Coopers of Stortford K698 User manual

Electronic Talking Chess Board Set K698 Instructions for Use
Please read and retain these instructions for future reference v001: 16/03/22
Page No. 1
Warning! Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts which could represent a choking
hazard. Use under Adult Supervision.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS / INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
Unpack the components carefully. Please check all parts have been removed
from the packaging.
Technical details
Product: Chess Computer Games
Microprocessor Type: 8-Bit Single Chip Controller
Rom Size: 256K Byte
Ram Size: 704 Byte
Oscillator Frequency: 4MHz
Batteries: 4 x AA (LR06) –Not included
Reset Switch: Resets computer and clears its memory. Reset switch accessible through
player B’s keyboard.
Dimensions
(H) 25 x (W) 20 x (D) 2cm
•FOR LEARNING & IMPROVING SKILLS
•PLAY AGAINST THE COMPUTER OR WITH
A FRIENDS
•MAGNETIC CHESS THAT’S GREAT FOR
TRAVEL
•CAN SPEAK IN ENGLISH OR GERMAN
•8 GAMES IN 1 –CHESS, CHECKERS,
REVERSI, 4 IN ONE, FOX & GEESE
GRASSHOPPER, NIM, NORTHCOTE’S
GAME, HALMA
•SENSORY CHESS BOARD
•EXERCISE PROGRAM INSIDE TO HELP
BEGINNERS LEARN –CHESS TUTOR
•MULTIPLE SKILL LEVELS
•BATTERY OPERATED (4x AA) (not
included)
ALWAYS USE ALKALINE BATTERIES.
DO NOT USE LITHIUM BATTERIES.

Electronic Talking Chess Board Set K698 Instructions for Use
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Contents
1 Setting Up ..........................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Batteries .....................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Choice of Language.....................................................................................................................................5
1.3 SWITCHING OFF/ON...................................................................................................................................5
2 THE “HELP” FEATURE.........................................................................................................................................5
3 THE MAIN MENU ...............................................................................................................................................5
4 CHOICE OF GAME ..............................................................................................................................................6
5 PLAYING A GAME...............................................................................................................................................6
5.1 GENERAL.....................................................................................................................................................6
5.2 CHESS..........................................................................................................................................................7
5.2.1 Selecting the mode..............................................................................................................................7
5.2.2 Making moves......................................................................................................................................7
5.2.3 Special moves ......................................................................................................................................8
5.2.4 Levels of playing strength....................................................................................................................8
5.2.5 Starting with reduced material............................................................................................................9
5.2.6 “Rated” game ( )......................................................................................................................9
5.2.7 Chess problems (mate in 2 or 3 moves) ..............................................................................................9
5.2.8 Chess exercises ()............................................................................................................................ 10
5.3 CHECKERS ................................................................................................................................................ 11
5.4 REVERSI.................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.5 FOUR-IN-A-ROW...................................................................................................................................... 12
5.6 FOX AND GEESE ....................................................................................................................................... 12
5.7. GRASSHOPPER........................................................................................................................................ 13
5.8. NIM......................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.8.1 Before play starts.............................................................................................................................. 14
5.8.2 The play ............................................................................................................................................ 14
5.9 NORTHCOTE’S GAME............................................................................................................................... 15

Electronic Talking Chess Board Set K698 Instructions for Use
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5.9.1 Before play starts.............................................................................................................................. 15
5.9.2 The play ............................................................................................................................................ 15
5.10 END OF THE GAME ............................................................................................................................ 15
6 SPECIAL FEATURES.......................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 LEVELS OF PLAYING STRENGTH (GAMES OTHER THAN CHESS) .............................................................. 16
6.2 HINTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3 RETRACTING YOUR PLAY ......................................................................................................................... 16
6.6 OPTIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.6.1 Sounds .............................................................................................................................................. 18
6.6.2 Style .................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.6.3 LCD contrast...................................................................................................................................... 18
6.6.4 “Referee” mode................................................................................................................................ 18
6.6.5 Language........................................................................................................................................... 19
6.6.6 Tutor ( )..................................................................................................................................... 19
7 USES OF THE CONTROLS (SUMMARY)............................................................................................................ 19
8 APPENDIX: THE RULES OF CHESS, CHECKERS AND REVERSI........................................................................... 20
8.1 HOW TO PLAY CHESS............................................................................................................................... 20
8.1.1 The chessboard and pieces............................................................................................................... 20
8.1.2 The moves......................................................................................................................................... 21
8.1.3 Check and checkmate –winning the game...................................................................................... 24
8.1.4 Castling ............................................................................................................................................. 25
8.1.5 Stalemate –drawn game.................................................................................................................. 26
8.2 HOW TO PLAY CHECKERS ........................................................................................................................ 27
8.2.1 The Checkers board and pieces........................................................................................................ 27
8.2.2 The man and how it moves .............................................................................................................. 27
8.2.3 Capturing enemy pieces ................................................................................................................... 27
8.2.4 The king and how it moves............................................................................................................... 29
8.3 HOW TO PLAY REVERSI............................................................................................................................ 29
8.3.1 The board and pieces ....................................................................................................................... 29
8.3.2 Beginning the game.......................................................................................................................... 30

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8.3.3 Continuing the game ........................................................................................................................ 30
8.3.4 Result of the game............................................................................................................................ 31
Battery Installation........................................................................................................................................ 32
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
USE OF PLAYING PIECES
If you are using pieces with magnets in the bases and your
move does not seem to have registered, press down with the
EDGE of the pieces.
Magnets in the bases of chess and other playing pieces are NOT
essential to the proper operation of the computer. If a magnet
falls out of the base of a piece, continue to use it in the normal
way without the magnet and the computer will function correctly.
RESET SWITCH
Sometimes computers malfunction due to electrostatic discharge or other electrical disturbances, or when
batteries are inserted. If this happens push a thin rod, end of paper clip into the RESET hole in the base of
the computer and press down for about one second. This resets the computer, clears its memory and
returns it to normal operation.
WARNING
Contains chess pieces that are small parts –Choking Hazard. Keep away from children under 3 years of
age. Use under Adult Supervision.
Store safely our of reach of children under 3 years of age.

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1 Setting Up
1.1 Batteries
Insert the batteries into the compartment on the underside.
Make sure they are the right way round (“+” matching with
“+”). The computer should respond with a sound signal. The
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) should show the starting position
for a game of Chess, with the word English, “blinking”, in the
bottom line.
If this display fails to appear, insert a thin object (e.g.
paper clip) into the RESET hole on the underside of the
computer, and press with it.
1.2 Choice of Language
If you want the computer to give its messages in English, simply press the ENTER button. To select a different
language, keep pressing ↑or↓until the desired option appears, then press ENTER. Depending on the
model, the following languages may be offered: English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch (NL).
You may now start a game of Chess, with the computer playing at 10 seconds per move –see Section
Number 5.2.2 etc. For other possibilities, go to Section Number 3 (“The Main Menu”).
1.3 SWITCHING OFF/ON
To switch on when not replacing the batteries, press the ON/OFF button.
In general the computer will switch off automatically if left idle for 8½ minutes. When “off”, it still retains the
current game in its memory, and you can resume play later.
2 THE “HELP” FEATURE
In most situations if you press the HELP button, a “scrolling” message explains what you can do next. To
break off the message, press ESC.
3 THE MAIN MENU
A press on the START button displays the first item on the Main Menu. By pressing ↑or ↓repeatedly, you
can view all the items:
NEW GAME see Section Number 4
LEVEL see Section Number 5.2.4, 6.1
INVERT (= Reverse board) see Section Number 6.4
OPTIONS see Section Number 6.6
RATING (= “Rating number”; in Chess only) see Section Number 5.2.6
SET UP see Section Number 6.5

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HINT see Section Number 6.2
To select an item, display it and press ENTER. (Instead, ESC returns to the previous situation.)
4 CHOICE OF GAME
By selecting NEW GAME from the Main Menu then pressing ↑or ↓repeatedly, you can view all 8 game
types:
CHESS see Section Number 5.2
CHECKERS see Section Number 5.3
REVERSI see Section Number 5.4
4 IN ROW (= Four-in-a-Row, also called “Connect 4”) see Section Number 5.5
FOX + G. (= Fox and Geese) see Section Number 5.6
G/HOPPER (= Grasshopper) see Section Number 5.7
NIM see Section Number 5.8
NORTH (= Northcote’s Game) see Section Number 5.9
To select a game, display it and press ENTER. (Instead, ESC returns to the previous situation.)
5 PLAYING A GAME
5.1 GENERAL
The LCD (liquid crystal display) records the current situation in the game, and indicates the computer’s play.
In some games (Chess, Four-in-a-Row, Nim, Northcote’s Game), you must take some decisions before play
starts.
The computer or the user may play first. To make the computer play first, press SWAP when the game is
ready to begin. The symbol  or ◼ (In the bottom left corner of the LCD) shows which side (White or
Black) plays next.
Notation: Observe that the playing board is marked with the co-ordinates of each individual square, e.g. A1,
G6 etc. These appear in the bottom line of the LCD when a move is being announced or carried out.
Example: In Chess, the computer is moving its pawn from e7 to e5. The bottom line shows:
E7 E5
The co-ordinates E7 are shown “blinking”, and so is the pawn on that square of the LCD board. Press the
square on the playing board as you pick up the pawn. Then E5 “blinks”, and the pawn is shown alternating
between e7 and e5. Press the e5 square as you place the pawn there.
When the computer is “thinking”, the bottom line of the LCD displays a rotating “hourglass” symbol. It may
also display the move that is being considered. To interrupt the computer and make it play at once, press
SWAP.
When it is your turn to play, a press on SWAP makes the computer play next –i.e. it swaps sides with you.

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Errors: In Chess, if you try to play an illegal move, the computer will say “That move is not legal.” You can
then press WHY? for an explanation, e.g. “You are not allowed to castle king’s side, because the king has
moved.” Other errors are indicated by a buzz. If the co-ordinates are cleared from the bottom line, start your
move again.
The rules of the best known (but most complicated) games, i.e. Chess, Checkers and Reversi, are explained in
the Appendix (Section Number 8). The rules of the other games are incorporated in Section Number 5.5 -
5.9.
5.2 CHESS
5.2.1 Selecting the mode
After selecting CHESS from the list of game types (Section Number 4), you can press ↑or ↓repeatedly to
view the “Chess modes”:
NORMAL (rate of play initially set to 10 seconds/move) see Section Number 5.2.2 etc.
RAPID 30 (rapid play: 30 minutes per player per game) see Section Number 5.2.4
RAPID 25 (rapid play: 25 minutes per player per game) see Section Number 5.2.4
BLITZ 5 (blitz Chess: 5 minutes per player per game) see Section Number 5.2.4
RATED (rated game: points awarded for the user’s moves) see Section Number 5.2.6
EXERCISE see Section Number 5.2.8
MT. IN 2 (computer searches for mate in 2 moves) see Section Number 5.2.7
(play with kings and pawns only) see Section Number 5.2.5
(play with kings, knights and pawns only) see Section Number 5.2.5
(play with kings, bishops and pawns only) see Section Number 5.2.5
(play with kings, rooks and pawns only) see Section Number 5.2.5
(play with kings, queens and pawns only) see Section Number 5.2.5
To select a mode, display it and press ENTER. (Instead, ESC returns to the list of game types –Section
Number 4.) We suggest that for your first games you select NORMAL.
5.2.2 Making moves
To carry out your move, press the squares you are moving from and to. Similarly for the computer’s move:
press the “from” and “to” squares which are shown “blinking” on the LCD.
If you press one of your pieces then press LEGAL, the computer shows you all the moves that this piece can
legally make. The destination squares are indicated, one after the other, by the “+” sign.
In the bottom line, a “+” sign means you are in check.
While the computer is displaying its own move, the Main Menu (Section Number 3) can be accessed and
contains an extra item: EVALUATE. By selecting this item you can see an assessment of the position, e.g.
192 The computer thinks it has an advantage worth nearly 2 pawns.
-54 It has a disadvantage worth a little more than half a pawn.

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M2 It can force checkmate in another 2 moves.
Opening The move is in the computer’s “library” of standard openings.
Press ESC twice, and carry out the computer’s move.
If the computer says “Be careful!” or “Are you sure?”, it is offering you a “tutor” message – see Section
Number 6.6.6. If you want to ignore the message, you can continue by simply pressing ESC.
5.2.3 Special moves
Castling: Make the king’s move first, and the computer directs you to move the rook.
En passant capture: Move the capturing pawn, then press the square of the captured pawn –as indicated by
the LCD.
Pawn promotion: Carry out the pawn move. Use ↑or ↓to select the type of piece for promotion. When the
right piece is shown on the LCD, press the promotion square (or ENTER). When promoting its own pawn, the
computer always chooses a queen.
5.2.4 Levels of playing strength
To alter the level:
(1) Select LEVEL from the Main Menu (Section Number 3).
(2) Press ↑or ↓repeatedly to inspect the levels.
(3) When the desired level is shown, press ENTER.
There are 30 Chess levels, as follows:
(4) “fun” levels for novices. On these levels (1 is weakest), the computer makes deliberate mistakes.
15 “timed move” levels, e.g. 10 S/MV (= 10 seconds per move). If the “tutor” feature is “off” (see Section
Number 6.6.6), the computer will move within the prescribed time. Otherwise it may take a little longer.
10 “timed game” levels, e.g. 30 M/GM (= 30 minutes per game). Each player has the prescribed number of
minutes in which to complete all his moves. The symbol  indicates that a “timed game” is in progress. On
these levels the computer will not switch off automatically (Section Number 1.3
The time used so far is shown on the LCD. If the time runs out, the computer announces “I win” or “You win”
as appropriate, but the game may be continued in “normal” mode: press ESC and make your move, or press
SWAP if it is the computer’s turn.
Games on the 5, 25 or 30 minute levels can be started directly by selecting the appropriate mode (see
Section Number 5.2.1).
1 level with “no limit” – the computer will normally carry on thinking until you press SWAP.

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5.2.5 Starting with reduced material
By selecting the appropriate mode (Section Number 5.2.1), you can start a game with 2 or 3 types of piece
only. This offers practice for novices. The pieces start in their usual positions and play proceeds normally.
5.2.6 “Rated” game ( )
In a “rated” game, the computer gives you:
–a score (0-6) for each move;
–a “performance rating”, i.e. an overall assessment of your play in the current game, provided that
10 moves have been made by both sides;
–a “rating number”, based on your accumulated performances in rated games.
To play a “rated” game:
(1) Select RATED from the list of Chess modes (Section Number 5.2.1).
(2) Using ↑or↓and ENTER, select the time limit in seconds per move. (Note: In “rated” mode, the
ordinary system of levels –see Section Number 5.2.4 –does not apply.)
The symbols show that the computer is in “rated” mode. Your time for the current move “counts
down” on the display. You can score more points by taking less time. If the time runs out, you can still move
but will gain less points.
The score for your move is indicated by a sequence of “beeps”. (A long, low-pitched buzz denotes zero.) Your
total so far is displayed for 3 seconds. During that time you may:
–press ENTER to see your current percentage;
–press ENTER again to see your “performance rating” for the game.
To view your “rating number”, i.e. the average of performances so far, select RATING from the Main Menu
(Section Number 3). To resume play, press ESC twice.
5.2.7 Chess problems (mate in 2 or 3 moves)
The computer can solve Chess problems for mate in 3 moves (unless they involve “under-promoting” a pawn
to a rook, bishop or knight).
(1) Set up the position, as described in Section Number 6.5.
(2) Select the level that has “no limit” (Section Number 5.2.4).
(3) Press SWAP. Provided there is a valid solution, the computer will keep analysing until it finds the
move, then display it in the normal way.
(4) After carrying the move out, you can play for the defending side, and the computer will find the
2nd and 3rd moves of the solution.
There is also a special feature for mate in 2 moves, incorporating 10 standard problem positions. To use this
feature, select “MT. IN 2” from the list of Chess modes (Section Number 5.2.1). Then press ↑or↓repeatedly
to view the 10 problems, plus one other item: SU (= set up).

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–To select the problem position that is currently displayed, press ENTER. Then press SWAP, and the
computer will find and display the solution.
–If you press ENTER when SU is shown, this takes you into “set up” mode (Section Number 6.6). You
can then set up (e.g.) a problem position from a magazine. On exit from “set up” mode, press SWAP
and the computer will search for a mate in 2 moves.
5.2.8 Chess exercises ()
The computer has a set of 100 exercise positions in which you can try to find the correct move. To use this
feature:
(1) Select EXERCISE from the list of Chess modes (Section Number 5.2.1).
(2) Use ↑/ ↓and ENTER to select an exercise number. The symbol  or ◼ shows which side is to
move, and a scrolling message indicates the task –e.g. “Find the move that will lead to checkmate.”
The symbol (“blinking”) indicates that the position on the board is an exercise.
(3) Play the move that you think is correct.
If your move is right
–The computer speaks a suitable message, e.g. “That is the move to checkmate me,” and displays
your score for this exercise. Press ↓if you want to see your percentage for all exercises solved so
far:
–Press ENTER, and the next exercise number is shown. Press ENTER again to select it (or use ↑/ ↓
and ENTER to obtain a different exercise).
If your move is wrong
–The computer buzzes and speaks a corresponding message, e.g “That is not the move.”:
–You may now press WHY ? for further explanation, e.g. “You cannot mate me by that move.” If you
press WHY ? a second time, the computer tells you the correct move –e.g. “Your rook on a2 could
move to e2.”
–You may press ↓to retract your move (see Section Number 6.3) and try another one.
You score 6 points for being right first try, 4 points for second try, 2 for third try. If the computer has shown
you the solution, you score zero.
During an exercise, your percentage score can be seen as an item in the Main Menu (Section Number 3).
Press ESC to return to the exercise. After a break in the sequence of exercises (e.g. if you skip from number 5
to number 10), the percentage starts again from zero.
If your move (right or wrong) does not give checkmate, you may press SWAP and play against the computer
from the resulting position. This allows you to explore the consequences of your move, e.g. to see how
checkmate is actually brought about. In these circumstances, certain functions such as hints (see Section
Number 6.2) and retraction of moves (see Section Number 6.3) will be unavailable.

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5.3 CHECKERS
Press the squares you are moving from and to. For a multiple capture, press each square where the
capturing piece lands.
Computer’s move: The LCD indicates the from square (“blinking”) and the to square, e.g. D6C5 –press the
square marked D6 then the square marked C5, as you move the piece. For a multiple capture, press each
square that “blinks” on the LCD.
After a capture, the bottom line shows (e.g.) E5=X. Press the square as you remove the piece that was
captured there.
When a piece reaches its “crowning” square, the LCD shows (e.g.) A1= . Press the square as you replace
the man with a king (represented on the LCD board by the symbol ).
5.4 REVERSI
Press with your piece as you insert it on its square with your own colour uppermost. On the computer’s turn,
a piece is shown “blinking” on the LCD. Press the corresponding square as you insert the piece.
When a piece must be “flipped”, it is shown oscillating between white and black on the LCD board. Press the
square as you turn the piece over.
When the computer must “pass”: There are 3 “beeps”, the display briefly shows PASS, and the user has
another turn.
When the user must “pass”: The display shows PASS. Press ENTER, and play continues.

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5.5 FOUR-IN-A-ROW
The play takes place in a restricted area of the
8x8 board:
The squares in the playing area are marked by
“+” signs. The area may be 6, 7 or 8 rows high. At
the start, the bottom line shows (e.g.)
ROWS 6
You may alter the number of rows with ↑or ↓.
When the playing area is the desired size, press
ENTER.
One player inserts a white piece on the board,
then his opponent inserts a black piece, and play
continues by turns. Each piece must be placed on
a vacant square, either at the bottom of a
column or else one square further “up” than a
piece already there. Example: White plays at e1,
Black plays at d1, then White plays at e2. Now Black may play at a1, b1, c1, d2, e3, f1 or g1.
On your turn: You may press any square in the column where you are inserting a piece.
On the computer’s turn: Insert a piece on the square indicated by the LCD, and press down with it.
End of the game: If a player makes a row of 4 or more pieces (horizontal, vertical or diagonal), he wins. If no
row has been made when the playing area is full, the game is a draw.
5.6 FOX AND GEESE
One player has four white pieces –the “geese”, which start on b8, d8, f8 and h8. On each turn, he moves a
goose diagonally forwards onto an adjacent vacant square –like a man in Checkers.
His opponent has a single black piece –the “fox”. The fox moves like a king in Checkers – diagonally forwards
or backwards onto an adjacent vacant square.
If you want to play the fox: Begin by choosing your starting square: a1, c1, e1 or g1. Place a black piece on
the square, press it, and confirm with ENTER.
On subsequent turns, simply press the square you are moving to.
To play the geese: Begin the game by pressing SWAP. Place the fox on its starting square as indicated by the
LCD. To move a goose, press the squares you are moving from and to.
On the computer’s turn: Press the squares that the piece moves from and to –as indicated on the LCD.
End of the game: When one player is unable to make any more moves, his opponent wins.

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5.7. GRASSHOPPER
Each player has 10 pieces which start the game in the
area in the bottom corner on his right.
White moves first. On his turn, a player moves a piece
in one of two ways:
(a) The piece can move to any adjacent vacant
square –e.g. the piece on e1 (see diagram)
can move to d1, d2 or e2.
(b) It can jump over an adjacent piece (of
either colour), onto the vacant square beyond
–e.g. the piece on g1 (see diagram) can jump
to e3. The piece on f1 can jump to d1 or f3 (or
move to e2).
To make your move: Press on the squares you are
moving from and to.
Multiple jumps: If a piece completing a jump is in a position to make another jump, it may do so as part of
the same move (though this is not obligatory, as it is in Checkers). Up to 8 jumps may be made at a time
(though without landing twice on the same square). When carrying out a multiple jump, press every square
in the sequence. To terminate your move when a further jump is possible, press the destination square a
second time.
Computer’s move: The LCD indicates the from square (“blinking”) and the to square, e.g. A8C6 –press the
square marked A8 then the square marked C6, as you move the piece. In the case of a multiple jump,
continue by pressing each square as it “blinks” on the display.
Object of the game: To occupy your opponent’s “starting area”. After the first move, you lose if your own
starting area is completely occupied (by pieces of either or both colours).

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5.8. NIM
In the “default” starting position, there are 4 piles of
pieces:
The players take it in turns to remove pieces from the
board. On his turn, a player takes a number of pieces
from a single pile –it may be the whole pile, or just
one piece, or any number in between. The player who
takes the last piece wins –unless the opposite was
agreed at the start of the game.
5.8.1 Before play starts
The bottom line shows LW (= “Last to play wins”) or LL
(= “Last to play loses”). You can switch between the
two by using ↑or ↓. When the desired option is
shown, press ENTER.
The display then shows DEFAULT, and you have these
choices:
To play from the “default” starting position: press ENTER.
To play from an alternative starting position:
(1) Press ↑or ↓(this displays: COLUMNS ? ).
(2) Press a square in one of the columns c-h. This column will contain the rightmost pile of pieces.
(3) Press ENTER, and the number of pieces in each pile is decided at random. Place the pieces on the
board as indicated on the LCD.
5.8.2 The play
Press the top and bottom pieces that you want to remove. Take these pieces off the board, together with
any that are in between. To remove a single piece, press its square twice.
On the computer’s turn:
(1) The top piece to be removed is shown “blinking” on the LCD. Press this piece.
(2) The top and bottom pieces now “blink” alternately. Press the bottom piece.
(3) Remove this piece and those above it.

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5.9 NORTHCOTE’S GAME
The “default” starting position looks like this:
The player with the white pieces begins by moving one
piece forward. It can go as far as he likes, but must stop
short of the black piece in the same column.
Black replies in the same way. The players move
alternately until all the pieces are blocking each other.
The player who makes the last move loses, unless the
opposite was agreed beforehand.
5.9.1 Before play starts
The bottom line shows LL (= “Last to play loses”) or LW
(= “Last to play wins”). You can switch between the two
by using ↑or↓. When the desired option is shown,
press ENTER.
The display then shows DEFAULT, and you have these choices:
To play from the “default” starting position: press ENTER.
To play from an alternative starting position:
(1) Press ↑or ↓(this displays: COLUMNS ?).
(2) Press a square in one of the columns c-h. The pieces to the right of this column are eliminated.
(3) Press ENTER, and the black pieces are arranged at random. Make sure the position on the playing
board corresponds to the LCD.
5.9.2 The play
On your turn, press the squares you are moving from and to.
Similarly to carry out the computer’s move, press the “from” and “to” squares which are shown “blinking”
on the LCD.
5.10 END OF THE GAME
This is displayed as follows:
WW White wins
BW Black wins
1:0 First player wins
0:1 Second player wins
WW 29:35 (e.g.) White wins with 35 pieces to 29 (in Reversi)
DRAW
DRAW 3 Draw by 3-fold repetition (Chess only)
DRAW 50 Draw by 50-move rule (Chess only)
STALEMT Draw by stalemate (Chess only)

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6 SPECIAL FEATURES
6.1 LEVELS OF PLAYING STRENGTH (GAMES OTHER THAN CHESS)
In games other than Chess, the levels are numbered 1-10. Level 1 is fastest and weakest. To inspect and alter
the level:
(1) Select LEVEL from the Main Menu (Section Number 3), so that the level number “blinks”.
(2) Keep pressing ↑or ↓until the desired level number is shown.
(3) Press ENTER and resume play.
6.2 HINTS
To ask the computer to suggest a move for you, select HINT from the main menu (Section Number 3). The
hint is displayed by a “scrolling” message. To reject the hint, press ESC. To accept it, press ENTER and the
computer directs you to carry out the move.
6.3 RETRACTING YOUR PLAY
If you have selected a “from” square but then change your mind, re-press the square or press ESC, and start
again.
After carrying out your move and the computer’s reply, you may want to retract these moves and play
differently. To retract a move, press ↓. In some cases you will simply need to move the piece back, pressing
on the “to” and “from” squares. In other cases, captured pieces will also need to be replaced, or Reversi
pieces “flipped”, etc. In every case, press the square that is shown “blinking” on the LCD board and in the
bottom line, as you add, remove or change the piece on that square. Make sure that the position on the
playing board corresponds to that on the LCD board. You can then play a new move (or press SWAP to make
the computer do so.)
In Chess, by repeating the operation you can take back up to 8 moves by both sides, and the retracted moves
may be replayed by means of the ↑button. In other games, only the last pair of moves can be taken back.
6.4 REVERSE BOARD (  )
You may want Black to play “up the board” in Chess (etc.), or “down the board” in Checkers. To switch the
board round, select INVERT from the Main Menu (Section Number 3), then press ESC to continue play.
The symbol  shows that the two sides are playing in the reverse direction from normal. Remember that
the co-ordinate markings on the squares must now be disregarded, e.g. the square marked “C3” is being
treated as f6.
6.5 SETTING UP A POSITION ( # )
You can set up a special position on the board, e.g. a Chess problem from a magazine. To do this, begin by
selecting SET UP from the Main Menu (Section Number 3). The bottom line then contains:
–The colour symbol  or ◼.
–The symbol #, “blinking”, which shows that the computer is in “set-up mode”.

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–The symbol of a piece type (except in Nim).
–The co-ordinates of a square where a piece can be inserted or removed.
(In Four-in-a-Row, there is only the letter denoting a column. In Nim there is the letter for a column,
followed by the number of pieces that the column contains.)
While the computer is in “set-up mode”, you can do any of the following:
–To clear a piece from a square: Press the square, then press ESC.
(Not possible in Northcote’s Game. In Four-in-a-Row, press the column, then ESC to remove the top
piece. In Nim, to clear an entire column, press the column then ESC. To alter the size of a pile, press
the column, then the square where you want the top piece to be.)
–To clear the entire board: Keep pressing  or  until the bottom line shows Clear ?.
(Alternatively press a vacant square and ESC.) Then press ENTER. (Not possible in Northcote’s
Game.)
–To select a type of piece for insertion: Keep pressing  or  until the desired piece appears in
the bottom line. (Chess and Checkers only.)
–To alter the colour ( / ◼ ): Press SWAP.
–To insert a piece of the current colour (and type): Press the desired square, then press ENTER.
(In Four-in-a-Row, press the column, then press ENTER to add a piece “on top of” any that are there
already. In Nim, press the column, then the top square for the pile. In Northcote’s Game, simply
press the desired square –the piece moves there from its previous square in the column.)
When a king is inserted in Chess, the king of the same colour is automatically removed from its
previous square.
When the position is complete, make sure that the current colour is the same as the side that will make the
next move. Then:
–To exit from “set-up” mode: Keep pressing  or  until the bottom line shows Ready ?. Then
press ENTER. You can now play from the new position –make a move or press SWAP to instruct the
computer to do so.
If play is impossible from the position you have constructed, the display shows ??? and the computer
remains in “set-up” mode. A press on HELP may give further explanation – for instance in Chess, a king may
be missing, or the player whose turn it is to move may be giving check. You can modify the position to make
it legal. If instead you want to abandon it, keep pressing  or  until the bottom line shows Cancel ?.
Then press ENTER to return to the Main Menu (Section Number 3).
Note: In Chess you cannot castle with a piece inserted in “set-up” mode. To construct a position where
castling is possible, you can begin from the “new game” position and leave the kings and rooks alone, while
other pieces are rearranged individually.

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6.6 OPTIONS
You can adjust various parameters after selecting OPTIONS from the Main Menu (Section Number 3). This
displays the first item in the “Options Sub-menu”. Press  or  repeatedly to view all the items:
SOUNDS see Section Number 6.6.1
STYLE (Chess only) see Section Number 6.6.2
CONT. (= LCD contrast) see Section Number 6.6.3
REF. (= “Referee” mode) see Section Number 6.6.4
LANGUAGE see Section Number 6.6.5
TUTOR (Chess only) see Section Number 6.6.6
To select an item, display it and press ENTER. (Instead, ESC returns to the Main Menu –Section Number 3.)
6.6.1 Sounds
To alter the volume of the spoken messages and sound signals:
(1) Select SOUNDS from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Use  or  to view the 4 settings. Volume 3 is loudest. If volume 0 is selected, the computer
operates silently.
(3) Press ENTER when the desired volume is displayed.
(4) Press ESC twice to resume play.
With the sound “off” (0), the computer displays ERROR in the bottom line instead of giving its “error buzz”.
Press any square on the board to clear this message.
6.6.2 Style
To set the computer’s Chess style:
(1) Select STYLE from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Use  or  to view the 5 styles: Normal, Active, Aggressive, Very Passive, Passive.
(3) Press ENTER when the desired style is displayed.
(4) Press ESC twice to resume play.
6.6.3 LCD contrast
To alter the contrast:
(1) Select CONT. from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Use  or  to inspect the 10 contrast settings.
(3) Press ENTER when the desired contrast is obtained.
(4) Press ESC twice to resume play.
6.6.4 “Referee” mode
In “referee” mode, the computer allows you to play for both sides. (For example you can play against a
friend –the computer will merely act as a “referee”, checking that the moves are legal and announcing the
result etc.) To switch this mode on or off:
(1) Select REF. from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Press ENTER to switch between 0 and 1.
(3) Press ESC twice to resume play.

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In “referee” mode there are no hints (Section Number 6.2) or “tutor” messages (Section Number 6.6.6).
6.6.5 Language
To alter the language of the messages:
(1) Select LANGUAGE from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Use  or  to view the available languages.
(3) Press ENTER when the desired language is shown.
(4) Press ESC twice to return to the game.
6.6.6 Tutor ( )
In Chess, the “tutor” feature draws your attention to weak moves and warns you of the computer’s threats.
You can specify the degree of help that you want from this feature, as follows:
(1) Select TUTOR from the Options sub-menu (Section Number 6.6).
(2) Use  or  to inspect the three different settings.
(3) Press ENTER when the desired setting is displayed.
(4) Press ESC twice to return to the game.
If setting 1 is selected: The “mortar board” symbol is displayed, and the computer will say “Are you sure?” if
it thinks your last move is a mistake. You may then do any of the following:
–Press WHY ? for explanation, e.g.:
“You could checkmate me.”
“I can safely take that piece.”
“You could win material worth 3 pawns.”
–Press WHY ? again, to be told the move that the computer thinks you have missed.
–Press  and take your move back (see Section Number 6.3).
–Press ESC to let your move stand.
If setting 2 is selected: The “mortar board” is displayed “blinking”. In addition to indicating your mistakes,
the computer will say “Be careful!” if its own last move contains a threat. You may then press WHY ? for
explanation, e.g.
“I am threatening checkmate.”
A second press on WHY ? discloses the threatened move. When ready, press ESC and continue playing.
Select setting 0 if you want to do without the “tutor” messages.
7 USES OF THE CONTROLS (SUMMARY)
ON / OFF Switches the computer on or off. When “off”, it still remembers the current game, which may
be resumed later.
START Gives access to the Main Menu, allowing you to start a new game or use any of the special
features.
  These buttons allow you to inspect all the items in a menu. Also, with  you can retract one
or more moves.
ENTER Selects the currently displayed item in a menu. In some cases it takes you to the next stage in an
operation.

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ESC Returns from a sub-menu to the Main Menu, or from the Main Menu to normal playing
conditions. Used in some other cases to clear a message from the bottom line and allow play to
proceed.
SWAP Makes the computer play next, i.e. swap sides with you. At the start of a game, press SWAP if
you want the computer to play first. When the computer is “thinking”, SWAP interrupts it.
HELP Displays a scrolling message which states what options you have available.
LEGAL In Chess, after pressing a piece, you can press LEGAL to see what moves this piece may make.
WHY ? You can press WHY ? for further explanation when (a) you receive a Chess “tutor” message, or
(b) the computer indicates that your solution to a Chess exercise is wrong.
RESET Returns to the situation when the batteries were first loaded. Can be used in the event of a
problem you do not understand.
8 APPENDIX: THE RULES OF CHESS, CHECKERS AND REVERSI
8.1 HOW TO PLAY CHESS
8.1.1 The chessboard and pieces
Each of the players (“White” and “Black”) begins with 16 chessmen, or pieces, of his own colour – namely
one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns.
KING
QUEEN
ROOK
BISHOP
KNIGHT
PAWN