faq chess computers
please find following common questions concerning our chess computers. this will also help you to choose the right model.
1. What strength computer should I buy?
What strength are you? Always buy a computer that is stronger than you are - there are many ways of handicapping the computer so that it does not play at its best.
It is NOVAG's aim to make chess more approachable to many more people and give everybody a chance of winning by featuring our chess computers with a huge array of coaching functions and special developed fun & handicap level.Our NOVAG chess computers can be classified in the following bands:
BEGINNERS TO REGULAR PLAYERS:These computers are suitable for the
majority of players. They are all good value and offer training & fun levels
giving even the novice a chance to win.
All five models have a strong program packed with a wide range of features which include:
Position Verification - check the current location of the chess pieces.
Position Set-Up - to set up adjourned positions or chess problem.
Move Take Back - to enable you to try out alternative strategies or correct accidental errors.
Forced Move - make the computer move without waiting for it to complete its calculations.
Programmed in accordance with the International Chess Rules - knows En-Passant moves, Castlings and Pawn Promotion.
Fun & Handicap Levels - at these levels the computer plays weaker and makes some very human mistakes, this gives the beginners a chance to win.
Teach Mode Feature - to learn basic tactical moves of the individual chess pieces one at the time. This will help beginners to concentrate on one piece at a time without being distracted by other chess pieces on the board.
Hint - If you need help you can have the computer show you what it would do in your position.
Training Support for beginners and occasional players - let the computer play against itself. Watch the game and study the computer's playing strategies to learn more about chess. It also shows how the pieces move at any position of the game.
Memory Save - the computer will save the current game when switched off allowing you to resume play at anytime.
NOVICE TO EXPERIENCED PLAYERS:
All above mentioned features
They have a very strong 16K program which encompasses all the above features combined with:
128 Redesigned Playing Levels - to keep up with your improvement; from Handicap through Tournament and Blitz levels, as well as Analysis and Problem-solving up to Mate-in-6.
Referee - the computer acts as referee, it will reject illegal moves. You enter the moves for both sides, either when playing against another player, or to enter a specific game or opening position you would like to play.
Extensive 8500 Move Built-in Master Opening Library - to ensure more varied and lively play.
8 Mhz System Clock Speed - for fast response times.
Feedback LCD - to show all moves, take-back, position verification and set-up.
NOVAG developed one model in this class. This sensibly priced powerful chess computer combines strength with sophisticated game features for those who want only the best.
NOVAG obsidian
Its powerful 32K program works on a H8 CISC-style processor with 2 x 16 Mhz system clock speed and is designed for speed and ease of play - and the advanced 6-digit information LCD reveals even more exciting features:
Analysis & Information LCD -
shows clock times for both sides and depth search in numbers of moves
- gives intended move position & evaluation
- move under consideration
- as well as problem solving up to Mate-in-8 with mate announcement
- allows you to take back up to 112 moves or just watch the computer calculating and playing against itself…
All of the above mentioned features
Multiple Style Openings Library - the computer will select at random between Active, Passive or Tournament playing style - enjoy more exciting game tactics.
Opening Book Playing Modes - at the beginning of each game you can check on the LCD if your are playing within the opening book or if you have made a move off book.
Advanced Trainer for regular players - 8 built-in classical mate studies to develop your chess skills or choose one of the 8 user-selectable end game playing modes to learn to gradually acquire the techniques to win.
EXPERIENCED TO MASTER STRENGTH:
High-speed Selective Search or Brute Force Program- to increase the computer's playing strength or extend the computer's depth search by using the extension option (with/without) - it is your choice!
User- Selectable/Programmable 3000 Position Library - to store openings, entire games or positions.
Over 123,000 pre-stored Openings from Master Chess - to enhance the opening game performance of the computer.
64 Preset Playing Levels - including special levels for tournament play, speed chess, analysis and problem solving up to mate-in-14. It even has beginner levels!
Unlimited independent level settings for Black/White - to define individual time level settings for Black/White.
Option of Active or Passive Opening Book - vary the style of opening play strategy by selecting one of the opening book options.
Additional 4 levels of Randomness - to avoid repetitive games. Make use of this feature at any time during the game.
Rating System - have your own playing strength rated.
Storage of 64 Games - for replay later on the board or on the LCD screen.
Sensory Chess Board - for ultimate ease of use, play chess naturally!
2. How long does the machine take to respond?
The original chess computers took hours to respond to each move, and some even played illegal moves! This is not the case now. With fast changing technology you decide how long the computer will take to reply - this can be hours if you so wish (although we only recommend the use of long time level settings for analysis).
For a normal game we recommend the faster time level settings, which range from around 5 seconds a move up to about 5 minutes. You may find that the only hope of beating the computer lies in making it move quickly while you take more time to make the right move!
3. Is the opening book really a book?
The term Opening Book refers to a part of the computer's program. Considerable work has gone into discovering which moves should be made at the start of the game. These Openings can extend reasonably far into the game (sometimes up to 16 moves). The computers have been programmed with these Openings, when playing them the computers save time and can utilise this saved time later in the game. The larger the Opening Book the deeper the Openings will go.
4. What is the difference between Touch Sensor System and Magnet Sensor System?
Most chess computers register their moves with the help of Sensor Systems.
This means, entering of co-ordinates into
a keyborad is not needed. We differentiate two user friendly Sensor Systems:
Touch Sensor System: to register a move you have to press the chess figure first onto the present square and then move it with light pressure onto the square you want the piece to go - the computer has now registered this move.