FAQ
Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions!
1. I’m considering buying a chess computer, what are some of the advantages of owning one?
2. Are chess computers difficult to operate?
3. I see that Garry Kasparov endorses Saitek products. Can you tell me a little about him?
4. As a beginner to the world of chess, what should I look for in a chess computer?
5. I’m an advanced player. How would a chess computer benefit me?
6. What is an Elo rating? What are the different rating systems?
7. Why do chess computers have level settings? What are some of the different playing levels?
8. How can I make my computer start up on a different level?
9. What is an opening? What does it mean when a chess computer has a “library” of openings?
10. I’ve heard the word “ply” used in computer chess. What does it mean?
11. My chess computer is very strong, and I just can’t seem to beat it. What should I do?
12. Why does it sometimes take my computer such a long time to make a move?
13. My computer is telling me to move a piece that’s not there. What should I do?
14. My pieces just got knocked over. Do I have to abandon my game?
15. I need to turn my computer off, but I’m in the middle of a good game. Will I have to start over again later?
16. Can I set my chess pieces up in special board positions?
17. I want to experiment with different moves. Can I change my mind after a move is made?
18. My computer seems to be making illegal moves. Is that possible?
19. Can I watch the computer think while it’s considering its move?
20. I’ve got a complicated position, and I’m wondering what the computer would do in this case. Is there any way I can find out?
21. I’m not sure who’s winning. Can the computer evaluate the board position for me?
22. Do your chess computers have built-in chess clocks?
23. Do I always have to play White, or can I also play Black from the bottom of the board?
24. I haven’t used my chess computer for quite some time. Now, when I turn it on, nothing happens. Why doesn’t it work?
25. Can I use my computer to play against a friend instead of just playing against the machine?
1. I’m considering buying a chess computer, what are some of the advantages of owning one?
If you’re new to the world of computer chess, you might be surprised at the many advantages to be gained by playing chess against a computer. The following are just a few points to consider:
You’ll always have a playing partner, no matter what time of day or night! And, with the portability of many Saitek chess computers, you can play chess practically anywhere you go.
Newcomers to chess can learn so much about this exciting game by taking advantage of many built-in coaching and teaching features.
Playing chess on Saitek’s sensory boards is so easy and natural - simply press lightly on the squares to make your moves!
Many models allow two-player games, so that you and a friend can use the computer’s board to play against each other. The computer will act as referee, making sure that neither player makes an illegal move, and keeping track of the time for both sides. You can even ask for hints, if you’d like!
Some Saitek units allow you to study chess more deeply than you ever thought possible, by actually letting you look in on the computer’s thought process as it determines which move to make! You’ll see incredible computing abilities at work, as the computer searches deeply and investigates different lines of play, changing its mind right in front of your eyes. Watch and you will learn!
A computer gives you so many more game options! Like verifying the board position if you should accidentally knock the pieces over, setting up positions for further study, taking back moves if you change your mind or make a mistake. There is also the luxury of selecting from a variety of skill levels, so you can continue to be challenged, even as your own chess skills improve!
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already an intermediate or advanced player, anyone with an interest in this very special “Game of Kings” will be thrilled with the benefits derived from owning a Saitek chess computer. You’ll never look at chess the same way again!
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2. Are chess computers difficult to operate?
No! As a matter of fact, Saitek chess computers are extremely easy to learn and use. Basic game play is very straightforward, and the Quick Start section of the manual will always get you started right away. You’ll also get complete, easy-to-understand details on everything you need to know about your chess computer, making all the special features and additional options a snap to master!
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3. I see that Garry Kasparov endorses Saitek products. Can you tell me a little about him?
Garry Kasparov is the current PCA (Professional Chess Association) World Chess Champion, and the strongest human chess player in history! Born in 1963, Kasparov stunned the chess world in 1985 by beating fellow Russian Anatoly Karpov at the tender age of 22, thereby becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. Garry Kasparov was also the first human player to face the infamous IBM Deep Blue computer in an U.S. chess match in 1996, and again in 1997.
What brought Saitek and Kasparov together? Their shared enthusiasm for chess and their dedication to this great game! Kasparov has been endorsing Saitek’s best-selling Kasparov line of chess computers since 1984 - and over the years, our products have continued to delight and satisfy millions of chess players throughout the world!
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4. As a beginner to the world of chess, what should I look for in a chess computer?
You’ll want to choose from the Saitek chess computers that offer special beginner levels, coaching features, and teaching functions - rather than putting immediate emphasis on maximum playing strength! The following are some specific features that will help you learn more about the game:
Beginner and Fun Levels: These special levels allow those who might otherwise never beat the computer to come up on the winning side for a change! After all, if you’re just learning about chess, you don’t want the computer to win every single game! On the Beginner Levels, the computer helps you in this regard by restricting its search so that it deliberately plays weaker chess. And, on the Fun Levels, various handicaps are built in, making the computer seem much more “human” than most chess computers. This gives everyone a chance to win, in a world where chess computers are typically relentless and often quite difficult to beat.
Wide Range of Playing Levels: Beginning players will benefit from the flexibility of our chess computers! Although certain units are meant specifically for beginners, many of our models allow you to “learn and grow” with your chess computer, investigating higher levels and more complicated features as you learn more about the game! In fact, all Saitek chess computers, no matter how advanced, have levels and/or features designed especially for the beginning player - and once you’ve “outgrown” those novice levels, you’ll have many other challenging playing levels to choose from!
Coaching Functions: Many Saitek chess computers offer coaching features which encourage you to concentrate on your strategic planning - an ideal feature for beginners and intermediate players alike! In Coach Mode, the computer will warn you if it thinks you’ve committed a blunder, or if you’re in danger of losing a piece. Imagine how your chess skills will improve if you have your very own computer “coach” by your side as you play!
Teach Modes: Some of our units feature Teach Modes, where players can learn basic chess moves and master the tactics of the different pieces. Simply decide which piece you’d like to study, activate the Teach Mode for that piece and the only pieces on the board will be Kings, pawns, and your selected piece type. This will enable you to concentrate solely on one piece at a time, without losing focus or being distracted by other pieces on the board! Certain models also offer Extended Teach Modes, where you can study more than one piece at a time.
Built-in Tutorials: For intensive and in-depth chess training, you might want to consider a Saitek chess computer that features built-in voice tutorials! You can select from a large variety of chess topics, from basic rules all the way up to advanced concepts and strategies. Simply choose a tutorial from the extensive list, and play along as the voice guides you and teaches you all about the selected topic - you’ll be amazed at how much fun it is to learn about chess this way!
Take Back Feature: While you’re learning about chess, you’ll probably make a few mistakes along the way, or occasionally change your mind about a move. No problem - simply use the Take Back feature, which allows you to retract moves whenever you wish! The number of moves that can be taken back will vary, depending on the model. By the way, this feature is also ideal for experimentation, since it will allow you to try out various strategies by testing different moves!
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5. I’m an advanced player. How would a chess computer benefit me?
Skilled players can benefit greatly by using chess computers! Saitek has a large selection of powerful, feature-rich, and information-packed models that are perfect for even the most advanced player! The following are some ideas to try out and advanced features to investigate:
Use the Tournament Levels to practice for upcoming chess tournaments! Built-in chess clocks will take care of the time controls for you, and some of our computers even incorporate the popular Bronstein Clock time controls as an additional option!
Try out some fast and exciting speed chess games with the Blitz Levels - practice playing against the computer, and then go on to amaze your chess-playing buddies!
Practice your favorite strategies and attacks over and over against an ever-patient, ever-willing chess opponent - one that will never complain or tire out!
Obtain valuable information on the computer’s search. You’ll see several moves of its predicted variation, its current search depth, its evaluation of the current position, and more!
Many Saitek chess computers feature powerful RISC-style processors that offer the most formidable opponents. These units have extremely high Elo ratings, and are incredibly fast and amazingly tough!
Experience many different types of opponents by trying out the user-selectable playing styles, such as Selective/Brute Force Search and Active/Passive play!
Gain complete control over opening play with user-selectable, multiple-style Openings Libraries, such as Active/Passive Book and Tournament Book!
Experiment to your heart’s content! Use the Mate Search or Problem Solving Levels to study mate problems in the greatest detail. Or, set up a complicated board position on the Infinite Level, and study the computer’s thinking process as it relentlessly searches for the best move!
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6. What is an Elo rating? What are the different rating systems?
A rating is a means of measuring chess performance or describing relative playing ability. The Elo rating system, named after the Hungarian-American Dr. Arpad Elo, is the internationally recognized system for rating the strength of both chess computers and human players. There are two generally accepted Elo conventions: the original Swedish scale (certified by FIDE, or Federation Internationale des ƒchecs, the international organization which governs chess), and the U.S. Chess Federation (USCF) scale, which is used mainly in North America.
Ratings are usually four-digit numbers, with the stronger players having the higher ratings. To earn an Elo rating, new players generally have to achieve a minimum of 2000 Elo points against other FIDE players in games played at FIDE-rated events. On the high end of the scale, a FIDE Master (FM) ranks in at 2300 and above, with the International Masters (IM) and Grandmasters (GM) having ratings of at least 2400 and 2500, respectively. Many Saitek chess computers boast extremely high Elo ratings, and are thus suitable for even top players.
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7. Why do chess computers have level settings? What are some of the different playing levels?
Saitek chess computers offer many levels to make them attractive to a variety of players. As a general rule, the more time the computer has to think on a level, the stronger it will play! Level settings are important in terms of playing strength, because they enable you to sharpen your skills steadily. After you conquer a level, try beating the computer at the next higher level!
Besides levels for casual chess play, our computers also offer many other types of playing levels. Look for levels that allow you to experiment, such as Mate Search or Problem Solving Levels. There’s also a special Infinite Level, great for in-depth study - you can have the computer analyze complicated board positions for hours or even days! Other levels offer games with various time controls, such as Tournament and Speed Chess Levels. Certain models also have levels which feature different playing styles - you can choose to have the computer play aggressively, favoring complicated board positions, or you can select a passive level, where the computer will avoid attacks and favor a quiet, passive style of play. Some levels are meant especially for beginners, giving them the chance to learn more about chess and beat the computer occasionally. These would include Fun Levels, Beginner Levels and Training Levels. When buying a Saitek chess computer, compare the levels offered by each individual unit, and pick the one which suits you best!
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8. How can I make my computer start up on a different level?
When you buy your chess computer and turn it on for the first time, it’s set to the factory default level. This level will vary according to the model, but will be specified in your manual. To make the computer start up on a different level, simply change the playing level according to the instructions. Once you’ve done this, your currently selected level automatically becomes the new power-up default level!
By the way, the computer will return to its factory settings whenever you change or remove the batteries, or when you use the ACL feature to reset the unit. To change the default level back to the level of your choice, simply select your desired level again, as noted above.
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9. What is an opening? What does it mean when a chess computer has a “library” of openings?
An opening in chess is the beginning or developing phase of the game - the first few moves made by each side. Chess computers often move instantly at the start of a game because they are playing from a built-in “book” or “library” of opening chess moves. This library contains many major chess openings and positions from grandmaster play. If the current board position is in the computer’s library, it will play a response to that position automatically, instead of having to think about the move! Saitek chess computers use books of various sizes, depending on the model. Some units also include a unique user-selectable book feature, which allows you to choose from different types of opening books, or even turn the book off, if desired!
For in-depth study of openings and opening training, you might want to consider a Saitek chess computer that offers built-in voice tutorials! You’ll benefit from tutorials on opening rules and a variety of opening systems. Or, you can choose a particular opening and instruct the computer to play only from that library. It’s a wonderful opportunity to study individual book openings in great detail!
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10. I’ve heard the word “ply” used in computer chess. What does it mean?
A “ply” is an individual move, or a move for either side. A computer’s search depth is described in terms of the number of ply it looks ahead. On a two-ply search, for example, the computer will look ahead two individual moves (one move for Black and one for White). For units which include Training Levels, you can actually set the number of ply you want the computer to look ahead on each move!
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11. My chess computer is very strong, and I just can’t seem to beat it. What should I do?
All Saitek chess computers offer a broad range of playing capabilities, to suit players of different skill levels. Since our computers reflect the very latest in design and technology, however, some players (beginners, in particular) might find the computer too tough an opponent.
If you’re looking for an opponent that’s easier to beat, first make sure that you’re playing on a level that’s suitable for your skills. If you’re a beginning player, for example, you definitely don’t want to start out on a Tournament Level! If your computer has Beginner, Training, or Fun Levels, try out one of those for a much tamer game. Check your manual for a complete listing of all levels, and experiment to find levels that match your current abilities. As you get better and your playing strength improves, you can go on to the stronger levels!