Radio Shack CHESS COMPUTER 1450 User manual

I -
Cat No 60-2251
RADIO SMACK COMPUTER
CHESS 1450 PROGRAM
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING THIS EQUIPMENT

Introduction
Your POCKET CHESS GAME is a so~hirticatedchess computer
which autornaticelly registersyour moves
on its built-in
sensor chessboard. It has8levels
of skill and a number of
tutorial features which make it ideal for beginners and
casual players. The computer contains the latest insingle-
chip microcomputer technology and gives you over 300
hours of play on three "AAA" batteries (alkaline). The last
position of a game is always stored in memory and is
retained
for up to 12 months. We hope that these features
will contribute
to your enjoyment of the game.
Copyright 1987, Tmdy Corporation
2

FEATURES
Keys
Sensor chessboard
Each square has a built-insensor that registers piece
movement.
Lights
The computer usesthe 16 l~ghtsaround the edge of the
board to indicate game moves, srde to play, check, draw or
mate They are also usedto verify the board position, d~splay
the level of sk~lland to glve you an insight Into the thought
process of the computer
Main switch
1. GO
Switches the computer an. Play is resumed at
the point where the computer was sw~tched off.
2. STOP
Turns off the computer. The current position is
retained in
memory for up to one year.
3. P~ece keys
These six keys are used to verify board position.
Pressingthe King or
pawn keys when the
computer is thinking glves
you an Insight Into
the thought process.
4.1
Press once to reset to the initial position for a
new aame. Subseauent kev presses will select
"studies",
i.9. special built-in positions you can
play against the computer.
5. [HELPI
Sets help modes F - H: Mode F = Full help.
mode G - Game normal, mode H - hush, no
beeps at alF.
6.
Used to select level of skill.
7.1
Used to enter a sequence of moves.
8.1
Press to take back last move.
9. [PLAV
Press to force the computer to compute or
execute
the next move.
10.m
This switch at the back of the computer can be
used in case of disturbance to clear the memory
and reset the computer.

Important note
Your POCKET CHESS GAME is progrmmed to pl~y chess
with you. It knows all the rules of the game Including
castling, en passant,
and stalemate. Sometimes the computer
may appear to be play~ngirregularly when Infact ~tis
obeying
these rules. In case you are notvery familiar w~th
the game we have included a copy of the Rules of Chess. If
you needaddit~onalinformat~on
your local library is sure to
have several books on the subject.
1. Getting started
The computer runs on three "AAA" size baneries.,Open the
battery compartment and insert
the batteries as shown in
fig. 2.
Set up the chess pieces In the opening posit~on and slide the
maln sw~tch ro the posltlon marked]. The computer is
now ready to play a game with you. If it falls to react
properly
- statlc d~schargecan sometimes cause ~tto lock
up - use a pin or paper clip to press and hold them
sw~tchlocated at the bottom of the set for 2 seconds This
w~llclear the memory and reset the computer.
2. Setting the level of skill
The computer has 8 levels of sk~llwhich may be changed a1
the beg~nningor at any tlme during a game {but only when
is your turn to move).
LEVEL Average response
time per move
1 seconds (handicap)
2 seconds (handicap)
3 seconds (switch-onlevel)
5 seconds
15 seconds
60 seconds
75 seconds
unlimited (see
sectron 10)
The above times are averaged over a large number of
moves. Depending
on the stage of the game and the tactical
complexity
of a position ;he computer may take considerabl\
more (or less)time on individual moves.
If you press them
key the computer wirl use the lights
on the left side of the board to display the level currently set
Keep pressing untd
the level you want 1s displayed. '

3. Your moves
5. Hlegal moves
To make a move f~rstpress down on the piece you w~sh to
move. You w~llhear a short beep. Place the piece on its
destinat~on square aAd press down again. You will hear a
second beep and a light to the left of the board will begin to
flash Th~smeans that the computer
has accepted your move
and has started to compute its reply
Note: At the beginning of a game the reply will usually be
Instantaneous
on any level because the computer is play~ng
movesthat are stored inits "open~ng book".
To make a capture you only have to key In the move of the
capturing plece. When castling key inthe k~ng'smove only.
When
a pawn promotes itis changed into a queen
automaticallv.
4. Computer moves
The computer indicates its own moves by sound~ng a beep
and turnlng on two lights on the side of the chessboard.
These lights Indicatethe hor~zontalrow and vertical column
,
of the plece the computer wishes to move. Press this plece
down
on ~tssquare The computer will now show you where
the piece must go Move the plece to the square ~nd~cated
and press down to complete the move.
Note: Y~ur POCKET CHESS COMPUTER knwvs how to
"underpromote" in exceptional circumstances. To chxk if this
has happened you must verify the paition fas described in
section
15) after it has made its move.
7
If you attempt to make an ~IlegaEmove the computer will
sound a double beep (high-low)and show you where the
piece
you are trylng to move came from You may place the
plece on
a legal square or on the or~ginalsquare and move
another piece
You w~ll
also hear the error beep if you do not execute a
computer move properly or press an Improper panel key.
6. Check, Mate and Draw
When the computer puts your king In check you will hsar an
additional beep and the CHECK light at the top of the board
will flash If
a game ends Incheckmate the MATE l~ght will
flash, and In case of a stalemate the DRAW light will be
turned on.
7, Mew game
To start a new game wait until it isyour turn to move and
then press
-1. You w~llhear a triple beep (high-low.
high)wh~chIndicates that the computer
is ready to play from
the ~nrt~alposltlon.

When startlng a new game, the white pieces will be the first
to move. If you want the computer to play the fkrst move,
simply press
a after pressing 1-1. The computer
will then make the f~rst move for wh~teandw~llwait for you
to move a black piece.
Note: If you press 1- momthan once the computer
will select one
of the special study positions (see section 18)
To gez the inrtial pos~tionkeep pressing (NEW until you
hear the triple beep
8. Taking back moves
To take back a move aimply press -1 when ~tis your
turn to
ulav. The cornouter will helnvou to retract the last
two moves (one for Black and one for White) by show~ngyou
which pieces wers moved and where they came from.
When retracting
a move take particular care to ensure that
the[-] has been correctly registered by the computer
and the 2 square lights are off,
9. Changing sides
If at any ttme during a game you wish to change s~des with
the computer you may do so by pressing ) instead of
making your move. The computer will make the next move
far
you and you can go on playing for the other side.
You can change sides as often as you like. You can even
pressmafter every move and make the computer play
the entire game against ~tseif. The key
is also useful
when
you need help and want the computer to suggest a
move for
you.
10. Interrupt
If the computer is spending too long over a move you can
interrupt it
by pressing which will cause it
to stop
computing and
play the best move it hasfound so far. This
feature is especially useful In level
8, inwhich the computer
will
go on thinking until you interrupt it by press~ng
unlessthere is only one move it can play or it finds a mate in
one, two or three.
11, Non auto made
Pressing the -1 key puts the computer into a special
mode in which itwill not compute counter moves but only
keep track of the moves you enter for both sides, making
sure
that they are legal. This allows you to enter special
openings or to force the computer to play a certain
continuation during
a game. To returnta normal play press
a second time.
Nate: Pressing ~llaways cancels the non auto
mode.

12. Computer as referee
Non auto mode is also useful when you are playing a game
with a frlend on the sensor board. The computer will act as a
referee and protest if anyone makes an illegal move. And
each side can at any time ask the computer for adv~ce by
pressrng j.
13. Evaluation
Try holding down the the kinking key while the
computer is thinking. Watch the board lights. At the top
they
will start to cycle, a new light coming on every tlme the
computer
has examined 250 more positions in the search for
the best
move At the same tlme the lights on the left side of
the board
will tellyou whaf the computer thinks of the
current position. You can watch the evaluation change 8s the
computer looks at more and more positions. Itdoes this by
ratlng white's posit~on on ascale of 1 to 8, tight 8 represents
very significant material advantage towh~te and probably a
won position. In an equal positlon lights 4 or 5 will be on. If
white's position Improves then the
light number may
Increaseto
6, 7 or 8. Inthis s~tuationthe computer may
Indicate it wishes to resign by switching light 1 oninstead.
14. Display move
If you want to know which move the computer is considering
hold down [ DlsPlnv MOVE ( (the pawn key) while it is thinking.
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far by turning on the "from" square for two seconds and then
the "to"
square for one second. You can watch howit
changes its mind
as itcomputes deeper.
15. Game memory
You can interrupt a game at any stage (even when the
computer is
thinking) by simply turning it off. Play is
interrupted
and all lights are turned off to conserve battery
power The computer will "remember" the positionfor up to
12 months and be ready to resume play when you turn it on
again.
16. Verifying piece positions
If you upset the pieces or for other reasons are not sure that
the board position iscorrect you
can ask the computer to
show you the proper location of each piece. To do this press
one of the piece keys [when it is your turn to move), The
computer will use the board lights to show you where that
piece is located.
Press the same piece key agaln to find
further pieces
of that kind on the board (a double beep
indicates that there are no more of the piece selected).You
may verify the position of other pteces bv pressing the
corresponding piece keys. If the board lights are steady the
computer is showing you a white piece, ~f they are flashing
the piece indicated
is black.

17. Help modes
18. Special study positions
When you switch the computer onfor the first time or when
you press -1 YOU wiH hear a beepwhenever a piece
or
a key is pressed Thls is because the normal help mods
"G" is set. You can confirm this by pressing [,The G
light above the board will light up.
Ifyou press again, then the
H lamp lights up,
indicating that help mode
H is set. Inthis mode the comprrter
remains completely silent during the entire game. Of course
you must watch the indicator lampsand press piecesand
keys carefully when pleying without sound.
Press~ng 1 a third time ptrts the computer into help
mode F. In this special mode the computer will sound the
normal beep, butitwill also give you additional help during
the game:
1. Duringthe opening itwlll warnyou when you play a
move that it does not know, i.e. one that is not inits
"openings
book". It doesthis by sounding a double beep
and notcomputing a reply. You can take your move back
,
and try another move, or you
for the computer to continue the
game inthe normal fashion.
2.
When itmoves to putone of your pieces indanger, i.e. it
is kingflttackad by 0 piece of lesser value, then the
computer will sound a lowwarning keep and flash the
square
of the endangered piece for about seven
seconds,
Your POCKET CHESS GAME has eight built-in study posifions
that you can try to solve withthe assistance of the computer.
You can select
these positionswith the help of the NEW
GAME key Pressingthis key once when itisyour turn to
move gives you the ~nitialposition (see section 7). If you now
press
1-1 again, the H light at the top of the board
lights up, ~ndrcatingthat the computer is
ready to go through
study positions
H withyou. Press a third time to
load position G. Each time you prass the key a new position
is loaded into
memory and the llghts onthe top of the board
tell youwhich one
it is. You will find diagrams of all the study
positions on page 14 to 17. You can check the position quite
easily
by using the "verify postion" feature described in
section
16.
Once you havechosen a pesitlon you should try to find the
correct moves for White. If you play a wrong move you will
hear an
'OUT OF BOOK' beep and the computer will notplay
a countermove. You should use to retract this
move andtry another
one. When you play the correct move
the computer will reply instantly with
the bast black defence.
Ifyou cannot find the solutionyourself press
and let
the computer show you the best move. Here's a list of each
position and what you must
try to find (Refertothe
Guidelinesand answer in the
back of the manual if youfail to
work
it out}:

Position H: WKd4, Ra5.
BKfE
White King and rook to play and win against a
lone k~ng,but can you mate In the least number
of moves?
The white king and rook must work
together
to trap the black king ina corner. If
White makes no mistakes mate
can be had in
I e~ghtmoves.
Position G: WKf4, Pd4,
BKf7
White to play and win. The white king mustfirst
gain the 'opposition' before
he can shepherd h~s
pawn to its queening square.
Posltion F: WKfl, Pd4,
BKf4, Pe6
Whita to play and draw. Wh~te1s ingrave
danger
of losing. He must play a surprising
move to deprive Black of the 'apposition' and
hold him to a draw.
Position
E. WKg4, Ra8, Pa7, f4, f5,
BKg7, Ra2
Wh~teto play and win Black must not move his
k~ngto the 6th rank, otherwise White would
check with the rook, promote his
a-pawn and
win quite eas~ly. S~nce the black king cannot be
forced
to leave the 7th rank then White must
use a 'skewer' to win the black rook.
(Capablanca-Tanerow,New York 1910):
WKgl, Qg3, Rdl, Nf5, Pa2, b2, c2, e4, f2, g2, h2,
BKgB. Qc7, Rf8, Be5, Pa7, b7, c6, f7, g7, h7
White to playand win. Inthis position taken
from a game Capablanca - Tanerow, New Vork
1910, the white queen isattacked by the black
bishop on
e5. The legendary Capablancs
requrredjust a few brrll~antmoves to dispose of
h~sopponent, Can you find them7
Position C (Morphy-Duke of Brunswlck):
WKe7, Qb3, Ral, hl, Bc4, g5, Nc3, PaZ, b2, c2,
e4, f2, g2, h2,
BKe8, Qe7, Rae, he, Bf8, Nb8, f6, Pa7, b5, c6, e5,
fl,g7,h7
White to play and win. This game between
Morphy and the Duke of Brunswick is reputed
to
have taken place during an opera! Even if you
find the correct artack you should play through
the positiona number of times
as the computer
will
try different defences for the black side.
Position B (Alekhine-Grunfeld, Carlsbad 1923, colors reversed):
WK91, Qcl, Rdl, 892, Nd6, Pa3, b4, e5, fZ, g3, h3,
BKg8, Qe7, Rd8, Na7, d5, Pa6, b7, e6, f6, g7, h7
White
to play and win. This pos~tionwas taken
from
a game Alekhine - Grunfeld, Carlsbad
1923, with
the colors rsversed. Here, too, the
computer will defend the position in
different
ways, so play it through a number of times.

Position A (Adarns-Torre, New Orleans 1920):
20,
WKg1, Qd4, Rel, e2, Nf3, PaZ, b2, d5, f2, 92, hZ,
BKg8, Qd7, Rc8, e8, Bf6, Pa5, b7, d6, f7, 97, h7
Whtte to play and wln. Inthis positlon from a
game Adams - Torre, New Orleans 1920,
White could give a 'back- rank mate' if the
square e8 was not so well protected. So he
must attempt to dlvert the black queen or the
black rook
on c8 from their defence of this
square. If you
do not understandthe moves the
computer plays
for Black then try playing other
moves against
the computer. Select pos~tion A,
press m, make a different black defensive
move (the computer will complain) and press
again. You will soon realizewhy Black
was so cautious
19. The ACL key
Ifthe computer locks up because of static discharge or some
other reason, switch to ON and then use a pin or other sharp
object to press them key on the back of the cablnet for
two seconds. This resets the computer and clears the
memory.
. Care an1
.- "PL"YT1
d maintenance
Your rvbi-.s ; CHESS GAME is a precision electronic device.
Do notsubject itto rough handling or expose it to extreme
temperatures
or moisture. Do not use chemical agents to
clean the mt as these may damage the plastlc. Weak
batteries should be replaced promptly as they might leak and
cause damage to the computer.
If at anytime you suspect that
your unit is not performing as
itshould, stop by your local Radio Shack store. Our
personnel are there to assistyou and arrange for servlce, if
needed.
Keep it dry. If water should get on
it, wipe
it off immediately. Water
contains minerals
that can corrode
electronic circuits.
Do notstore inhot areas. High
temperatures can shorten the life
of electronic devices, damage
batteries, and can even distort or
melt certain plasrics.

Do notdrop your product. This will Always make sure
any batteries
likely result infailure to operate.
used are fresh and are of the
Circuit boards can crack
and casss
correct type. Never use general
may not survive the impact.
purpose batteries if alkaline cells
Handling your product
roughly will
are calledfor. Old or almost-dead
shorten its useful life. batteries are also dangerous.
A
worn out battery can leak
1 chemicals which will destroy
Do not use harsh chemicals,
clean~ngsolvents or strong
detergents to
keep your unit
looking
new. You need only wipe it
with
a dampened cloth from time
to time.
Do not use or store inareas of
high levels of dirt or dust. The
electronics may be contaminated.
Any moving
parts willwear
prematurely
electronic circuits.
21. Technical specifications
LED lamps:
Keys:
Power consumption:
Battew requirement:
Battery life:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Playing strength:
16
12
0.01 w
3 "AAA" batteries
300 hours (alkalinebatteries)
6-3/8 X 4-1 14 x 314 in.
5 or or 145 gm
(withovt baaeriss)
Tor beginners and casual
players

GUlDEPlNES AND ANSWERS
Question: Position H: KRK
White : Kd4,Ra5
Black : Kf6
Note : Neither side can castle
Answer: 1 Re5 Kf7
2. Kd5 Kf6
3. Kd6 Kg6 3... KO
4 Ke7 Kg7 4. Re6 Kf8
5. Re6 Kg8 5. Re7 Kg8
6. Kf6 KfS 6. Ke6 Kf8
7. Kg6 end of book 7. Kf6 Kg8
8. Kg6 (many 8th moves valid)
Question: Position G: KPK. WINNING
White : Kf4,Pd4
Black : Kf7
Note : Neither side can castle
Answer. 1. Kf5 Ke7
2. Ke5 Kd7
3. Kd5 ' Ke7
4 Kc6 Ke6 4. Kd8
5. d5 Ke7 5. d5 Kc8
6, Kc7 end of book 6. d6 6. .. Kd8
7 67

Question P~s~tion F: KPK, DRAWING
White . Kfl,Pd4
Black : Kf4.PeS
Note Neither side can castle
I Answer: 1. d5 exd
I
2. Kf2 Ke4
3. Ke2 d4 3 .. Kd4
47: 4. Kd2 d3 4 Kd2 Kc4
5 Kdl end of book 5 Kc2 d4
6. Kd2 d3
7. Kdl
-
Question: Position E: SKEWER
White : Kg4,Ra8,Pf4,f5,a7
Black : Kg7.Ra2
Note : Neither side castle
Answer: 1. f6 Kf7
2. Rh8 end of book
I Quest~on: Posit~on D: CAPABLANCA-TANEROW, NY 1910
t
Whtte : Kg1 ,Qg3,Rdl ,Nf5,PaZ,b2,~2,e4,fZ,g2,h2
Black : KgB,Qc7,Rf8,Be5,Pa7,b7,~6,f7,g7,h7
Note : Nether side can castle
? Answer: 1. Nh6 Kh8
2. 005 Qe5
3.Nf7 endofbook

Question:
Answer:
Position C: MORPHY DUKE OF BRUNSWICK
White : Kel,Qb3,Ral,Rhl,Bc4,Bg5,Nc3,Pa2,a2,~2,e4,f2,g2,h2
Black : Ke8,Qe7,Ra8,Rh8,Bf8,Nf6,Nbs,Pa7,b5,c6,e5,f7,g7,h7
Note : Both sides can castle
2. Bb5 Nbd7
3. 0-0-0end of book 3... Rd8 3. Cle6 3 .... Qb4 3... 0-0-0
4, Rd7 Rd7 4. Bxf6 4, Bxf6 4. Ba6
5 Rdl (106
6, Bd7 Nd7
7. Qb8
Question: Position B: GRUNFELD-ALEKHlNE,CARLSBAD 1923 (COLORS REVERSED)
White : Kg1,Qcl ,Rdl ,Bg2,Nd6,Pa3,b4,e5,fa,gJ,h3
Black : i<g8,Qe7,RdB,NdS,Na7,Pa6,b7,e6,f6,g7,h7
Note : Ne~ther s~de can castle
Answer. 1. Rd5 fxe I..., exd
2, Nf5 exf 2. Bd5 Kf8
3 Qc5 Qc5 3. Nf5 Qe5 3.. Qd7
4. Rd8 Of8 4. Qc5 Ke8 4. Qc5 Ke8
5. Bd5 end of book 5 Ng7 Kd7 5 06
6. Be6

Question: Position A: AOAMS-TCIRRE, NEW ORLEANS 1920
White : Kg1 ,Od4,ReZ,Rel,Nf3,PaZ,bZ,d5,f2,g2,hZ
Black : Kg8,Od7,Re8,RcB,Bf6,Pa5,b7,d6,f?,g7,hJ
Note : Neither side can castle
Answer: I. Qg4 llb5
Z.Qc4 ad7
3. Qc7 Qb5
4. a4 Qa4
5. Re4 Qb5
6. Qb7 end of book
Note: K - King
Q - Oueen
R - Rook
B - Bishop
N - Knight
P - Pawn
eg. Re5 - move Rook to 05 position

SCHEMATIC Dli
I

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