10
When you choose one of the Normal Playing Levels, you are select-
ing an average response time for the computer. Note that the times are
averaged over a large number of moves. In the opening and endgame,
the computer tends to play faster, but in complicated middlegame
positions, it may take longer to move.
3.2 Infinite Level (Square B8)
LEVEL MOVE TIME DISPLAY
B8................. No time limit................. 9:99;99
On the Infinite Level, the computer will search indefinitely, until it finds
a forced mate or forced move; until it has fully searched the position to
its maximum depth; or until you press ENTER to stop the search. If you
halt the search, the computer makes the move it currently thinks is best.
Try experimenting with this level—set up some interesting board
positions and let the computer analyze them for you. It will think for
hours or even days on end, trying to come up with the best possible
move! And don’t forget to watch the computer as it thinks—take advan-
tage of the unique Rotating Display feature described in Section 5.3.
3.3 Tournament Levels (Squares C1-C8)
LEVEL TOTAL TIME / NUMBER OF MOVES DISPLAY
C1........... 1 hr. 30 min. / 40 moves ...................1:30;40
C2........... 1 hr. 45 min. / 35 moves ...................1:45;35
C3........... 1 hr. 45 min. / 40 moves ...................1:45;40
C4........... 1 hr. 30 min. / 35 moves ...................1:30;35
C5........... 2 hrs. / 40 moves ..............................2:00;40
C6........... 2 hrs. 30 min. / 45 moves .................2:30;45
C7........... 2 hrs. / 50 moves ..............................2:00;50
C8........... 3 hrs. / 40 moves ..............................3:00;40
The Tournament Levels require you to make a certain number of
moves within a given amount of time. If a player exceeds the allotted
time for a given number of moves, the computer flashes “time” (TImE)
along with the elapsed time, to show that the game is over. If you wish,
you can continue to play even after the time has run out.
If you choose a Tournament Level, you may want to set the 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.
Your computer also offers the option of using Bronstein Clock time
controls when playing Tournament games. For details, see Section 5.4.
3.4 Blitz Levels (Squares D1-D8)
LEVEL TIME PER GAME DISPLAY
D1.................... 5 minutes................... 0:05;99
D2.................. 10 minutes................... 0:10;99
D3.................. 15 minutes................... 0:15;99
D4.................. 20 minutes................... 0:20;99
D5.................. 30 minutes................... 0:30;99
D6.................. 45 minutes................... 0:45;99
D7.................. 60 minutes................... 1:00;99
D8.................. 90 minutes................... 1:30;99
On the Blitz Levels (also called Speed Chess or “Sudden Death”
Levels), you set the total time for the whole game. If game time is
exceeded, the computer flashes “time” (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.
Your computer also offers the option of using Bronstein Clock time
controls when playing Blitz games. For details, see Section 5.4.
3.5 Fun Levels (Squares E1-E8)
LEVEL TIME PER MOVE DISPLAY
E1.................. 1 second..................... Fun: 1
E2.................. 2 seconds................... Fun: 2
E3.................. 3 seconds................... Fun: 3
E4.................. 4 seconds................... Fun: 4
E5.................. 5 seconds................... Fun: 5
E6.................. 6 seconds................... Fun: 6
E7.................. 7 seconds................... Fun: 7
E8................. *8 seconds ...................Fun: 8
*Increases with user’s time per move.
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 Fun Levels start out easy and get a little harder as you go. The
computer’s playing strength goes up gradually from Levels E1 to E6—
but be prepared for some stiffer competition when you reach Levels E7
and E8. These two highest Fun Levels represent a much greater jump in
playing strength, and you’ll see that they’re quite a bit more challenging.