Companion Chess Computer
(600-2216) Advanced Functions Faxback Doc. # 40241
Game Indicators
Checkmate
Whenever a checkmate situation occurs on the board, the computer displays
(End-) for checkmate (black) & (End_) for checkmate (white). Press NEW GAME
to start a new game.
Check
Whenever a check situation occurs on the board the computer displays (ch:--)
for black in check, (ch:_ _) for white in check.
Stalemate/Draw Game
Whenever the computer detects that the conditions for a stalemate have
occurred, it displays (End =).
If a stalemate occurs, the game is over and cannot be continued. You can,
however, take back moves (see "Taking Back Moves"). Otherwise, press NEW
GAME to start a new game.
NOTE: The computer recognizes only draws by stalemate (see "Draw Games").
Making Special Moves
En Passant Capture
The computer recognizes when you choose to move en passant. It also cap-
tures a pawn en passant whenever it determines that such a move is desir-
able.
When performing an en passant capture, the computer first indicates the TO
square information for its pawn. Then the computer displays the TO square
information of the captured pawn. Press the square and take away the pawn.
NOTE: For more information about moving en passant, see "Capturing En
Passant".
Pawn Promotion
When a pawn gets to the opposite end of the board (the eighth rank), it is
exchanged for a different piece. The pawn is usually promoted to a Queen,
but it can also be under promoted to a Rook, Bishop or Knight. (However,
this computer doesn't offer the option of under promotion).
Castling
The computer recognizes when you choose to castle. Castle by moving your
king first.
The computer castles whenever it determines that such a move is desirable.
The computer castles by first moving its king and then its rook.
NOTE: Castling is a king's move. If you attempt to castle by moving your
rook before moving the king, the computer accepts the rook's move as
a valid move, but will not let you complete the castle by moving the
king. You must take back the rook's move, then castle by moving the
king first. See "Taking Back Moves."
For example, follow these steps to perform a white queen's side castle.
1. Press the white king on square E1. The computer displays (E1:_ _).
2. Move the white king to square C1 and press it on the square. The compu-
ter displays (_ _ :A 1).
3. Press the white rook on square A1. The computer displays (_r:d1).
4. Move the white rook to square D1 and press it on the square. The compu-
ter displays (Co--) to indicate it is black's turn to move.
Verifying Piece Positions
If you want to verify the location of any piece on the chess board, you can
use the piece symbol keys to find the position of all pieces. Each time you
press a piece symbol key, the computer displays the piece's code and loca-
tion.
The piece symbol keys look like this.
KING QUEEN ROOK
(king's crown) (queen's crown) (castle)
BISHOP KNIGHT PAWN
(bishops miter) (horse head) (pawn symbol)
For example, if you want to verify the white queen's position (on square
D1), press the queen piece symbol key. The computer displays (_9:d1).
The displays shows the following information.
indicates the piece's color:
_ = white
- = black
9: - indicates the piece's type:
- K:= king
- q:= queen
- r:= rook
- b:= bishop
- n:= knight
- p:= pawn
dl - indicates which square the piece is on.
If there is more than one of the same color piece on the board, repeatedly
press the piece symbol key. The display shows you the location of each like
piece of the same color, then shows you the location of each piece of the
other color. If you press the piece symbol key more times than the number
of the pieces of both colors on the chess board, the computer beeps twice
and the display shows _ _:_ _.
You can use the piece symbol keys to verify the location of your pieces and
your opponent's pieces during your turn. You cannot use the piece symbol
keys during your opponent's turn.
Taking Back Moves
This function lets you take back any move made by you and the computer. You
can take back up to 2 moves (your move and the computer's move).
If you change your mind about a move before pressing the piece down on the
TO square, follow the procedures in "Correcting Accidental Wrong Moves."
NOTE: You must complete the computer's move and take it back before you can
take back your own move.
1. Press TAKE BACK. The display shows the TO square of the last move.
2. Press the piece on the indicated TO square. The display shows the FROM
square of the last move.
3. Move the piece from the TO square to the FROM square.
4. Press the piece on the indicated FROM square. The display shows _ _:_ _.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to take back another move.
Non Auto Mode: Enter Moves Manually!
Normally, the computer automatically answers with a countermove whenever
you enter a move. If you press NON AUTO to enter Non Auto Mode, however,
you can enter any number of moves one by one, without allowing the computer
to answer! This special feature can be used in a number of different ways:
Play through master chess games. Press PLAY to see what the computer
would do in any position!
Study opening book lines by entering them manually.
Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting as referee by check-
ing the legality of all moves and keeping track of the time for both
sides! If you need help with a move, simply press PLAY and the computer
will make the next move. After it has moved, Non Auto Mode remains in
effect, and you can continue your game!
Replay to any board position for further study.
To exit Non Auto Mode and return to normal play, press NON AUTO once again,
and a double beep verifies that this mode has been canceled. Note that Non
Auto Mode is also automatically canceled whenever you press NEW GAME or
enter your selection of a Teach Mode on exiting Level Mode.
(br/EB 7/14/97)
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