E4

30 minutes

bL:30

F4

45 minutes

bL:45

G4

60 minutes

bL:60

H4

90 minutes

bL:90

On the Blitz Levels (also called Speed Chess or “Sudden Death”

Levels), you set the total time for the whole game. If the game time is exceeded, the computer flashes tImE along with the elapsed time to show that the game is over. If you select a Blitz Level, you may want to set the chess clocks to display countdown time instead of elapsed time (see Section 5.1). When game time runs out, the countdown clock automatically reverts back to the normal clock display.

3.5 Beginner Levels (Squares A5-H5)

LEVEL

TIME PER MOVE

DISPLAY

A5

1 second

BEG:1

B5

2 seconds

BEG:2

C5

3 seconds

BEG:3

D5

4 seconds

BEG:4

E5

5 seconds

BEG:5

F5

6 seconds

BEG:6

G5

7 seconds

BEG:7

H5

8 seconds

BEG:8

Are you a novice or beginning chess player? If so, these levels are especially for you! Here, the computer restricts its search so that it deliberately plays weaker and gives you a better chance to win. The levels start out easy and gradually get a little harder—as you beat each one, go on to the next.

3.6 Mate Search Levels (Squares A6-H6)

LEVEL

PROBLEM

DISPLAY

A6

Mate in 1

=in:1

B6

Mate in 2

=in:2

C6

Mate in 3

=in:3

D6

Mate in 4

=in:4

E6

Mate in 5

=in:5

F6

Mate in 6

=in:6

G6

Mate in 7

=in:7

H6

Mate in 8

=in:8

Selecting one of these levels activates a special Mate Finder Pro- gram. If you have a position where there may be a mate and you would

NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEVEL?

SOME TIPS FOR YOU

Are you a beginning player? Start out with the Beginner Levels or lower Training Levels. These levels restrict the computer’s search depth, resulting in weaker play and giving you the chance to learn about the game and perhaps even win! For even more of a shot at winning, combine one of these levels with the Easy Mode option (Section 5.2), so the computer can’t think on your time.

Are you an intermediate or more advanced player? Try the Normal, Training, or Tournament Levels. The Normal Levels range from easy all the way up to a difficult 10-minute re- sponse time, and the Tournament Levels are extremely challenging. The Training Levels allow you to set your desired search depth—as you conquer each level, go on to the next! And don’t forget to try the Blitz Levels for some fast and exciting games of Speed Chess.

Want to experiment? Use the Mate Search Levels to solve problems up to mate in eight—try searching from a position in one of your own games, or set up an actual mate problem. Choose the Infinite Level to have the computer analyze complicated positions for hours or even days.

like the computer to find it, set the computer on one of the Mate Search Levels. This computer can solve mates in up to eight moves. Mates in one to five are usually found quite quickly, whereas solutions taking six to eight moves may take quite some time. If there is no mate present or the computer can’t find a mate, it will display dashes (– – – – –). To continue play, simply switch to another level.

3.7 Training Levels (Squares A7-H8)

LEVEL

DISPLAY

LEVEL

DISPLAY

A7

PLY: 1

A8

PLY: 9

B7

PLY: 2

B8

PLY:10

C7

PLY:

3

C8

PLY:11

D7

PLY:

4

D8

PLY:12

10

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Saitek Chess Explorer manual Need Help Choosing a LEVEL? Some Tips for YOU, Beginner Levels Squares A5-H5