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Not sure what Alec's trying to tell you? Wondering why Alec looks so happy, so sad, or so annoyed?
This chart will help you identify some of his expressions—and may help you understand what's going on in your game!
Press PLAY after each move—and watch as the computer
plays for both sides of the board, one move after another.
Study its strategies, and you might improve your own game!
2.7 Need Help? Ask for a Hint!
It's easy to get assistance from the computer whenever
you need it. On your turn, simply press and hold down HINT.
The computer will show Hint briefly, and it will then display
a move suggestion for you!
Note that pressing and holding HINT repeatedly may give
you more than one suggested move in certain positions.
2.8 Chess Clocks
Your computer contains a built-in chess clock that keeps
track of the time, with a four-digit display showing the total
elapsed time for the side to move (computer or player) while
that side is thinking. Here's an easy way to differentiate
between the time displays at a glance:
• For the first hour, the display will show MM:SS
(Minutes:Seconds), with a steady colon in the middle
and a leading zero.
• If the total elapsed time exceeds one hour, you'll see
HH:MM (Hours:Minutes), with a flashing colon in the
middle and no leading zero.
Please also note the following points in regard to the
chess clocks:
• The clocks will stop in certain situations, such as when
moves are taken back, or when levels are changed or
verified. In these cases, the times are retained in
memor y, and the clock resumes when play is continued.
• Occasionally, while the computer is thinking, the display
may skip a few seconds, or the duration between con-
secutive seconds may appear to be uneven. Your game
will not be affected.
2.9 Built-In Openings
At the beginning of a game, the computer will often move
instantly on many levels. This is because it is playing from
memory, using its own built-in "book" of opening chess
GET TO KNOW ALEC'S MANY MOODS!
"I really do love this game—
especially when I'm winning!"
Computer has the advantage
"Looks like we've got a pretty
even game so far..."
Both sides have a fairly even
position
"This isn't good—I can't believe
you've got the advantage!"
Player has the advantage
"What happened here? I
thought I was winning..."
Computer changes from
advantage to disadvantage
"Wow, this is great—I really
improved my position!"
Computer changes from
disadvantage to advantage
"Hooray, I won the game! That
sure was fun—want to play
again?"
Computer wins the game
moves. This book contains hundreds of positions, including
most major openings. If the current board position is in its
book, the computer will play a response to that position
automatically, instead of having to think about the move!
2.10 Auto Power Down
Whenever it's your turn to move and you haven't made a
move or pressed a key for 20 minutes, the computer will
automatically turn itself off to conserve batteries. To continue
your game, press GO/STOP to turn the unit back on. Note
that the computer will not turn itself off while it is thinking.
2.11 Game Memory
If you want to interrupt your game for any reason, you may
do so by pressing GO/STOP. Play is then suspended, and
the computer will store your current position for up to two
years (with fresh alkaline batteries). When you switch back
on again, you and Alec can simply continue right where you
left off!
3. THE PLAYING LEVELS
With 768 level settings to choose from (incorporating the
Teach Modes), you can definitely learn and grow with this
chess computer! When you set the level, keep in mind that
the more time the computer has to think about its moves, the
stronger and better it plays—just like a human player!
Check out "A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE TO LEVEL
SELECTION!" for an overview of all the levels.
As shown in the Level Selection Chart, each playing level
corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. The levels are
categorized into three different groups: Fun Levels (Squares
A1-B8), Fixed Depth Levels (Squares C1-D8), and Casual
Levels (Squares E1-H8). On the higher levels, the computer
thinks more deeply and becomes a progressively more
challenging opponent. The highest level in each of the
groups produces the best moves the computer can make
within the constraints of that particular level setting. Try
4
"I can't believe I really lost this game...
Won't you please give me another
chance?"
Computer loses the game
"Yes, I'd say that mate is right around
the corner!" / "Go ahead—promote my
pawn for me!"
Computer predicts mate / Computer
promotes pawn
"Hey—you captured my piece while I
wasn't looking!" / "Oh, no! How did you
manage to check my King?"
Computer's piece is captured / Computer
is checked
"Ha, ha! Capturing your pieces sure is
fun!" / "Better watch out for your King—
I'm coming after him!"
Computer captures / Computer checks
"Hey—are you still there? You sure are
taking a long time!" / "I hate to admit
it, but I guess this game's a draw!"
Computer waits for player to move / Game
ends in a draw
- Quick Links:
- The Playing Levels
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