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…

1 First, insert two “AA”

(AM3/R6) batteries into
the computer (alkaline
5 Enter moves by making
them on the board,
pressing the pieces down
recommended). Be sure gently on the from and to
to observe the correct squares for each move. PRESS
polarity! The board automatically
2 x AA/AM3/R6 senses which piece you PRESS
are moving—it’s just like
magic!
2 Next, press GO/STOP to
turn the computer on, and GO/STOP
you’ll see Alec’s animated
face in the display! If the
unit doesn’t respond, reset
6 As soon as the computer
makes its move, that
move is displayed, with
the from square flashing. ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ
it as noted in Section 1.1. ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ
Press the indicated piece ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ
ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ down on the flashing from ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ
ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ square (Square d7, in our ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ
3 Set up the chess pieces in
the initial starting position
for a new game, with the
ዐ屁屃屁屃屁屃屁屃ዐ
ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ
ዎ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዎ
example), and the display
will now flash the to
ው巀居巀层巀居巀居ው
ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ
ዋ屄层屄居屄层屄层ዋ
White pieces closest to ው巀居巀居巀居巀居ው square. Press down on ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ
you, as shown in this ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ the flashing to square (d5, ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ
diagram. ዋ屄层屄层屄层屄层ዋ here) to complete the ዛዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዜ
ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ computer’s move. That’s ዑ尷尽尻就尯尹尿尵ዑ
ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ ዐ屁屃屁巀屁屃屁屃ዐ
all there is to it! ዏ巀居巀居巀居巀居ዏ
Press GO/STOP at any
4 Press NEW GAME to
reset the computer. Now
you’re ready to play your
NEW GAME time to turn the computer
off…and Alec will be
ዎ居巀居屃居巀居巀ዎ
ው巀居巀层巀居巀居ው
ዌ居巀居巀居巀居巀ዌ
ዋ屄层屄居屄层屄层ዋ
very first game against ready to continue when ዊ尶局尺尴尮尼尾尸ዊ
Alec! you turn it back on! ዝዒዓዔዕዖ዗ዘዙዞ

KEYS AND FEATURES

1. DISPLAY WINDOW: Used to show
moves, information, and chess
clocks, as well as Alec’s animated CHESS COMPUTER

expressions and antics! Also used

to select playing levels and Teach
Modes, and to verify pieces.
2. ACL (Reset): In base of unit. Used A N I M AT E D D I S P L AY

to eliminate static discharge after

inserting new batteries. 7 6 8 LEVEL SETTINGS

3. GAME KEYS SMART HINT FUNCTION

EXTENDED TEACH MODES

• GO/STOP: Press to turn the GO/STOP NON AUTO NEW GAME

computer on and off. Current

position is retained in memory
when turned off. LEVEL SOUND

• NON AUTO: Press to enter Non

TEACH MODE HINT
Auto Mode, which allows moves
to be entered manually. TAKE BACK PLAY

• 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 • TAKE BACK: Press to take back the last individual move made. You may take
promotions. back two individual moves, or a move for each side.
• LEVEL: Press to enter Level • PLAY: Press to change sides with the computer; press while the computer is
Mode. thinking to force it to move.
• SOUND: Press to turn the sound 4. BATTERY COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Uses two “AA” (AM3/R6) batteries
on and off. (alkalines recommended for longer battery life).
• TEACH MODE: Press to enter 5. PIECE STORAGE COMPARTMENT: In base of unit. Handy compartment stores
Teach Mode. your chess pieces when they’re not in use.
• HINT: Press and hold down to get 6. SENSORY CHESSBOARD: Each square contains a sensor that automatically
a suggested move. registers piece movement.
 cause it to lock up), use a paper clip or another sharp object
TABLE OF CONTENTS to press down into the hole marked ACL in the base of the
unit for at least one second. This will reset the computer.
QUICK START 2.8 Chess Clocks
KEYS AND FEATURES 2.9 Built-In Openings
INTRODUCTION 2.10 Auto Power Down 1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How to Move!
1. LET’S GET STARTED! 2.11 Game Memory Okay, it’s time to start a game! It’s so easy—just follow
1.1 First, Install the Batteries 3. THE PLAYING LEVELS these steps:
1.2 Ready to Play? Here’s How to 3.1 Fun Levels a. Press GO/STOP to turn the computer on, if you haven’t
Move! 3.2 Fixed Depth Levels
already done so. You’ll see Little Alec’s face appear in
1.3 Now It’s the Computer’s Turn 3.3 Casual Levels
1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back! 4. SPECIAL MODES TO the display—he’ll be your constant playing companion
1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play EXPLORE from now on!
Again! 4.1 Verify Mode b. Press NEW GAME to reset the computer for a new
1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the 4.2 Non Auto Mode game of chess. Set up the pieces in their starting
Level! 4.3 Teach Mode positions, with the White pieces nearest to you, as
2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES 5. TECHNICAL DETAILS
shown in the Quick Start .
2.1 Whose Move? Check the 5.1 The ACL Function
Display! 5.2 Care and Maintenance c. To make a move, lightly press down on the piece you
2.2 Special Chess Moves 5.3 Technical Specifications want to move until you hear a beep—and the sensory
2.3 Illegal Moves TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE board will recognize your piece automatically. Check
2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw out the display—it now shows the square that you
2.5 Interrupting the Computer’s pressed, along with the piece and color symbols for
Search
your chosen piece! This information flashes alternately
2.6 Changing Sides with the
Computer with the clock display.
2.7 Need Help? Ask for a Hint! d. Take your piece and gently press it down on the square
you are moving to. You’ll hear a second beep as the
computer confirms the move. You’ve just made your
first full move of the game! Next, it’s the computer’s
INTRODUCING…
turn to move for Black.
ALEC, THE LITTLE ALCHEMIST!
At the start of a game, the computer will often move in-
So happy to meet you—and so glad that we’ll be enjoying
stantly because it is playing from memor y, using its built-in
the wonderful world of chess together!
You might ask yourself, “What is this little guy doing inside “book” of opening moves. For details, see Section 2.9.
my computer?” It’s simple: I LOVE CHESS! And, what better
way to enjoy the game whenever possible, than to be here 1.3 Now It’s the Computer’s Turn
every single time you turn your computer on! Chess is truly a When the computer moves, it beeps and displays its
magical game—it’s fun, exciting, and intellectually stimulating. move, with the from square flashing. Press the indicated
You simply couldn’t ask for a better way to spend your time!
piece down on the flashing from square until you hear a
So, my goal in life is to be your constant companion, ready and
willing to play whenever you are! beep. The display now flashes the square the piece is mov-
If you see me grinning, don’t worry—I’m not making fun of ing to. Move that same piece to the indicated to square and
you… I’m just delighting in my own chess abilities! And, when press it down to complete the computer’s move. And it’s your
you see me cry after I lose a game, don’t feel too sorry for me— turn again…
I might just beat you the next time around! Note that the following may sometimes occur while the
Have a fabulous time, and be sure to explore this manual
computer is thinking:
to discover all the great features your chess computer has to
offer. Plus, watch out for the “stars” throughout the manual— • Game keys may need to be pressed down for two to
they’ll alert you to charts and diagrams that will help you to three seconds before the computer responds.
understand your computer better! As for me, I’ll look forward to • The clock display may occasionally skip a few seconds,
enjoying many great games with you, now and for a long time and the duration between consecutive seconds may
to come…! appear to be uneven. Game play will not be affected.
Have fun!
1.4 Change Your Mind? Take Back!
When you’re playing chess against this computer, nothing
is “set in stone”—you 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.
1. LET’S GET STARTED! To take back the last move played, press TAKE BACK.
Whether you’re just starting to learn about chess or you’ve The display will show the piece symbol, the color symbol,
already discovered this great game, you’re going to benefit and the move to be taken back, with the original to square
from your new chess computer in so many ways! After all, flashing. Press the piece down on that square. You now see
it’s a very unique combination of opponent and tutor! And, by the from square flashing. Press the piece down on the
the way, your computer knows and follows all the rules of flashing from square to complete the take-back.
chess—and you can be sure that it will never cheat! For If the move taken back was a capture, the computer
those who haven’t played before, we have included a brief reminds you to put the captured piece back on the board by
overview of the rules to get you started. For more detailed displaying the piece type and color, and flashing the square
information, why not visit your local library, where you’re sure location. Press this piece down on the indicated square. To
to find lots of interesting chess books! take back another move, press TAKE BACK again. To
continue the game, either make your next move or press
1.1 First, Install the Batteries PLAY to have the computer move next.
Your chess computer runs on two “AA” (AM3/R6) batteries.
Insert the batteries into the compartment in the base of the 1.5 Game Over? Why Not Play Again!
unit, as shown in the Quick Start . Use fresh alkaline batteries Whenever you finish a game (or if you give up on your
for longer battery life (up to 1,000 hours)! current game), it’s easy to start over again! Simply press
Turn the computer on by pressing GO/STOP, and a beep NEW GAME, and the computer will reset itself, putting all the
will signal that the game is ready to play. If the computer pieces back in their initial starting positions. The same
should fail to respond (static discharge can sometimes playing level will be in effect, but you can change it if you’d

2
like, as explained in Section 3.
IMPORTANT: Pressing NEW GAME clears the current TYPICAL DISPLAYS AT A GLANCE!
game from memory—be careful not to press this key by
mistake! King is in check
(White/Black)

1.6 Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level! Checkmate

Your computer offers 64 levels of skill, each of which (for White/Black)
corresponds to one of the 64 board squares—making level
selection so easy! Together with the built-in Teach Modes,
you have a choice of 768 level setting combinations! Game has ended in a draw
For complete details on all the playing levels, along with
instructions on selecting levels, see Section 3. Clock showing Minutes/Seconds:
Steady colon, with leading zero

2. ADDITIONAL FEATURES Clock showing Hours/Minutes:

2.1 Whose Move? Check the Display! Flashing colon, no leading zero
You can always tell at a glance if the computer is currently
thinking, and which side is to move—just by taking a look at

ENGLISH
the color symbols (] for Black and [ for White)! Whenever Display on entering Teach Mode
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. Computer is thinking for Black

2.2 Special Chess Moves

Captures: To capture, press down lightly on the piece you Player to move for White
want to move, take the captured piece off the board, and
press your piece down on the square of the captured piece. Note: Random expressions are shown for Alec. His animated expressions will
change according to specific game situations!
En Passant: In an en passant capture, the computer
reminds you to remove the captured pawn from the board by
flashing the pawn’s location in the display. Press down on
the captured pawn before removing it from the board. displayed, but you decide not to make that move, simply
Castling: The computer automatically recognizes castling press down on that same square again to cancel. Then
after the King is moved. After you have pressed the King make another move. If you change your mind after entering
down on its from and to squares, the computer displays the your whole move, take the move back as described in Sec-
Rook’s move, with the from square flashing. Press down on tion 1.4.
this square, and the display flashes the square the Rook Caution: Be careful when playing with the sound turned
should move to. Press down on the Rook’s to square to off, since you won’t be able to hear the error beeps!
complete the move.
Pawn Promotion: When you promote a pawn, first press 2.4 Check, Mate, and Draw
your pawn down on the from square, as usual. The com- Check: When a King is in check, the computer first dis-
puter will flash the from square and the symbols for the plays the move as usual. After the move is made, the display
pawn and Queen, along with the clock display. You now have alternates between the time and ch, along with [ if White is
two choices: (a) To promote to a Queen, simply complete in check or ] if Black is in check.
your move by pressing your pawn down on the to square. Checkmate: When a game ends in checkmate, you’ll hear
The promotion will take place automatically, accompanied by a series of beeps and the display will flash End, along with [
a series of beeps. (b) To underpromote to a Knight, Bishop , if White has won or ] if Black has won. Notice how delighted
or Rook, press the PIECE SYMBOL KEY for your desired Little Alec is when he wins—and how sad he gets when he
promotion piece (@, #, or $). That symbol will be displayed, loses a game!
and pressing your pawn down on the to square will complete Draws: The computer recognizes draws by stalemate and
your move. When promoting, always remember to change three-fold repetition. After a draw has occurred, the display
your piece on the board! When the computer promotes a will flash End and both of the color symbols ([ and ]), along
pawn, the display shows its move, as usual, with the from with the drawing move.
square flashing. You’ll notice, though, that the display shows
the symbol for the pawn plus the symbol for the computer’s 2.5 Interrupting the Computer’s Search
promoted piece. Press on the from square, and the to Think the computer is taking too long to move? No prob-
square flashes. Press down on the to square, change the lem—you can interrupt it any time! Simply press PLAY while
computer’s piece on the board, and continue your game! the computer is thinking, and it will stop and make the move
it is currently considering.
2.3 Illegal Moves This feature can come in handy for those of you who are
Your computer will never accept an illegal move! If you try impatient—especially when using Fixed Depth Levels C6
to make one, you’ll hear a low beep and the display will and higher, where the computer can occasionally take an
alternate between showing the from square and the time. hour or more to make its move.
Either move that same piece to another square, or press the
piece back down on its original from square and move a 2.6 Changing Sides with the Computer
different piece. To change sides with the computer, press PLAY when it’s
If you don’t move the computer’s piece correctly, you’ll your turn to move—and the computer will make the next
also hear an error beep. This means that you are either move for your side. Change sides as often as you wish!
moving the wrong piece, or moving the computer’s piece to Want the computer to play the first move for White at the
the wrong square. Check the display and make the move start of a new game? Press NEW GAME to reset the com-
again. puter, and then press PLAY!
If you press down on a piece and the from square is Want to watch the computer play chess against itself?

3
 GET TO KNOW ALEC’S MANY MOODS!
Not sure what Alec’s trying to tell you? Wondering why Alec looks so happy, so sad, or so annoyed?
This chart will help you identify some of his expressions—and may help you understand what’s going on in your game!

“I really do love this game— “I can’t believe I really lost this game…
especially when I’m winning!” Won’t you please give me another
Computer has the advantage chance?”
Computer loses the game

“Looks like we’ve got a pretty

even game so far…” “Yes, I’d say that mate is right around
Both sides have a fairly even the corner!” / “Go ahead—promote my
position pawn for me!”
Computer predicts mate / Computer
“This isn’t good—I can’t believe promotes pawn
you’ve got the advantage!”
Player has the advantage
“Hey—you captured my piece while I
wasn’t looking!” / “Oh, no! How did you
manage to check my King?”
“What happened here? I Computer’s piece is captured / Computer
thought I was winning…” is checked
Computer changes from
advantage to disadvantage
“Ha, ha! Capturing your pieces sure is
“Wow, this is great—I really fun!” / “Better watch out for your King—
improved my position!” I’m coming after him!”
Computer changes from Computer captures / Computer checks
disadvantage to advantage

“Hooray, I won the game! That “Hey—are you still there? You sure are
sure was fun—want to play taking a long time!” / “I hate to admit
again?” it, but I guess this game’s a draw!”
Computer wins the game Computer waits for player to move / Game
ends in a draw

Press PLAY after each move—and watch as the computer moves. This book contains hundreds of positions, including
plays for both sides of the board, one move after another. most major openings. If the current board position is in its
Study its strategies, and you might improve your own game! book, the computer will play a response to that position
automatically, instead of having to think about the move!
2.7 Need Help? Ask for a Hint!
It’s easy to get assistance from the computer whenever 2.10 Auto Power Down
you need it. On your turn, simply press and hold down HINT. Whenever it’s your turn to move and you haven’t made a
The computer will show Hint briefly, and it will then display move or pressed a key for 20 minutes, the computer will
a move suggestion for you! automatically turn itself off to conserve batteries. To continue
Note that pressing and holding HINT repeatedly may give your game, press GO/STOP to turn the unit back on. Note
you more than one suggested move in certain positions. that the computer will not turn itself off while it is thinking.

2.8 Chess Clocks 2.11 Game Memory

Your computer contains a built-in chess clock that keeps If you want to interrupt your game for any reason, you may
track of the time, with a four-digit display showing the total do so by pressing GO/STOP. Play is then suspended, and
elapsed time for the side to move (computer or player) while the computer will store your current position for up to two
that side is thinking. Here’s an easy way to differentiate years (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch back
between the time displays at a glance: on again, you and Alec can simply continue right where you
• For the first hour, the display will show MM:SS left off!
(Minutes:Seconds), with a steady colon in the middle
and a leading zero.
• If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour, you’ll see 3. THE PLAYING LEVELS
HH:MM (Hours:Minutes), with a flashing colon in the With 768 level settings to choose from (incorporating the
middle and no leading zero. Teach Modes), you can definitely learn and grow with this
Please also note the following points in regard to the chess computer! When you set the level, keep in mind that
chess clocks: the more time the computer has to think about its moves, the
• The clocks will stop in certain situations, such as when stronger and better it plays—just like a human player!
moves are taken back, or when levels are changed or
verified. In these cases, the times are retained in Check out “A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO LEVEL
memor y, and the clock resumes when play is continued. SELECTION!” for an overview of all the levels.
• Occasionally, while the computer is thinking, the display
As shown in the Level Selection Chart, each playing level
may skip a few seconds, or the duration between con-
corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. The levels are
secutive seconds may appear to be uneven. Your game
categorized into three different groups: Fun Levels (Squares
will not be affected.
A1-B8), Fixed Depth Levels (Squares C1-D8), and Casual
Levels (Squares E1-H8). On the higher levels, the computer
2.9 Built-In Openings
thinks more deeply and becomes a progressively more
At the beginning of a game, the computer will often move
challenging opponent. The highest level in each of the
instantly on many levels. This is because it is playing from
groups produces the best moves the computer can make
memory, using its own built-in “book” of opening chess
within the constraints of that particular level setting. Try

4
 Fun Fun 3+ ply 6 ply 8 sec. 16 sec. 55 sec. 15 min.
A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE Level 8 Level 16 search search per move per move per move per move
Fu 8 Fu 16 FD 8 FD16 00:08 00:16 00:55 15:00
TO LEVEL SELECTION! A8 B8 C8 D8 E8 F8 G8 H8

Fun Fun 3 ply 5++ ply 7 sec. 15 sec. 50 sec. 10 min.

Level 7 Level 15 search search per move per move per move per move
1. LEVEL Press LEVEL to enter Fu 7 Fu 15 FD 7 FD15 00:07 00:15 00:50 10:00
Level Mode. A7 B7 C7 D7 E7 F7 G7 H7

Fun Fun 2++ ply 5+ ply 6 sec. 14 sec. 45 sec. 6 min.

Level 6 Level 14 search search per move per move per move per move
Fu 6 Fu 14 FD 6 FD14 00:06 00:14 00:45 06:00
2. Next, select your level, using the A6 B6 C6 D6 E6 F6 G6 H6
chart on the right. Simply locate
your level square and press down Fun Fun 2+ ply 5 ply 5 sec. 13 sec. 40 sec. 5 min.
Level 5 Level 13 search search per move per move per move per move
on the square to display that level!
Fu 5 Fu 13 FD 5 FD13 00:05 00:13 00:40 05:00
A5 B5 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 H5

For example: To select Fun Fun 2 ply 4++ ply 4 sec. 12 sec. 35 sec. 4 min.
Level 4 Level 12 search search per move per move per move per move
Level G2 (with an average Fu 4 Fu 12 FD 4 FD12 00:04 00:12 00:35 04:00
computer response time A4 B4 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 H4
of 25 seconds per move),

ENGLISH
Fun Fun 1++ ply 4+ ply 3 sec. 11 sec. 30 sec. 3 min.
press Square G2. The Level 3 Level 11 search search per move per move per move per move
display will alternate Fu 3 Fu 11 FD 3 FD11 00:03 00:11 00:30 03:00
between L:G2 and 00:25. A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3

Fun Fun 1+ ply 4 ply 2 sec. 10 sec. 25 sec. 2 min.

Level 2 Level 10 search search per move per move per move per move
3. LEVEL Finally, press LEVEL again Fu 2 Fu 10 FD 2 FD10 00:02 00:10 00:25 02:00
to exit Level Mode. Now A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2
you can start playing on your Fun Fun 1 ply 3++ ply 1 sec. 9 sec. 20 sec. 1 min.
newly selected level! Level 1 Level 9 search search per move per move per move per move
Fu 1 Fu 9 FD 1 FD 9 00:01 00:09 00:20 01:00
A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1

For more details on the levels, see Section 3. FUN LEVELS FIXED DEPTH CASUAL LEVELS
LEVELS

experimenting a little—start out with some of the lower level exhaustively search for the best available move, as you
settings, and advance to the more difficult levels as your would normally expect. Instead, it disregards scores and
skills grow! uses a strong randomizer to deliberately weaken play—
Note that on some of the higher levels, the computer may which causes it to sometimes make moves that are not
take a long time to complete its search. If you want to force necessarily the best it has found. This variability makes the
the computer to stop thinking and make a move, simply computer prone to some very human errors in judgment.
press PLAY at any time. Beat the computer by capitalizing on its mistakes, and you
Press LEVEL to enter Level Mode, and the current level is may soon discover that you can win games against friends in
shown, with the display alternating between the Level the same manner! The Fun Levels start out easy and get a
Square and the Level Name. As an example, Level A4 (Fun little stronger as they go, allowing you to strengthen your
Level 4), which is the default level at the first power-up, playing abilities along the way.
displays as L:A4 and Fu 4. To change the level, press a
board square (using the Level Selection Chart as a guide), 3.2 Fixed Depth Levels (Squares C1-D8)
and that level will be displayed. Press LEVEL again to exit LEVEL SQUARE SEARCH DEPTH ALTERNATING DISPLAY
Level Mode, with your newly selected playing level in effect. C1 .................. 1 ply .................. L:c1 / Fd 1
Other important points to remember regarding levels: C2 .................. 1 ply+ ................ L:c2 / Fd 2
• If you press LEVEL to verify the level, but you don’t want C3 .................. 1 ply++ .............. L:c3 / Fd 3
to change levels, press LEVEL again to exit without C4 .................. 2 ply .................. L:c4 / Fd 4
making any changes. C5 .................. 2 ply+ ................ L:c5 / Fd 5
• You can use LEVEL to check the playing level while the C6 .................. 2 ply++ .............. L:c6 / Fd 6
computer is thinking, but you cannot change the level C7 .................. 3 ply .................. L:c7 / Fd 7
until it’s your turn to move. C8 .................. 3 ply+ ................ L:c8 / Fd 8
------------------------------------------------------------
• Pressing NEW GAME resets the computer and retains
D1 .................. 3 ply++ .............. L:D1 / Fd 9
the current playing level.
D2 .................. 4 ply .................. L:D2 / Fd10
D3 .................. 4 ply+ ................ L:D3 / Fd11
3.1 Fun Levels (Squares A1-B8) D4 .................. 4 ply++ .............. L:D4 / Fd12
LEVEL ALTERNATING LEVEL ALTERNATING
SQUARE DISPLAY SQUARE DISPLAY
D5 .................. 5 ply .................. L:D5 / Fd13
A1 ....... L:A1 / Fu 1 ..... B1 ....... L:B1 / Fu 9 D6 .................. 5 ply+ ................ L:D6 / Fd14
A2 ....... L:A2 / Fu 2 ..... B2 ....... L:B2 / Fu10 D7 .................. 5 ply++ .............. L:D7 / Fd15
A3 ....... L:A3 / Fu 3 ..... B3 ....... L:B3 / Fu11 D8 .................. 6 ply .................. L:D8 / Fd16
A4 ....... L:A4 / Fu 4 ..... B4 ....... L:B4 / Fu12 On the Fixed Depth Levels, the computer’s search depth is
A5 ....... L:A5 / Fu 5 ..... B5 ....... L:B5 / Fu13 limited to a certain number of moves, or ply. A “ply” is an
A6 ....... L:A6 / Fu 6 ..... B6 ....... L:B6 / Fu14 individual move, or a move for either side. For example, on
A7 ....... L:A7 / Fu 7 ..... B7 ....... L:B7 / Fu15 Level C1, the computer searches to a depth of one ply, and
A8 ....... L:A8 / Fu 8 ..... B8 ....... L:B8 / Fu16 thus looks ahead only one individual move. On this level,
If you are a novice or beginning player, the Fun Levels are therefore, it will often overlook a mate in one. This produces
especially for you—they’ll give you the opportunity to beat weaker play, giving beginners a better chance of beating the
the computer for a change! Here, the computer does not computer! Use these levels to sharpen your skills—as you

5
conquer each level, graduate to the next!
The levels marked with plus signs (+ and ++) indicate IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!
small, incremental jumps in the search depth. On these
levels, the computer will look ahead that particular number of
NEW GAME 1. Press NEW GAME and set up the pieces in the
initial starting position.
ply, plus a few extra moves (+), or a few more selected extra
moves (++). 2. Press ROOK.
Note that the computer may take a long time to move on Display: White Rook on Square A1.
some of the Fixed Depth Levels. On Levels C6 and above,
3. Press ROOK again.
for instance, it might not be unusual for the computer to think Display: White Rook on Square H1.
for an hour or more. Please be assured that this is normal for
these particular levels! To interrupt the computer and force it 4. Press ROOK again.
to make a move, simply press PLAY. Display: Black Rook on Square A8.

5. Press ROOK again.

3.3 Casual Levels (Squares E1-H8) Display: Black Rook on Square H8.
LEVEL SQUARE TIME PER MOVE ALTERNATING DISPLAY
E1 .............. 1 second ............... L:E1 / 00:01 6. Press ROOK again. Display: No more
E2 .............. 2 seconds ............. L:E2 / 00:02 Rooks. Repeat for any other piece! To
E3 .............. 3 seconds ............. L:E3 / 00:03 continue, make the next move.
E4 .............. 4 seconds ............. L:E4 / 00:04 For more details, see Section 4.1.
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 board locations of all pieces of that same type. All the White
------------------------------------------------------------- pieces ([) are shown first, and then all the Black pieces (]).
F1 .............. 9 seconds ............. L:F1 / 00:09 When there are no more pieces of that type, the computer
F2 ............ 10 seconds ............. L:F2 / 00:10 will sound a double beep and show two dashes, along with
F3 ............ 11 seconds ............. L:F3 / 00:11 the piece symbol and the symbol for White. When there are
F4 ............ 12 seconds ............. L:F4 / 00:12 no more Bishops on the board, for example, you’ll see :__
F5 ............ 13 seconds ............. L:F5 / 00:13 displayed, along with [ and #. The computer will then return
F6 ............ 14 seconds ............. L:F6 / 00:14 to your previous game display.
F7 ............ 15 seconds ............. L:F7 / 00:15 To verify other pieces, repeat the same steps using the
F8 ............ 16 seconds ............. L:F8 / 00:16 other PIECE SYMBOL KEYS. When you’re finished, simply
------------------------------------------------------------- make your next move.
G1 ............ 20 seconds ............. L:G1 / 00:20 Note that the computer will e xit Verify Mode automatically
G2 ............ 25 seconds ............. L:G2 / 00:25 if no keypresses are made for about three seconds.
G3 ............ 30 seconds ............. L:G3 / 00:30
G4 ............ 35 seconds ............. L:G4 / 00:35
4.2 Non Auto Mode
G5 ............ 40 seconds ............. L:G5 / 00:40
Normally, the computer automatically answers with a
G6 ............ 45 seconds ............. L:G6 / 00:45
G7 ............ 50 seconds ............. L:G7 / 00:50 countermove whenever you enter a move. If you press NON
G8 ............ 55 seconds ............. L:G8 / 00:55 AUTO to enter Non Auto Mode, however, you can enter any
------------------------------------------------------------- number of moves one by one, without allowing the computer
H1 .............. 1 minute ................ L:H1 / 01:00 to answer!
H2 .............. 2 minutes .............. L:H2 / 02:00
Since you won’t be playing against Alec in this mode,
H3 .............. 3 minutes .............. L:H3 / 03:00
he’ll disappear as soon as you press NON AUTO! Don’t
H4 .............. 4 minutes .............. L:H4 / 04:00
H5 .............. 5 minutes .............. L:H5 / 05:00 worry, though—when you return to normal play, Little
H6 .............. 6 minutes .............. L:H6 / 06:00 Alec will be back!
H7 ............ 10 minutes .............. L:H7 / 10:00 This feature can be used in a number of ways:
H8 ............ 15 minutes .............. L:H8 / 15:00 • Play through master chess games. Press PLAY to see
The Casual Levels allow you to control the computer’s what the computer would do in any position!
strength by limiting the time it has to think for each move. • Study opening book lines by entering them man ually.
When you choose one of these levels, you are selecting the • Replay to any board position for further study.
computer’s average response time per move. As the levels • Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting as
go up, the computer becomes stronger—and the more time referee. It will monitor your game, checking all moves for
you give the computer, the better it will play! legality and keeping track of the time for both sides! If
Note that the times are averaged over a large number of you should need help with a move, press PLAY and the
moves. In the opening and endgame, the computer tends to computer will mak e the next move for your side. After the
play faster, but in complicated middlegame positions , it may computer has mo ved, Non Auto Mode remains in effect,
take longer to move. 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
4. SPECIAL MODES TO EXPLORE that this mode has been cancelled, and Alec will reappear in
4.1 Verify Mode the display! Note that Non Auto Mode is also automatically
cancelled whenever you press NEW GAME.
See “IT’S EASY TO VERIFY PIECES!” for a step-by-
step example of using Verify Mode. 4.3 Teach Mode
If you should knock over the chess pieces or if you think
See “SELECTING A TEACH MODE GAME!” for an
your board position may be incorrect, the computer can
illustrated look at trying out Teach Mode!
verify all the piece locations for you!
When it’s your turn, press one of the PIECE SYMBOL Your computer offers 11 Teach Modes, which allow you to
KEYS. The computer will show the symbol for that piece, study basic moves and master the tactics of the individual
along with the square location of the first piece of that type. chess pieces, one by one! For each Teach Mode game, the
Press that same PIECE SYMBOL KEY repeatedly to see the only pieces on the board will be Kings, Pawns, and your

6
 should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to
SELECTING A TEACH MODE GAME! extreme temperatures or moisture. Remove the batteries
before cleaning the unit, and do not use chemicals or liquids
Here, we’ll choose to study Bishops and Rooks. Remember to clean it, as they may damage the plastic.
that Kings and Pawns are always on the board.
Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they
TEACH MODE 1. Press TEACH MODE. 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
2. Press BISHOP. Bishops added. batteries or new and used batteries. Do not recharge
On the board: Kings, Pawns, Bishops. non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the recommended
batteries or equivalent. Be sure to observe the correct
3. Press ROOK. Rooks added.
On the board: Kings, Pawns, Bishops, polarity when inserting batteries. Remove worn out
Rooks. batteries from the unit promptly. Do not short circuit the
supply terminals.
TEACH MODE 4. Press TEACH MODE again. The computer resets
for a new game, with only Kings, Pawns, Bishops,
and Rooks on the board—be sure to set up only 5.3 Technical Specifications
those pieces! Keys: 15
For more details, see Section 4.3. LCD Display: Viewing area 30 x 13 mm
Sound: Piezo-electric buzzer

ENGLISH
Batteries: 2 “AA” (AM3/R6) cells
choice of one or two selected piece types. This allows begin- Battery Life: 1,000 hours (new alkalines)
ners to concentrate on one or two pieces at a time, without Dimensions: 31.4 x 25.2 x 3.4 cm
losing focus and being distracted by other pieces on the
board! More developed players can use the Teach Modes to Please retain this information for future reference.
practice using selected combinations. Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice
Whenever it’s your turn to move, follow these steps to in the interest of progress.
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, de-
pending 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 dis-
charge 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

7
 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE CAUSES ACTION TO TAKE

The computer doesn’t react, • Batteries are not inserted properly. • Insert batteries as shown in the Quick Start.
or “freezes” during your • Batteries are weak or bad. • Replace the batteries.
game. • Static discharge or an electrical disturbance • Press into the hole marked ACL, as described
has caused a lock-up. in Section 1.1.

The display is dim. • Batteries are weak. • Replace the batteries.

The computer won’t play a • Non Auto Mode may be in effect. • The computer only responds automatically if
move. Non Auto Mode is off (see Section 4.2).
• You may be on a level where the computer • Check the level (see Section 3). To interrupt
thinks for a long time. the computer’s search, press PLAY.

The computer won’t accept • Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your • Make sure that you are familiar with the rules.
your move. move put your King in check? Did you move Use TAKE BACK to reconstruct the last move
the Rook first when castling? Are you moving that was made.
to an illegal square?
• The computer is thinking. • To interrupt the computer, press PLAY.
• You have entered the computer’s last move • Check the displayed move. Press the correct
incorrectly (pressed the wrong from or to square to complete the computer’s move.
square).

The computer seems to be • The computer has made a special move (en • Review the chess rules. Use TAKE BACK to
making illegal or irrational passant, castle, pawn promotion). reconstruct the last move.
moves. • Your board position is incorrect. • Verify the board (see Section 4.1).
• You may be on a Fun Level, where the com- • Check the level (see Section 3).
puter deliberately weakens play.

The computer is silent. • The SOUND key has been pressed to turn the • Press SOUND again to turn the sound back
sound off. on.

Alec is not showing in the • Non Auto Mode is in effect. Since you are not • When you exit Non Auto Mode and return to
display. playing against the computer in this mode, normal play, Alec will reappear.
Alec is not displayed.

The clock is displayed while • The computer exits Verify Mode if no keys are • Start verifying again by pressing one of the
verifying pieces. pressed for about 3 seconds. PIECE SYMBOL KEYS.

The display skips seconds, or • This can sometimes occur while the computer • Your game will not be affected.
the time between seconds is thinking.
seems uneven.

There is no response when a • This can sometimes occur while the computer • Hold the key down for 2 to 3 seconds, until the
key is pressed. is thinking. computer responds.

The computer turns itself off • If no moves are made or keys pressed for 20 • Your game has been stored in memory. To
while you are thinking about minutes, the unit powers down to conserve resume play, press GO/STOP.
your move. batteries.