Saitek Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Mode D'emploi page 16

TRY BLACK FROM THE
BOTTOM:
HERE'S THE POSITION!
When the computer plays White from
the top (Section 5.1, Option H1), be sure
to set up the pieces correctly! Notice that
the Kings and Queens are positioned
differently, and the board notation is
reversed.
a. Selective Search (Square A2)
On:+SEL Off:-SEL
The program in this chess computer normally uses a Selective
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. Random Play (Square C2)
On:+RaNd Off:-RaNd
Turn this option on for greater variety of play. Instead of selecting one
For more details, see Section 5.1.
single best move, the computer will then choose one of the best moves
to play by consulting its built-in Randomizer!
d. Passive Book (Square D2)
On:+bk:P Off:-bk:P
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.
e. Active Book (Square E2)
On:+bk:A Off:-bk:A
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.
f. Complete Book (Square F2)
On:+bk:? Off:-bk:?
Turning on the Complete Book option gives the computer the free-
dom 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 dis-
abled.
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 Complete Book, the computer could poten-
tially play one of these moves.
g. Tournament Book (Square G2)
On:+bk:t Off:-bk:t
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.
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