Millennium King Element User manual

User manual
for
‘The King Element’ M823
Version 1.40 (November 2020)

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CONTENTS
1 Important information ................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Safety instructions ............................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning............................................................................................. 5
1.3 Notes on the power supply .................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Package contents................................................................................................................. 6
1.4.1 M823 The King Element ............................................................................................... 6
1.4.2 M826 The King, Fischer Edition.................................................................................... 6
2 Getting started ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Connecting the cables ......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Selecting the language......................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Switching to ‘Expert’ mode – preparing to play .................................................................... 7
2.4 Adjusting the backlight........................................................................................................ 8
2.5 Switching on and off............................................................................................................ 8
2.6 Reset ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary) ......................................................................... 8
3 Playing against the computer ...................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Your move ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Ordinary moves ........................................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Special moves .............................................................................................................. 9
3.2 The computer’s move ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Errors ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line (centre) .................................................................... 10
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves ......................................................................................... 10
3.5.1 Retracting a move ...................................................................................................... 10
3.5.2 Retracting a sequence of moves................................................................................. 11
3.5.3 Replaying moves ........................................................................................................ 11
3.5.4 Continuing the game ................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Result of the game............................................................................................................. 11
3.7 Starting a new game .......................................................................................................... 11
4 The info screens........................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Switching between info screens ......................................................................................... 12
4.2 Info screen: Large clock ..................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Info screen: Game score .................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Info screen: Analysis.......................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Info screen: Opening name and code................................................................................. 13

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4.6 Info screen: Permanent brain ............................................................................................. 14
4.7 Info screen: Small clock ..................................................................................................... 14
5 Special functions ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 The main menu ................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Menu: Move ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Menu: Hint......................................................................................................................... 15
5.4 Menu: Level ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.1 Normal levels ............................................................................................................. 16
5.4.2 Easy levels ................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.3 Fun levels .................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.4 Blitz levels ................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.5 Tournament levels ..................................................................................................... 17
5.4.6 User level ................................................................................................................... 17
5.4.7 ‘Fixed depth’ levels.................................................................................................... 18
5.4.8 ‘Find mate’ level ........................................................................................................ 18
5.5 Menu: Nextb (Next best) .................................................................................................... 18
5.6 Menu: 9:......................................................................................................................... 18
5.7 Menu: Save ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.8 Menu: Analy (Analysis) ....................................................................................................... 19
5.9 Menu: 2Play (2 Players) ...................................................................................................... 19
5.10 Menu: Auto .................................................................................................................... 19
5.11 Menu: Opts (Advanced options) ..................................................................................... 19
5.11.1 Overview of the advanced options.............................................................................. 19
5.11.2 Altering an option ...................................................................................................... 20
5.11.3 Opts: Menu ................................................................................................................ 20
5.11.4 Opts: Language.......................................................................................................... 20
5.11.5 Opts: Invert board...................................................................................................... 20
5.11.6 Opts: Tutor ................................................................................................................ 20
5.11.7 Opts: Contrast ........................................................................................................... 21
5.11.8 Options: LED brightness............................................................................................. 21
5.11.9 Opts: Sound............................................................................................................... 21
5.11.10 Opts: Cable on right................................................................................................... 21
5.11.11 Opts: Sliding .............................................................................................................. 21
5.11.12 Opts: Book1............................................................................................................... 22
5.11.13 Opts: Book2............................................................................................................... 22
5.11.14 Opts: Permanent Brain ............................................................................................... 22
5.11.15 Opts: Randomness ..................................................................................................... 22

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5.11.16 Opts: Contempt ......................................................................................................... 22
5.11.17 Opts: CPU speed ........................................................................................................ 23
5.11.18 Opts: Style ................................................................................................................. 23
5.12 Menu: SetUp .................................................................................................................. 24
5.13 Menu: Verfy (Verify) ....................................................................................................... 25
6 USB mode – Communicating with a PC....................................................................................... 25
6.1 Connecting to the PC ......................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Saving and loading games ................................................................................................. 26
6.2.1 Saving the current game ............................................................................................ 26
6.2.2 Loading a game ......................................................................................................... 26
6.2.3 Loading from a PGN file ............................................................................................. 26
6.2.4 Creating a PGN file..................................................................................................... 27
6.2.5 Saving a game from a ‘set up’ position ...................................................................... 28
6.3 Further downloads............................................................................................................. 28
6.3.1 Installing a new version of the chess program............................................................ 28
6.3.2 Installing a new openings book.................................................................................. 28
7 FAQ and troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 29
7.1 My board does not work as intended ................................................................................. 29
7.2 A chess piece does not work as intended........................................................................... 29
7.3 I need spare chess pieces .................................................................................................. 29
7.4 Can I save games? ............................................................................................................. 29
7.5 Can I load games onto the King?........................................................................................ 29
7.6 Is there a firmware update?................................................................................................ 29
7.7 Can I go back to older firmware?........................................................................................ 29
7.8 The Update or PGN Tool does not recognize the chess computer unit ................................ 29
7.8.1 Driver update............................................................................................................. 29
7.8.2 Cable and connection ................................................................................................ 29
7.8.3 USB mode .................................................................................................................. 30
7.9 The Update Tool cannot acquire the latest firmware .......................................................... 30
7.10 I cannot complete the firmware update.......................................................................... 30
7.11 How long does the update take? When is the update complete? ..................................... 30
7.12 Feedback and questions ................................................................................................ 30
8 Disposal .................................................................................................................................... 30
9 Warranty, servicing and contact with manufacturers .................................................................. 30
10 Technical specifications............................................................................................................. 31

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1 Important information
This manual contains instructions for The King chess computer (software version 1.40 from Nov.
2020). The computer has two ‘modes’ of operation: –
•
‘Comfort’ mode
–for inexperienced chess players. On its lowest ‘level’ of playing strength
in this mode, the computer can give practice to beginners or children.
•
‘Expert’ mode
–for strong players. In this mode the computer has a greater variety of
levels and a wider range of special functions.
This manual describes ‘Expert’ mode only.
An instruction booklet for ‘Comfort’ mode is supplied
with the computer.
The King Element is set to play in ‘Comfort’ mode when you first acquire it. For how to switch to
“Expert” mode, see Section 2.3 of this manual.
Before using this device, please read the following safety notes and operating instructions completely and pay
careful attention to them. Please store this user manual with the device, so that you can refer to it later if
needed. If you later give this device to another user, please also give them this manual.
1.1 Safety instructions
Please note that this device is not a child’s toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC. If you let your
children use it, instruct them accordingly and ensure that the device is used only as intended.
• Keep the packaging bags and film away from babies and small children, as there is a danger of
suffocation!
• In order to avoid damage, do not expose the device to heat, e.g. from radiators or from direct
sunlight, and do not expose it to any kind of moisture.
• In order to avoid malfunctions, do not operate the device on or near devices that create magnetic
fields or electromagnetic radiation, such as for example televisions, loudspeakers, mobile and
cordless telephones, WiFi devices etc.
• Do not open the device under any circumstances. It does not contain any serviceable parts. In the
event of malfunction, contact the service address or your local shop.
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning
• Please note that real wood needs extra care. Handle the wood carefully, always store the device where
it is dry and do not expose it to strong sunlight.
• When required, only clean the device’s surface with a slightly damp cloth and ensure that no moisture
can penetrate into the device.
• Do not use solvents or other aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can damage the
device’s surfaces and lettering.
1.3 Notes on the power supply
Only operate the device with the original AC adaptor supplied with the MILLENNIUM chessboard.
Input: 100–240 V 50/60 Hz, 0.45A max
Output: 9V DC 1A
When using the AC adaptor, please observe the following:
• The power socket should be located close to the device and should be easily accessible.
• The device should not be connected to more power sources than recommended.
• The electrical contacts must not be short-circuited.

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• Before cleaning the device, ensure you disconnect the adaptor from the mains.
• Regularly check the product and the AC adaptor for damage, and do not use either of them if they
are damaged. Never open them up.
• Please observe any safety information printed on the AC adaptor.
1.4 Package contents
This user manual covers two different models, ‘The King Element’ and ‘The King, Fischer Edition’.
After unpacking, please check the contents for completeness and any possible signs of damage that could
have occurred during transport. In the event of a complaint, please promptly contact the dealer from whom
you obtained the product.
1.4.1 M823 The King Element
The package only contains the ‘King Element’ module.
The module itself cannot operate on its own. It operates with a MILLENNIUM Exclusive model M820. You need
an M820 sensor board; the ‘King Element’ replaces the original clock module.
1.4.2 M826 The King, Fischer Edition
The package contains the following components:
• 1 chessboard M820
• 17 white chess pieces (including an additional queen)
• 17 black chess pieces (including an additional queen)
• 1 computer unit: ‘The King’ (Fischer Edition) with liquid crystal display (LCD)
• 1 AC adaptor
• 1 cable with two identical connectors (to connect the computer unit to the chessboard)
• 1 instruction manual
• 1 guarantee card
2 Getting started
2.1 Connecting the cables
At the rear of the computer unit there are three sockets.
1. Take the AC adaptor (supplied with the MILLENNIUM M820 chessboard) and insert the small
connector on the end of the cable into the right-hand socket at the rear of The King computer unit.
2. The cable with identical connectors at both ends (also supplied with the MILLENNIUM M820 board) is
for connecting the computer unit to the chessboard. Please handle it carefully –note that each
connector must be the right way up when you insert it into its socket. The connector has four narrow
pins and one wider pin. Turn the connector so that the wider pin is at the bottom, to enable it to fit
precisely into the openings in the socket. The wider opening in the socket is indicated by the arrow in
the illustration below:
3. Plug the cable into the socket on the right-hand side of the MILLENNIUM chessboard, and also into
the left socket on the rear of the computer unit.
4. Connect the AC adaptor to a power supply. A sound signal is emitted.

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2.2 Selecting the language
The chess computer’s LCD display can show its text in any of the following 7 languages:
Language
Shown on display
English
English
German
Deutsch
French
Français
Dutch
Nederlands
Italian
Italiano
Spanish
Español
Russian
Pусский
After you connect the power and hear the sound signal, the LCD display shows the word ‘English’ together
with the version number of the chess program:
To select the English language, confirm by pressing a GREEN button.
Or to choose a different language:
1. Press the down-arrow button òas many times as needed until the language you want is displayed.
2. Then confirm with GREEN. (The language may later be changed, via the ‘Options’. See Section 5.11.)
2.3 Switching to ‘Expert’ mode – preparing to play
Once you have selected the language, the display shows the ‘Large clock’ info screen:
German:
English:
The computer is now ready to operate in ‘Comfort’ mode (designed for inexperienced players). To switch to
‘Expert’ mode, do the following: –
1. Press a GREEN button. A menu of commands appears.
2. Press the òbutton twice, to highlight ‘Options’.
3. Press GREEN again, to display the ‘Options’ list:
German:
English:
4. Press the right or left arrow button (ðor ï). The word ‘Comfort’ switches to ‘Expert’.
5. Press a RED button to return to the ‘Large clock’ screen.

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You can now prepare for a game: –
1. Place the chess pieces on their starting squares. Either White or Black can play from your end. The
chessboard automatically detects where each piece is located.
2. If any pieces are not correctly placed on their squares, the red lights (LEDs) at the corners of those
squares will shine. Once the position is corrected, the lights go out.
3. You can now begin a game against the computer. If you want The King to play White, give the ‘Move’
command as explained in Section 5.2.
The King is initially set to play on its ‘Easy’ level 4. The level of playing strength may be altered as described
in Section 5.4.
2.4 Adjusting the backlight
The LCD display has a backlight that you can adjust by pressing the button as many times as necessary.
2.5 Switching on and off
If the computer is running and you press the On/Off button , the following display (featuring the
program’s version number) appears:
German:
English:
If the computer unit is connected to a PC or laptop via a USB cable, you can now perform operations such as
downloading games as described in Section 6.
If instead you press a GREEN button, the device switches off.
Or if you press a RED button, it reverts to the ‘info’ screen or the menu (see Sections 4 and 5.1).
If switched off in the correct manner (as above), the computer will still retain the current game in its memory,
even if you afterwards disconnect the power. The parameters (level, etc.) that you have specified will remain
unchanged. When the power is reconnected, the computer automatically switches on. To switch on when the
power has not been disconnected, press the button.
After switching on, you can resume play from where you left off.
2.6 Reset
To delete previous data:
1. Disconnect the computer from the power supply.
2. Hold down a RED button and reconnect the power.
3. Keep the RED button held down until the start screen appears (as in Section 2.2).
The computer is now in the same state as when you first acquired it, except that any games saved as in
Section 5.7 will be retained. This operation may occasionally be useful in case of a problem you don’t
understand.
2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary)
Either GREEN button Confirms an instruction.
Either RED button Cancels an instruction.

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Note: The RED and GREEN buttons have various uses depending on the situation. Their functions at any
particular moment are indicated by the ‘inverted’ wording (i.e. text on a dark background) in the bottom line
of the display: RED in the left corner, GREEN in the right corner. The corner of the display is blank if the
button has no function in the current situation.
Switches the computer on or off.
NEW Starts a new game.
Adjusts the display’s backlighting.
Retracts moves.
Replays moves.
ïReturns to the previous screen. Moves the cursor left. Alters a parameter.
ðProceeds to the next screen. Moves the cursor right. Alters a parameter.
ñMoves the cursor up.
òMoves the cursor down.
If held down, buttons will ‘auto-repeat’.
3 Playing against the computer
3.1 Your move
3.1.1 Ordinary moves
Make your move just as you would on an ordinary chessboard. The move is acknowledged with a short buzz.
Normally the computer waits for about 0.3 seconds before registering your piece on its new square. (If you
wish, this interval may be altered as in Section 5.11.11.) This means that you can carry the move out either by
picking the piece up or by quickly sliding it. If you slide the piece, it must not linger for too long (more than
0.3 seconds) on an intermediate square, or your move will be misinterpreted.
To carry out a capture, either your own or the computer’s piece may be picked up first.
3.1.2 Special moves
• En passant capture: The captured pawn may be removed before, during or after the move of your
own pawn.
• Pawn promotion: Move the pawn to the promotion square, or simply remove it from the board. Place
the queen (or other piece) on the promotion square.
• Castling: First move the king, then the rook.
In normal (i.e. ‘classical’) chess, the above procedure for castling is always recommended.
In ‘Chess960’ (see Section 3.7), an alternative method is sometimes necessary: –
1. Pick up the king.
2. Pick up the rook with which you want to castle.
3. Place the king on its destination square.
4. Place the rook on its destination square.
This is essential when the king castles by moving just one square. For example:

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To castle, pick the king up, then the rook. Then place the king on c1 and the rook on d1.
If the king or rook is already on its destination square, castling is effected by simply moving the other
piece:
To castle queenside, move the rook from a1 to d1.
To castle kingside, move the king from c1 to g1.
3.2 The computer’s move
To announce the computer’s move, the red LEDs on the chessboard ‘blink’, indicating the ‘from’ and ‘to’
squares alternately. The move is also shown in notation on the ‘Game score’ screen (see Section 4.3).
Notice that your own clock time (see 4.2) remains ‘frozen’ until you have carried the computer’s move out.
This means that the playing conditions (especially for ‘blitz’ games –see section 5.4.4) are fair –you don’t
have to move your opponent’s piece in your own thinking time.
After you move the computer’s piece, it may be necessary to complete a ‘special’ move. The LEDs indicate the
square or squares where a piece must be placed or removed. Note also the ‘prompts’ at the bottom left of the
screen:
In this example, the square h8 must be vacated and the black rook must be placed on f8 (to complete a
castling move).
If the computer gives check, its move is followed by a double buzz.
3.3 Errors
If the position on the chessboard is incorrect –for example if you have knocked a piece over or tried to make
an illegal move –the ‘prompts’ in the bottom line will indicate the square, or two of the squares, where
something must be adjusted; and the red LEDs at the corners of the squares will shine.
If you need further guidance on where all the pieces should be placed, you can use the ‘Verify’ function –see
Section 5.13. Until the position is corrected, you cannot start your next move.
3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line (centre)
• (rotating hourglass): The computer is thinking about its move.
• : You are to move with White.
• : You are to move with Black.
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves
3.5.1 Retracting a move
If you want to take back the last move played, you may press the clockwise arrow button . The red LEDs
on the chessboard, and the prompts in the bottom line of the screen, direct you to move the piece back.
For example:
The white bishop must be returned from h4 to g5.

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You may also simply retract the move without first pressing the clockwise arrow button.
3.5.2 Retracting a sequence of moves
After retracting one move, you may also retract the previous one or a longer sequence.
To do this, you can repeat the same procedure as before. However, in a long sequence it is not obligatory to
take back each individual move on the board. For example, to retract the last seven moves played, you can
simply press seven times, then proceed to reconstruct the position. If you need help with this, use the
‘Verify’ function (see Section 5.13).
3.5.3 Replaying moves
A move that you have retracted can be replayed by pressing the anticlockwise arrow button and moving
the piece on the board as prompted by the lights and the screen.
To replay a sequence, you may repeat this same procedure to execute each individual move. Alternatively,
you may simply press several times and then reconstruct the position at the end of the sequence.
3.5.4 Continuing the game
At any time after retracting or replaying moves, you can resume the game from the current position on the
board. Carry out a move in the normal way, or give the ‘Move’ command (see 5.2) to make the computer play
next –you will then be playing for the opposing colour.
3.6 Result of the game
The final move is accompanied by three ‘beeps’, and the result is announced in the bottom line of the
display:
• Mate Checkmate
• Stale Stalemate
• Draw 3x Draw by threefold repetition
• Draw 50 Draw by 50-move rule
• NoMat Draw due to insufficient material (neither side can mate the opponent)
• TooLong The game cannot be continued, as it would exceed the available
memory space (maximum: 256 moves for each side).
3.7 Starting a new game
You can start a new game at any time, except in the middle of some of the special operations described in
Section 5.
Press the NEW button. The screen shows ‘New Game?’ and either the word ‘Classic’ or an arrangement of
pieces to start a game of ‘Chess 960’. To switch between these displays, use ñor ò.
With ‘Classic’ displayed, you can begin a game of ordinary (‘classical’) chess by pressing GREEN or simply
placing all 32 pieces on their home squares. Either White or Black may play from your end.
The following is an example of a starting screen for ‘Chess960’, also known as ‘Fischer Random Chess’ (an
explanation of this variant of the game is supplied on the MILLENNIUM website:
http://www.computerchess.com/).
German:
English:

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This invites you to begin a game from the following position, which is number 450 in the list of 960 possible
starting positions for ‘Fischer Random Chess’:
You can change to a different number by pressing ïor ðas many times as required. The /
buttons can be used to increase/decrease the number in steps of 50.
When the desired position number is shown, press GREEN or simply arrange the pieces on their starting
squares as indicated on the LCD.
A press on a RED button would cancel the ‘new game’ command and leave the position unaltered.
4 The info screens
4.1 Switching between info screens
The computer (in ‘Expert’ mode) offers six different screens or ‘pages’ on which information is displayed:
‘Large clock’, ‘Game score’, ‘Analysis’, ‘Opening name and code’, ‘Permanent brain’ and ‘Small clock’. You
can switch between the screens by using the ïand ðbuttons.
From any ‘info’ screen, you may press GREEN to access the menu of special functions. See Section 5.1.
Repeated presses on the right arrow button ðwill display the screens in the following order: –
4.2 Info screen: Large clock
This screen was displayed when you first connected the power and selected the language –see illustration in
Section 2.4.
On a ‘Normal’, ‘Easy’, ‘Fun’ or ‘Fixed depth’ level (as well as the ‘Find mate’ level), this screen shows the total
times taken so far by White and Black. On a ‘Blitz’, ‘Tournament’ or ‘User’ level, the clock display ‘counts
down’ and shows the amount of time remaining until the next time control. (See Section 5.4 for descriptions
of the levels and how to select them.)
4.3 Info screen: Game score
This screen shows the most recent moves, for example:
German:
English:

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You may press the up arrow ñor down arrow òbuttons to switch directly between the ‘Large clock’ and
‘Game score’ screens.
Moves that have been retracted (see 3.5.1) are indicated as follows:
In this example, Black’s 13th move has been retracted.
4.4 Info screen: Analysis
This screen provides you with insights into the computer’s thought process.
For example, the top three lines may show:
The current ‘search depth’ is indicated by the figure at the top right: the computer is looking 9 ‘ply’ ahead.
(One ‘ply’ is a single move by White or Black.) The adjacent figure ‘01’ indicates that a ‘full width search’ (or
‘brute force’) is being employed for the first ‘ply’ only. (See the explanation of ‘full width search’ in 4.6; also
‘Selectivity’ in 5.11.18.)
In this example, there are 33 legal moves in the position. The one being considered is f2–f4, the 7th move
that the computer has analysed to the current depth.
In the current state of its analysis, the move that the computer rates as best is Qb5. It considers that after
this move, the best continuation for both sides is: Qxb5; cxb5 Nd8 (the sequence may be continued in the
fourth line).
The number +0.39 is the computer’s evaluation of the position: The King believes it has a slight advantage,
worth 0.39 of a pawn. Further examples of what may appear in this place on the screen are:
-1.89 The computer has a disadvantage nearly equivalent to 2 pawns.
Book2 Consulting its ‘books’ of standard chess openings, the computer has located the
current position in the book designated as No. 2. See Sections 5.11.12 and 5.11.13.
+M 7 The computer can force checkmate in 7 more moves.
-M 4 The opponent can force checkmate in 4 more moves.
In the middle of the second line, the computer records the amount of time it took to reach its current
conclusions about the best move, the continuation and the evaluation. Note the use of the colon and
semicolon:
02:26 2 minutes 26 seconds
01;08 1 hour 8 minutes
The number of positions examined before reaching the current conclusions is shown at the right of the
second line –in this case 808,254. (Sometimes ‘k’ for ‘thousand’ or ‘M’ for ‘million’ will be seen.)
4.5 Info screen: Opening name and code
The top 2 lines of the LCD indicate the opening of the current game; you will see the name together with the
‘code’ assigned to the variation in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO). For example:

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German:
English:
Note: The opening names cannot be displayed in languages other than English and German.
In the above example, the 3rd and 4th lines indicate ‘book’ moves available in the current position –i.e. the
moves recognized by the ‘openings book’ that the computer is using (see Sections 5.11.12 and 5.11.13).
If a move is preceded by ‘–‘, The King will not play it; the openings book merely equips the computer with a
response to this move.
If no book moves are available, the third and fourth lines will give info that supplements the ‘Analysis’ screen.
The info relates to the analysis that The King has completed to a certain depth. For example:
German:
English:
The greatest ‘depth’ to which the analysis has been completed is 10 ‘ply’. To perform this analysis, The King
took 22 seconds, examining about 1,048,000 positions at a rate of 46571 positions per second. The ‘full width
search’ (see 4.6) was conducted to a depth of 8 ply.
4.6 Info screen: Permanent brain
When the ‘Permanent Brain’ is active (see 5.11.14), the computer continues to think about the position when
it is your turn – it analyses the consequences of what it considers your best move.
The info it displays is similar in format to the ‘Analysis’ screen; for example, the top three lines may show:
German:
English:
In this example, The King expects you to play Ng1–e2, and anticipates the continuation Be7; d4 Bg4; dxc5….
The computer considers it has a disadvantage worth 0.56 of a pawn. To reach these conclusions, it examined
approximately 6,244,000 positions in 3 minutes 32 seconds.
The computer is currently looking 10 ‘ply’ ahead. The figure 05 in the top line shows that the first 5 ‘ply’ are
subject to a ‘full width search’ (i.e. examination of every legal move and every legal response…).
4.7 Info screen: Small clock
This screen shows various items of information relating to time.
For example, on a ‘Tournament’ or ‘User’ level (see 5.4 for explanation), the first 4 lines may show:

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It is Black to play. White spent 1 minute 38 seconds on the last move, and a total of 27 minutes 34 seconds
on all moves played so far.
To reach the next time control, White must make 10 moves within 32 minutes 26 seconds. (There is no such
data on ‘Normal’, ‘Fun’, ‘Fixed depth’ and ‘Find mate’ levels, where the system of timing is different.)
The third and fourth lines of the screen give the corresponding information for Black, including the time
spent so far on the current move (6 seconds).
5 Special functions
5.1 The main menu
If you press GREEN when any of the ‘info’ screens is shown (see Section 4), a menu of special functions
appears. In ‘Expert’ mode the menu contains 12 items:
German:
English:
One character on the display is highlighted by a ‘blinking’ sign: ▋. This is the cursor .
By using the arrow buttons (ïðñò), you can move the cursor around.
In order to select a function, move the cursor to it and press GREEN.
If instead you press RED, this returns you from the menu to the ‘info’ screen.
Note: When operating the special functions, remember that the uses of the RED and GREEN buttons are
always indicated by the ‘inverted’ wording at the left and right of the bottom line.
Also notice the signs in the middle of the line. Here, the 2D signs tell you that all four ‘direction’ buttons are
currently enabled for performing menu operations.
5.2 Menu: Move
If you select this item when it is your turn to move, the computer will compute and play the next move itself,
and you can then take over the other colour.
If you want The King to play White, select ‘Move’ to begin the game.
If you select ‘Move’ when it is the computer’s turn, it will cut short its calculations and play immediately.
5.3 Menu: Hint
Select ‘Hint’ if you want the computer to suggest a move for you. For about 2 seconds the move is indicated
by the LEDs on the chessboard and also appears in notation at the bottom left of the screen, e.g.:
German:
English:
You can now decide whether to follow the advice or play another move instead.
5.4 Menu: Level
In ‘Expert’ mode the computer’s levels of playing strength fall into 8 categories: ‘Normal’, ‘Easy’, ‘Fun’, ‘Blitz’,
‘Tournament’, ‘User’, ‘Fixed depth’ and ‘Find mate’.

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When you select ‘Level’ from the menu, the current level is displayed. Initially the computer is set to play on
‘Easy’ level 4.
• To alter the level category: Press ñor òas many times as necessary until the desired category is
shown.
• To alter the level number within the category: press ïor ðas many times as necessary. (The ‘User’
category is a special case, in which you have to specify a range of parameters.)
• When the desired level is displayed, press GREEN to select it and return to the ‘info’ screen. (Instead,
a press on RED would return to the menu while leaving the level unchanged.)
5.4.1 Normal levels
On these levels, the computer takes a certain average amount of time per move –ranging from 1 second on
Normal level 0, to 3 minutes on Normal level 9. (The average is measured over a 10-move sequence.)
5.4.2 Easy levels
In this category of 9 levels, the computer plays at reduced strength, to give practice to inexperienced
opponents. It cuts short its calculations after examining a certain number of positions. The screen shows the
computer’s estimated playing strength in terms of international (Elo) rating points. (The ‘Easy’ levels are the
same as the 9 ‘Elo levels’ in ‘Comfort’ mode.)
German:
English:
The strength of play on the weakest ‘Easy’ level (see illustration) corresponds to an Elo rating of about 1000.
Normally, on this level, the computer examines up to 125 positions per move. In an endgame situation the
quantity may increase to 500. On ‘Easy’ level 8, the figures are 32000 and 128000 respectively.
One way to make the game even easier is to switch off the opening books (see Sections 5.11.12 and 5.11.13)
–while increasing the Randomness (see 5.11.15) to ensure variety.
On the ‘Easy’ levels, the “Permanent Brain’ is never active even if it has been switched ‘on’. See Section
5.11.14).
5.4.3 Fun levels
On these levels also, the computer examines a restricted number of positions per move. In addition, it
deliberately plays some moves it considers inferior. From ‘Fun 0’ to ‘Fun 5’, the seriousness of the errors
decreases.
Like the ‘Easy’ levels, the ‘Fun’ levels don’t use the ‘Permanent Brain’ (see 5.11.14) even when it is ‘on’.
On the ‘Fun’ levels, the ‘Tutor’ (see Section 5.11.6) is also inactive because The King cannot properly assess
the position.
5.4.4 Blitz levels
These levels simulate a game of ‘bullet’, ‘blitz’ or ‘rapid’ chess: the computer and the user have to play all
their moves within a specific amount of time. The allotted time ranges from 2 minutes on Blitz level 0, to 1
hour on Blitz level 8. If a player exceeds the time limit, the ‘clock’ screens show the following:
However, the game may be continued even after the player has ‘lost on time’.

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5.4.5 Tournament levels
The tournament levels offer various ‘Fischer’, ‘sudden death’ or ‘classical’ time controls. Just as in games on
the ‘Blitz’ levels, play may continue even if one player loses by overstepping the time limit.
‘Fischer’ timings
:
Tournament 0 At the start of the game, each player is given 5 minutes’ thinking time. After
each move played, the clock time is incremented by 3 seconds.
Tournament 1 25 minutes at the beginning, then an additional 10 seconds per move.
Tournament 2 1 hour at the beginning, then an additional 30 seconds per move.
‘Sudden death’ finish
:
Tournament 3 Each player must make the first 30 moves within 1 hour, and then receives
30 minutes to complete the game.
Tournament 4 The first 40 moves within two hours, and then 30 minutes to complete the
game.
‘Classical’ time control
:
Tournament 5 Each player must make 40 moves in the first two hours, and 20 moves per
hour thereafter.
5.4.6 User level
In this category, you can specify your own customized time control.
Example: You want to give the players 1 hour and 30 minutes for their first 42 moves, and 15 minutes for
every 7 moves thereafter –with an increment of 15 seconds per move.
The display for the ‘User’ category looks like this:
German:
English:
If you repeatedly press ðor ï, the cursor (the ‘blinking’ ▋) moves around the screen to visit six items in
turn: the five parameters in rows 2-4, and the level category (‘User’) in the top row.
1. Bring the cursor to the left-hand parameter in the second row. This is the number of moves for the
first time control.
2. Press GREEN. The cursor ( ▋) is replaced by the sign . You can now alter the parameter by using
the direction buttons. The ï/ðarrows increase/reduce the number by one. The ñ/òarrows
increase/reduce it by ten. The maximum value for the parameter is ‘All’ (this comes after 60).
3. Once you have reached 42, press GREEN to confirm.
4. The ▋reappears in place of , and shifts to the second parameter in the same row. This is the
period (in h:mm:ss ) for the first time control.
5. Press GREEN. The ▋is replaced by , and you can alter the parameter. The ï/ðarrows
increase/reduce the period in steps of one minute. The ñ/òarrows increase/reduce the period in
steps of ten minutes.
6. Once you have reached 1:30:00, press GREEN to confirm. The is replaced by ▋, which moves to
the third row.

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7. The parameters in the third row are the moves and the period for the second and subsequent time
controls. Change the figures to 7 and 0:15:00, in the same way as you changed the figures in the
second row (steps 2-6). When the new values are confirmed, the cursor moves down again.
8. The fourth row contains the increment (in mm:ss ). Press GREEN. The ï/ðarrows increase/reduce the
increment by one second. The ñ/òarrows increase/reduce it by ten seconds.
9. When you have changed the increment to 00:15 and confirmed it with GREEN, the display shows the
following:
German:
English:
To confirm that you have finished setting your ‘User’ level, press GREEN again to return to the info screen.
If instead you want to readjust any particular parameter, bring the cursor to it and carry out the alteration as
explained above. Then bring the cursor to the top line, and press GREEN for final confirmation.
5.4.7 ‘Fixed depth’ levels
On these levels the computer always analyses to the same depth, regardless of the amount of time this
requires. Any depth in the range 1-38 ‘ply’ may be selected.
5.4.8 ‘Find mate’ level
On this level, the computer searches for the quickest way to force checkmate from the current position. If it
fails to find a forced mate in 37 ‘ply’ or less, it displays ‘No mate found’ on the ‘Analysis’ info screen (see
Section 4.4).
Note that on this level, the ‘Analysis’ screen gives no evaluation of the position.
5.5 Menu: Nextb (Next best)
If you select this item, the computer will discard its last move and compute and play the one it rates as
second best. The display (bottom line) and the lights will guide you in retracting the old move and carrying
out the new one.
If you like, the operation may be repeated to produce the third and fourth best moves ... etc.
5.6 Menu: 9:
Selecting 9: takes you to the start of the game score – it has the effect of ‘taking back’ all the moves at
once (see Section 3.5).
Then when you are back at the start, 9: has the effect of replaying all the moves at once, i.e. restoring the
position at the end of the game score (see Section 3.5.3).
By using 9: and the button, you may replay the moves one by one, to review the entire game.
5.7 Menu: Save
The computer’s memory contains 9 ‘slots’ in which games can be saved (stored). A saved game can later be
loaded (retrieved), so that you can continue it or play through the moves (using ), etc.
To use this feature, select ‘Save’ from the menu. The screen shows something like this:

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German:
English:
The ‘blinking’ cursor ( ▋) can be moved right/left and from one line to the other by means of the ‘direction’
buttons (ïðñò).
In the above example, slots 1-3 are occupied, while 4-9 are vacant. The game in slot number 1 is 38 moves
long.
To save the current game: place the cursor on the ‘Save’ line, bring it to the slot where you want the game to
be saved, and press a GREEN button. This will erase any game that was stored in the slot previously.
To load a game: place the cursor on the ‘load’ line, bring it to the desired slot and press GREEN.
To clear an occupied slot: ‘save’ to this slot when the current game is still in the starting position with no
moves played.
To return to the menu without any saving or loading, press RED.
Games may also be saved to your PC or laptop, and loaded from there. For this, see Section 6.
5.8 Menu: Analy (Analysis)
If this item is selected, the computer will not make any moves of its own but will merely analyse the current
position. You can play moves for both White and Black and inspect the information on the ‘Analysis’ screen (see
Section 4.4).
To show that The King is in ‘Analysis’ mode, the symbol is displayed expanding and contracting. The
computer exits from this mode if you re-select the ‘Analy’ item or give the ‘Move’ command.
5.9 Menu: 2Play (2 Players)
In ‘Two Player’ mode, the computer performs no analysis. This allows you to use its special chessboard for a
game between two humans. The computer merely checks the legality of the moves, records the score of the
game, and performs the functions of a chess clock.
A pair of ‘faces’ in the bottom line of the screen ( ) shows that The King is in ‘2Play’ mode. It exits from
this mode if you re-select the ‘2Play’ item or give the ‘Move’ command.
5.10 Menu: Auto
The ‘Auto’ command instructs the computer to play against itself. Each time you carry out a move, The King
automatically starts computing the next move for the other side.
The computer exits from ‘Auto’ mode if you re-select the ‘Auto’ item, retract a move or start a new game.
5.11 Menu: Opts (Advanced options)
5.11.1 Overview of the advanced options
The ‘options’ are a set of 16 special features that you have the possibility to modify. To inspect them, select
‘Opts’ from the menu. This displays four options from the list, e.g.:

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German:
English:
One line of the screen incorporates the cursor (the ‘blinking’ ▋). By repeatedly pressing ñor ò, you can
move the cursor up and down and view all 16 options in rotation.
5.11.2 Altering an option
To alter an option, bring the cursor to the relevant row and use the ï/ ðbuttons.
Example: You want to switch the ‘Tutor’ feature ‘on’ and set the ‘Sliding’ parameter to ‘Fast’.
Bring the cursor to the ‘Tutor’ line. For this feature, there is a simple choice between ‘off’ ( X ) and ‘on’ (a).
Press ïor ðto switch from one to the other.
Next, press òfive times to display the ‘Sliding’ line and place the cursor there. This parameter (described in
5.11.11) has three ‘settings’, i.e. ‘Slow’, ‘Medium’ and ‘Fast’ –which you can display in rotation with ïor ð.
When ‘Fast’ is displayed (finishing your alterations to the options), press GREEN to return to the menu or RED
to return to the info page.
We now consider the options in turn. Note: Under the ‘Style’ option, the possibilities are more complex than
in the other cases. See Section 5.11.18.
5.11.3 Opts: Menu
If this option is switched to ‘Comfort’, The King will operate in ‘Comfort’ mode with a simplified menu of
commands. This is described in a separate instruction booklet.
5.11.4 Opts: Language
There is a choice of 7 different languages for the screen messages; see 2.2.
5.11.5 Opts: Invert board
If White is playing ‘up the board’, the corresponding line on the Options screen shows:
German:
English:
If instead you want Black to play ‘up’, change the ‘X’ to ‘a’ and rearrange the pieces accordingly. The ‘Verfy’
function (see 5.13) can help you with this.
However, this operation is unnecessary at the start of a game. The computer automatically detects whether
the black or white pieces have been arranged at your end, i.e. whether the board is ‘inverted’ or not.
5.11.6 Opts: Tutor
Switch the Tutor function ‘on’ if you want the computer to point out your errors.
If the tutor is ‘on’ (a) and the computer thinks you have made a weak move, the display shows a warning. For
example: