Saitek Maestro Travel Chess Computer manual Countdown Clock, Ticking Sound, Coach Mode

4.5 Countdown Clock

Options: clock: up / down

Normally, the computer defaults to the clock: up option, displaying the elapsed time. Activating the Countdown Clock option, however, will display the remaining time instead. Here’s how to differentiate between the clocks symbols at a glance:

[/ ] Countup Clocks (White/Black)

{/ } Countdown Clocks (White/Black)

Note that the Countdown Clock option is only available in combina- tion with the Tournament and Speed Chess Levels.

4.6 Ticking Sound

Options: ticks: off / on

Turning this option on will activate a ticking sound that simulates a chess clock. You can create the atmosphere of a championship chess tournament in your very own living room!

4.7 Coach Mode

Options: coach: off / novice / inter. / adv. Activating Coach Mode allows the computer to look over your

shoulder while you play, watching what you do and offering help if you need it! In this unique capacity, the computer might warn you if you are in danger of losing a piece, or if it thinks your move is about to lead to an avoidable material loss. You may see displays like Your Queen is in jeopardy! or Watch your Knight!. If you stand to benefit from a particular situation, you might even see He’s giving you a big chance!. Sometimes, the com- puter will also ask you to confirm or cancel an obviously illogical move. If you choose to cancel, your move will be taken back and you can try another!

To choose one of the Coach options, press ENTER repeatedly until your desired level is displayed. Once you exit Option Mode and return to game play, the last displayed Coach option will automatically be in effect. The following are the available settings.

•coach: off: No coaching features are activated.

•coach: novice: Here, the computer assumes that you are familiar with many tactical and strategic concepts, so it will only make you aware of less obvious and more advanced concepts, such as sacrifices and combinations.

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