Saitek chess manual Search Information, Chess Clock Information

principal variation (the computer’s predicted line of play), displayed as in Ply1: b1-c3. A “ply” is an individual move, or a move for either side, and the computer’s search depth is described in terms of the number of ply it looks ahead. On a two-ply search, for example, the computer will look ahead two individual moves (one move for Black and one for White). Note that this first ply display can also be used as a hint, since this is the move the computer is expecting you to make.

If you check this display while the computer is thinking, you’ll see the move the computer is currently considering. If you check it during your turn, you’ll see the move the computer is expecting you to make next. In either case, pressing ù repeatedly cycles through the rest of the moves in the predicted line of play, up to four ply:

•Predicted line of play: Move 1

•Predicted line of play: Move 2

•Predicted line of play: Move 3

•Predicted line of play: Move 4

7.2Search Information

After pressing HINT/INFO to access Info Mode, press it again to see information about the computer’s search. The initial display will show the current score; pressing ù repeatedly cycles through the rest of the information:

•The current score: A numerical evaluation of the current position, based on a pawn being worth 1.0 points; a positive number indicates that White is ahead. Example: If White is winning by two pawns, the display will show Score: +2.0. Note that the score is not valid on the Problem Solving Levels.

•Two-part display: (a) The current search depth, or the number of

individual moves the computer is looking ahead. For example: If the computer is looking ahead 439 individual moves, you’ll see d:4 39, with the d: standing for depth. (b) The move being considered (if the computer is currently thinking).

•Two-part display: (a) The time used so far for the current move.

(b) The number of nodes, or positions, being searched per second (if the computer is currently thinking).

7.3Chess Clock Information

After pressing HINT/INFO to access Info Mode, press it two more times to see chess clock information. The display will show the total elapsed time for both sides. Notice that the chess clock symbol in the middle portrays the current side to move and the type of clock in use.

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