Millennium ChessGenius Exclusive M820 User manual

ChessGenius Exclusive
M820
User manual
for version 2018, C23
This user guide is a short introduction to the ChessGenius Eclusive chess computer. A more extensive
instruction manual with details of all the features is obtainable from the MILLENNIUM website:
http://www.computerchess.com/.

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CONTENTS
1 Important information................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Safety instructions.............................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning............................................................................................ 4
1.3 Notes on the power supply ................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Package contents................................................................................................................ 4
2 First steps.................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 The buttons and their functions.......................................................................................... 5
2.2 Connecting the cables ........................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Selecting the language........................................................................................................ 6
2.4 Adjusting the backlight....................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Preparing for a new game................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Switching on and off........................................................................................................... 7
3 Playing against the computer ..................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Your move.......................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.1 Ordinary moves .......................................................................................................... 7
3.1.2 Special moves............................................................................................................. 7
3.2 The computer’s move......................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Symbols displayed during the game.................................................................................... 8
3.4 Errors................................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves .......................................................................................... 8
3.5.1 Retracting moves........................................................................................................ 8
3.5.2 Continuing the game .................................................................................................. 8
3.5.3 Replaying moves......................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Result of the game ............................................................................................................. 8
3.7 Reset.................................................................................................................................. 9
3.8 Starting a new game........................................................................................................... 9
4 The info screens ........................................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Switching between info screens .......................................................................................... 9
4.2 Info screen: Large clock...................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Info screen: Game score ..................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Info screen: Analysis..........................................................................................................10
4.5 Info screen: Permanent brain .............................................................................................10
4.6 Info screen: ‘ECO’ data ......................................................................................................10
4.7 Info screen: Small clock .....................................................................................................10
5 Special functions.......................................................................................................................10
5.1 The special functions menu ...............................................................................................10
5.2 Menu: MOVE......................................................................................................................11
5.3 Menu: HINT .......................................................................................................................11
5.4 Menu: LEVEL of playing strength........................................................................................11
5.5 Menu: NEXTB (next best move) ..........................................................................................11
5.6 Menu: START of the game score ........................................................................................12
5.7 Menu: END of the game score............................................................................................12
5.8 Menu: ANALY (analysis mode)............................................................................................12

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5.9 Menu: 2PLAY (two human players) .....................................................................................12
5.10 Menu: AUTO (computer plays itself) ...............................................................................12
5.11 Menu: OPTS (advanced options) .....................................................................................12
5.11.1 Changing an option ...................................................................................................12
5.11.2 OPTS: INVERT BOARD.................................................................................................12
5.11.3 OPTS: CABLE RIGHT....................................................................................................13
5.11.4 OPTS: PERMANENT BRAIN...........................................................................................13
5.11.5 OPTS: TUTOR.............................................................................................................13
5.11.6 OPTS: STYLE ..............................................................................................................13
5.11.7 OPTS: BOOK...............................................................................................................13
5.11.8 OPTS: SOUND ............................................................................................................13
5.11.9 OPTS: CONTRAST.......................................................................................................13
5.11.10 OPTS: CPU SPEED .......................................................................................................13
5.11.11 OPTS: SLIDING ...........................................................................................................13
5.11.12 OPTS: LANGUAGE.......................................................................................................13
5.12 Menu: SETUP (position) ..................................................................................................13
5.13 Menu: VERFY (verify) ......................................................................................................13
6 USB mode – Communicating with a PC.......................................................................................14
7 Disposal....................................................................................................................................14
8 Warranty, servicing and contact with manufacturers ..................................................................14
9 Technical specifications ............................................................................................................15

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1 Important information
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 product is not a child’s toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC. If you let
your children use the device, 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 listed.
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning
• Please note that this device is made from real wood. 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 ChessGenius Exclusive with the supplied AC adaptor.
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.
• 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
The ChessGenius Exclusive package contains the following components:
• 1 chessboard
• 17 white chess pieces (including an additional queen)
• 17 black chess pieces (including an additional queen)

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• 1 computer unit (can also be used as a chess clock) with LCD display
• 1 AC adaptor
• 1 cable with two identical connectors, for connecting the computer unit to the chessboard
• 1 user manual
• 1 warranty card
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.
2 First steps
2.1 The buttons and their functions
Either RED button Cancels a command or returns to the menu.
Either GREEN button Confirms a command.
Note: The RED and GREEN buttons have various uses depending on the
situation. The ‘inverted’ wording (i.e. text on a dark background) in the
bottom line of the display indicates their current functions: RED in the left
corner, GREEN in the right corner. If nothing is indicated, the respective button
is not currently enabled.
Switches the device 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.
ðProceeds to the next screen. Moves the cursor right.
ñSwitches directly between the ‘Large clock’ and ‘Game score’ screens.
Moves the cursor up.
òSwitches directly between the ‘Large clock’ and ‘Game score’ screens.
Moves the cursor down.
2.2 Connecting the cables
At the rear of the computer unit there are three sockets.
• Take the AC adaptor and insert the small connector on the end of the cable into the right-
hand socket on the rear of the computer unit.
• The cable with identical connectors at both ends 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:

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• Insert the connector into the chessboard (the socket on the board’s right-hand side) and also
into the left socket on the rear of the computer unit.
• Connect the AC adaptor to a power socket. A beep is emitted.
You can now choose the language. See section 2.3.
2.3 Selecting the language
The chess computer’s display can show its screen text in any of 7 languages.
After the beep has sounded, the right-hand side of the display shows the word ‘English’ and a flashing
arrow symbol:
To select the English language: confirm by pressing a GREEN button.
To choose another language:
• Press the down arrow button òas many times as needed to display the desired language.
• Then confirm with GREEN.
2.4 Adjusting the backlight
The LCD display has a backlight that you can adjust by pressing the BACKLIGHT button as many
times as necessary.
2.5 Preparing for a new game
After you have connected the chessboard and computer unit (see 2.1) and selected the language (see
2.3), you can prepare for a game. The display shows the ‘Large clock’ info screen:
German:
English:
• 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.
• Press NEW.
• Press GREEN.
• If any pieces are not correctly placed on their squares, the red LEDs at the corners of those
squares will shine or ‘blink’. Once the position is corrected, the lights go out. See also 3.4.

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• You can now begin a game against the computer. Level ‘Normal 0’ is pre-set. If you want to
select a different level, please see 5.4.
• If you want the computer to play White, press GREEN twice (see also 5.2).
2.6 Switching on and off
If the computer is running and you press the On/Off button , the following display (featuring the
program version number) appears:
German:
English:
If the ChessGenius clock unit is connected to a PC or laptop via a USB cable, you can now perform the
operations described in section 6.
If instead you press GREEN, the device switches off.
Or if you press RED, it reverts to the previous situation.
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. When the power is reconnected, the computer
automatically switches on. To switch on when the power has not been disconnected, press the ON/Off
button .
After switching on, you can carry on from exactly where you left off.
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.
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
• Castling: First move the king, then the rook.
• En passant capture: First move your own pawn, then remove the captured 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.
3.2 The computer’s move
The computer displays its move in notation at the bottom left of the display.
Example:

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At the same time, the red LEDs on the chessboard ‘blink’ to indicate the ‘from’ and ‘to’ squares
alternately.
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.
If the computer gives check, its move is accompanied by a series of ‘beeps’.
3.3 Symbols displayed during the game
The following symbols appear in the bottom line as appropriate:
• A rotating hourglass: . The computer is thinking about its move.
• : You are to move with White.
• : You are to move with Black.
3.4 Errors
If you try to make an illegal move, the computer reacts with a sour buzz. Replace your piece and start
your move again.
You cannot start your move if the position on the board is incorrect. The square, or two of the
squares, where something is wrong will be indicated at the bottom left of the display.
Example: . The square c3 should be vacant. There should be a white knight on d2.
At the same, time, the LEDs at the corners of the squares will shine or ‘blink’.
If you are unsure how to correct the position, the VERFY function shows where everything should be
placed. See section 5.13.
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves
3.5.1 Retracting moves
If you want to take back the last move played, press the clockwise arrow button . The LEDs on the
board direct you to move the piece back, and there is a corresponding prompt in the bottom line of
the screen.
Example: (return the white bishop from h4 to g5).
After retracting one move, you may also retract the previous one or a longer sequence.
3.5.2 Continuing the game
At any time, you can resume play 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.
3.5.3 Replaying moves
You can use the anticlockwise arrow button to replay a move or sequence of moves that you have
retracted. Again, follow the lights and the prompt to execute each move.
3.6 Result of the game
The computer announces the end of the game with a sequence of ‘beeps’. The result is shown in the
bottom line of the display:
• Mate: Checkmate
• Stale: Stalemate

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• Draw x3: Draw by threefold repetition
• Draw50m: Draw by 50-move rule
• DrawMat: Draw due to insufficient material (neither side can checkmate the
opponent)
• TooLong: The game cannot be continued, as it would exceed the available
memory space (maximum: approximately 220 moves for each side).
3.7 Reset
If you wish to delete all previous data:
• Disconnect the device from the power supply.
• Hold down a RED button and reconnect the power.
• Keep the RED button held down until the start screen appears (as in section 2.3).
The computer is now in the same state as when you first acquired it.
3.8 Starting a new game
You can start a new game at any time, except in the middle of some special operations described in
section 5.
To begin the new game, press the NEW button. The computer asks, ‘New Game?’.
Press GREEN to answer yes .
Instead, a press on RED would cancel the command and leave the position unaltered.
4 The info screens
4.1 Switching between info screens
The computer offers six different screens or ‘pages’ on which information is displayed: ‘Large clock’,
‘Game score’, ‘Analysis’, ‘Permanent brain’, ‘ECO data’ and ‘Small clock’.
You can switch between the screens by using the left arrow ïand right arrow ðbuttons.
4.2 Info screen: Large clock
This display shows the current clock times for White and Black.
On a ‘Normal’, ‘Fun’ or ‘Easy’ level (as well as the ‘Find mate’ level), the time displayed is the time
taken so far. On a ‘Blitz’, ‘Tournament’ or ‘User’ level, the clock ‘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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4.4 Info screen: Analysis
This screen provides you with insights into the computer’s thought process – including the
continuation that it considers best for both sides, and a number expressing its evaluation of the
current position. For example:
German:
English:
4.5 Info screen: Permanent brain
When the ‘Permanent Brain’ is active (see 5.11.4) the computer continues to think about the position
when it is your turn. Its findings are displayed on the ‘P. Brain’ screen, including: your expected next
move, the continuation that is rated as strongest, and a numerical evaluation (similar to the ‘Analysis’
screen).
4.6 Info screen: ‘ECO’ data
This displays the opening of the current game, together with the ‘code’ assigned to it in the
Encyclopedia of Chess Openings ( ECO ). Lines 3 and 4 give some extra ‘Analysis‘ info.
4.7 Info screen: Small clock
This gives more detailed information on the time situation than on the ‘Large clock’ screen.
5 Special functions
5.1 The special functions menu
The menu is accessed by pressing GREEN from one of the ‘Info’ screens (see section 4). It comprises
12 functions, as follows:
German:
English:
One character on the display is ‘blinking’. 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 you press RED, this returns you from the menu to the ‘Info’ screen. Play can then be resumed.
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.