer to display the countdown time instead of the elapsed time. Notice that the piece symbols also reverse direction, counting down from King to pawn. This option is only available in combination with the Tournament and Blitz Levels. g. Play White from the Top (Square G1) On:+toP Off:-toP Want to depart from the usual standard and let the computer play the White pieces from the top of the board? Then try out this interesting option! Choose +toP at the beginning of a new game (or a Teach Mode game), and set up the board with the Black pieces closest to you. The piece set up for a new game when White plays from top is shown in the diagram in this section. Press ENTER to start the game, and watch as the computer makes the first move for White from the top of the board.
See PLAYING BLACK FROM THE BOTTOM? HERES THE POSITION! for a diagram showing the correct piece set-up when using this option. When the computer plays White from the top, board notation is automatically reversed. Additionally, this option will go back to its default setting of OFF when you start a new game or a Teach Mode game. h. Auto Power Down (Square H1) On:+aPd Off:-aPd Auto Power Down option is a handy battery-saving feature. With this option activated, the computer will automatically turn itself off if no keypresses or moves are made for about 15 minutes. To continue the game where you left off, press GO/STOP to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer will not turn itself off while it is thinking about a move.
5.2 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3) Normally, the computers display shows the time for the player to move. However, the computer can also display other information, as described in Section 4 (Info Mode). The Rotating Display feature works hand-in-hand with Info Mode, since it allows you to choose which of the Info Displays you want to see, and then cycles your choices in about onesecond increments. You may turn on any or all of the Rotating Display options, as desired.
A LOOK AT THE TEACH MODES
1. Press LEVEL, and the current playing level is displayed.
2. If you want to change levels, press a square to select a different level. 3. To enter Teach Mode, press any PIECE SYMBOL KEY (except KING):
Press To study Pieces on the board Display
QUEENS ROOKS BISHOPS KNIGHTS PAWNS
Queens + Kings Rooks + Kings Bishops + Kings Knights + Kings Pawns + Kings
% & $ & # & @ & ! &
Note: Press more than one key to study any combination of pieces! To cancel a piece, press the same key again. Pressing KING selects a new game positionall 32 pieces (!@#$%&).

Activating the Bronstein +b0:10 option will give you a maximum of 10 seconds time compensation per move (added after you make your move). Note that you cant gain extra time or increase overall thinking time by playing each move more quickly, since: If you use 7 seconds to make your move, only 7 seconds will be added back to your total remaining time, not 10 seconds. If you use 10 seconds or more to make your move, only 10 seconds will be added back to your total remaining time. Press OPTION three times to select the Bronstein Clock Mode. Then press ENTER repeatedly to select your desired Bronstein Clock setting, as described below:
BRONSTEIN CLOCK SETTINGS DISPLAY
Bronstein Clock off.. Maximum of 1 sec. added after each move. Maximum of 2 sec. added after each move. Maximum of 3 sec. added after each move. Maximum of 5 sec. added after each move. Maximum of 10 sec. added after each move.. Maximum of 20 sec. added after each move.. Maximum of 30 sec. added after each move..
-bron +b0:01 +b0:02 +b0:03 +b0:05 +b0:10 +b0:20 +b0:30
6. TEACH MODE: LEARN ABOUT TACTICS
The Extended Teach Modes offer a wonderful learning tool, allowing you to study basic moves and master the tactics of the individual chess pieces. For each Teach Mode game, the only pieces on the board are Kings and the selected piece type(s). This will help you concentrate on one piece at a time, without losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the board! This feature is ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to improve basic skills.
See A LOOK AT THE TEACH MODES for a step-bystep example of how to use this feature!
Using the Teach Modes To enter Teach Mode, first press LEVEL, and the computer will display the current playing level. If you want to change the
level, press a board square as described in Section 3. If you dont change the level, the current level will remain in effect. When you are using any of the Teach Modes, the computers playing strength will be determined by the level you choose just like in a normal game. After deciding on the level, you are ready to activate Teach Mode. Selecting a piece to study is easysimply press any PIECE SYMBOL KEY (%, $, #, @, or !) except KING (&). Notice that the symbol for your selected study piece shows in the display as soon as you press its key! Youll also see the King symbol displayed automatically, since the game cant be played without the Kings. Finally, exit Teach Mode by pressing ENTER. The computer is now ready for a new game, with only the pieces you have selected to study. Make sure that you only set up those pieces on the board! If you want to study a combination of pieces (Rooks and Bishops, for example), follow the above instructions, pressing more than one PIECE SYMBOL KEY ($ and #, in this case). If you change your mind about studying a piece after pressing a PIECE SYMBOL KEY, press that same key again to cancel that piece. Some more Teach Mode points to remember: If you press LEVEL and then decide not to change the level or Teach Mode, press CLEAR to cancel. If you press LEVEL and a PIECE SYMBOL KEY, and then decide not to use Teach Mode, press LEVEL, and </WHITE or BLACK/> to cancel Teach Mode and continue level selection. If you accidentally press a PIECE SYMBOL KEY in Level Mode, you will lose your current game after exiting Level Mode. To prevent this and retain your current board position, press CLEAR to cancel. If you reset for a new game by pressing CLEAR and ENTER together, the computer will switch back to the standard game, with the current level still in effect. The KING key is reserved for the standard game, using all 32 pieces. If & is pressed in Teach Mode, all six piece symbols are displayed, indicating the 32-piece board. Pressing ENTER to exit Teach Mode at this point simply returns you to a new game, playing with all the pieces. The computer will not make use of its openings library in Teach Mode games.

7. STUDY MODE: TRY RATING YOURSELF
Want to try out a fascinating learning tool? Then Study Mode is exactly what youre looking for! Twenty famous and exciting games from the history of chess are built into your computer, incorporating 413 different chess puzzles. Its up to you to play through the games and make the correct moves that were played for the winning side in the original games! This feature offers great potential for improving your chess knowledge, while allowing you to practice your skills and learn all about making the best move in a particular position! And, to make this feature even more exciting, youll actually be able to determine your own ELO rating after completing each Study Game. Understanding ELO Ratings Before we explain how to use Study Mode, just a few words regarding the concept of chess ratings. A rating is a way to measure chess performance or describe relative playing ability. The international body which governs chess is called FIDE, or Fdration Internationale des checs, and FIDE ratings are sometimes referred to as ELO ratings. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) uses a similar rating system. Ratings are usually four-digit numbers, with stronger players having higher ratings. On the high end of the scale, masters rank in at 2200 and above, and international grandmasters are rated at 2500+. Want to know where you stand? Go ahead and try out Study Mode!
estimated ELO rating, based on how well you did. The display alternates between the points and the ELO rating until you press CLEAR or start a new game. If your first try doesnt give you as high a rating as youd like, just keep working on the Study Gamesand watch your rating go up as you learn and improve. Bonus: The Appendix at the end of this manual gives a complete listing of all 20 Study Games. These games have been included for reference and historical value, and to provide details on the players, locations and dates for each match. Remember that the listings are included as a referenceyou will only be cheating yourself if you look at the game listings before trying to solve the puzzles on your own!
ITS EASY TO VERIFY PIECES
2. Press the KNIGHT Key. Display: [,@,b1 (first White Knight). Board lights on: B+1. 3. Press KNIGHT again. Display: [,@,G1 (second White Knight). Board lights on: G+1. 4. Press KNIGHT again. Display: ],@,b8 (first Black Knight). Board lights on: B+8. 5. Press KNIGHT again. Display: ],@,g8 (second Black Knight). Board lights on: G+8. 6. Press KNIGHT again. Display: @ (no more Knights left on the board).
8. VERIFYING/SETTING UP POSITIONS

2. Press POSITION to enter Position Mode. Display: -POS-. 3. Press the White pawn down on Square E2, and remove it from the board. Display: [,!,-E2. 4. Press that same pawn down on Square E3 to add it to the board. Display: [,!,+E3. 5. Press the Black Queen down on Square D8, and remove it from the board. Display: ],%,-D8. 6. Press that same Queen down on Square H5 to add it to the board. Display: ],%,+H5. 7. Press </WHITE to change the color to move next. 8. Press CLEAR to exit and return to normal game play.
For more details, see Section 8.2.
Position Mode. The display will show _ to symbolize an empty chessboard. Press ENTER once more to confirm that you do want to clear the board. Then add pieces as described previously. If you decide not to clear the board, press CLEAR to cancel. This feature can be handy when you want to set up a position with only a few pieces, where it would be much easier to start out with an empty board. Once you have changed the board position as described above, make sure the color indicator in the
1. Press CLEAR and ENTER to reset the computer, and set up the pieces in their starting positions. Display: [ 0:00:00.
display is showing the correct color of the side to move. Change the color, if necessary, by pressing BLACK/> or </WHITE. To exit Position Mode, press CLEAR. You will return to normal game play, with your new board position. Note that any legal position can be set up using the above procedures. The computer will not permit you to set up an illegal position, such as one where there are more than the prescribed number of pieces for a normal game, or one where a King is in check and is not to move. In such cases, the computer will simply beep when you press CLEAR, and you will not be allowed to exit Position Mode. Check the position using the PIECE SYMBOL KEYS, if necessary, and correct the position (by adding a piece, removing a piece, or moving an incorrectly placed piece). Then press CLEAR to exit Position Mode.

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.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOMS
The computer doesnt react, behaves erratically, or freezes during a game.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Batteries are not installed correctly. Batteries are weak or bad. Static discharge or an electrical disturbance has caused a lock-up.

ACTION TO TAKE

Reinstall the batteries, making sure to observe the correct polarity. Replace the batteries. Press into the hole marked ACL to reset the computer (see Section 9.1). Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines. The computer only responds automatically if Auto Answer is on (see Section 5.1). To interrupt the computer and force it to make a move, press ENTER. Review the chess rules. Verify the position to make sure it is correct (see Section 8.1).
The display is difficult to read. The computer wont make a move.
Batteries are weak or bad. The Auto Answer option may be turned off. You may be on a level where the computer thinks for a long time.
The computer wont accept your move.
Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your move put your King into check? Are you trying to castle incorrectly? Are you moving to an illegal square? The computer is thinking (its color symbol is flashing in the display).
To interrupt the computer, press ENTER. Check the display, and press the correct square to complete the computers move. Make your next move, or take back your last move and make a different one. (see Section 5.1). Enter the computers move, or take back your last move and make a different one. (see Section 5.1). Check your position, and make the necessary changes (see Section 8.2). Then press CLEAR again to exit Position Mode. To clear the board, press ENTER once more; to cancel, press CLEAR (see Section 8.2). Review the chess rules. Verify the position as described in Section 8.1. Verify the position (see Section 8.1). Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines. Press LEVEL to see which level is selected (see Section 3). Change to another level, if desired. Replace the batteries with fresh alkalines. Check the option settings (see Section 5.1).
An error beep sounds when a square is pressed. You hear a series of beeps, and flashing lights indicate one of your pieces. You hear a series of beeps, and flashing lights indicate a move. You cant exit Position Mode with CLEARthe computer only beeps. The display is showing _. The computer seems to be making illegal moves.
You have not entered the computers last move correctly (wrong from or to square). Coach Mode is activated, and a Capture Alert is advising that one of your pieces is in danger. Coach Mode is activated, and a Tactical Alert is advising that you are committing a blunder. You have set up an illegal position. A King may be in check, it is opponents turn to move, you may have too many pawns on the board, etc. You are in Position Mode, and have pressed ENTER to clear the board. The computer has made a special move, such as en passant, castling, or a pawn promotion. Your board position is incorrectpieces have been moved. Batteries are running out.