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Search algorithm. This allows the computer to see combinations that
would otherwise take much longer to compute. Turning this option off by
choosing -SEL makes the program switch to a powerful Brute Force
algorithm. This search method minimizes the risk of an occasional
oversight.
Note that the Mate Search Levels always use the Brute Force
method.
b. Easy Mode (Square B2)
On:+EAsy Off:-EASy
Want to win more games against the computer? Try turning on Easy
Mode, which prevents the computer from thinking on your time! This
weakens all the playing levels without affecting the computer's time
controls. Normally, as described in Section 2.8, the computer thinks on
your time, using the time you are contemplating your next move to think
ahead and plan its strategies. This is part of what makes your computer
such a tough opponent! By using Easy Mode to make all the levels
weaker, you effectively have many more levels to choose from!
c. Randomize Play (Square C2)
On:+rand Off:-rand
Turn this option on for greater variety of play. Instead of selecting one
single best move, the computer will then choose one of the best moves
to play by consulting its built-in Randomizer!
d. Book On/Off (Square D2)
On:+book Off:-book
If you ever want to completely lock out the computer's built-in book of
openings, set this option to -book. When the book is off, the computer
is forced to take time to think of its moves from the beginning of the
game, rather than making its moves from memory. For details on
openings, see Section 2.7.
If you turn the book completely off, the other book options (described
below) are also automatically disabled.
e. Full Book (Square E2)
On:+bk:FL Off:-bk:FL
Turning on the Full Book option gives the computer the freedom to
choose any move from its built-in book of openings, so you'll see a
greater variety of opening lines being played. If this option is selected,
the Passive, Active, and Tournament Book options are disabled.
With this option on, you may see the computer make some question-
able moves. This is because its built-in book of openings must contain
responses to certain lines of play (even questionable lines), in case they
are played. While the computer would not make these moves on its
own, it needs to know how to respond to them in the best way. There-
fore, when you turn on the Full Book, the computer could potentially
play one of these moves.
f. Passive Book (Square F2)
On:+bk:Pa Off:-bk:Pa
Selecting the Passive Book option forces the computer to give
preference to passive and closed positions when deciding which lines to
play. If this option is selected, the Active Book and Tournament Book
options are disabled.
g. Active Book (Square G2)
On:+bk:at Off:-bk:at
When this option is activated, the computer will give preference to
active lines and open positions when deciding which lines to play. If this
option is selected, the Passive Book and Tournament Book options are
disabled.
h. Tournament Book (Square H2)
On:+bk:tn Off:-bk:tn
When you turn the Tournament Book option on, the computer is
forced to always select the best possible line of play in every opening.
While this results in the best chess play, it also narrows down the
computer's choice of moves by limiting its available book lines. If this
option is selected, the Active Book and Passive Book options are
disabled.
5.3 Rotating Display Options (Squares A3-H3)
Normally, the computer's display shows the time for the player to
move. However, the computer can also display other information, as
described in Section 4 (Info Mode). The Rotating Display feature works
hand-in-hand with Info Mode, since it allows you to choose which of the
Info Displays you want to see, and then cycles your choices in one-
second increments. You may turn on any or all of the Rotating Display
options, as desired.
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