Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

M
Michelle JohnsonAug 16, 2025
What to do if Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Toy freezes during a game?
- K
  Kelly LawrenceAug 16, 2025
  If your Mephisto Toy freezes, behaves erratically, or doesn't react during a game, here's what you can do: * Ensure the batteries are correctly installed, paying attention to the correct polarity. * If the batteries are weak or bad, replace them. * If a static discharge or electrical disturbance has caused a lock-up, reset the computer by pressing into the hole marked ACL.
D
Denise JensenAug 18, 2025
Why is my Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess making illegal moves?
- M
  mooresarahAug 18, 2025
  If your Mephisto Toy seems to be making illegal moves, there could be a few reasons: * The computer may have made a special move like en passant, castling, or a pawn promotion. Review the rules and verify the position. * Your board position might be incorrect; verify the position. * The batteries could be running low; replace them with fresh alkalines.
A
Alyssa EspinozaAug 21, 2025
What to do if Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Toy will not accept my move?
- N
  Nathan CampbellAug 21, 2025
  If the Mephisto Toy won't accept your move, it might be due to these reasons: * Ensure it is your turn, your King is not in check, and your move won't put your King in check. Also, verify you are not trying to castle incorrectly or moving to an illegal square. Review the rules and verify the position. * The computer might be thinking (its color symbol is flashing). If so, you can interrupt it by pressing ENTER.

Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Mephisto
ROM	32 KB
Display	LCD
Material	Plastic
Age Range	8 years and up
Power Supply	4 x AA batteries or 6V DC adapter
Color	Black and white
Style	Portable
Included Components	Chess board, pieces, manual
Number of Players	2

Summary

Keys and Features

Detachable Cover

Protects unit from dust and keeps chess pieces in place during travel.

Piece Storage Area

For piece storage and captured pieces.

Sensory Chessboard

Each square contains a sensor that registers piece movement.

Battery Compartment

In base of unit. Uses three "AAA" (AM4/R03) alkaline batteries.

ACL (Reset)

In base of unit. Used to eliminate static discharge after inserting new batteries.

Game Keys

Used in Verify and Position Modes. Also used for pawn promotions.

Display Window

Used to show moves and move information during a game.

Introduction

First, Install the Batteries

Instructions for inserting three "AAA" batteries into the unit's base compartment.

Ready to Play? Here's How to Move!

Step-by-step guide on how to make your first move on the computer chess board.

Now It's the Computer's Turn

Explains how the computer displays and makes its moves on the board.

Change Your Mind? Take Back!

How to undo your previous move up to 30 times during a game.

Game Over? Why Not Play Again!

Resets the computer for a new game, clearing the previous game from memory.

Too Easy/Hard? Change the Level

Guide on adjusting the computer's playing strength from 64 available levels.

More Features to Explore

Whose Move? Check the Display!

Indicates whose turn it is by flashing square colors in the display window.

Special Chess Moves

Details on captures, en passant, castling, and pawn promotions.

Illegal Moves

Explains how the computer rejects and signals invalid moves.

Check, Mate, and Draw

How the computer signals game outcomes like checkmate and draws.

Interrupting the Computer's Search

How to stop the computer's thinking process and make its current best move.

Changing Sides with the Computer

Instructions on how to switch playing sides during a game.

Built-In Openings

Information on the computer's pre-programmed opening moves for faster play.

Thinking on the Opponent's Time

How the computer uses your thinking time to strategize its next move.

Game Memory

Stores up to 30 moves, allowing game continuation after power off.

The Playing Levels

Normal Playing Levels

Average response times for the computer, ranging from 1 sec to 10 mins.

Infinite Level

Computer plays indefinitely until a forced mate or maximum depth is reached.

Tournament Levels

Levels with time controls requiring a set number of moves within a duration.

Blitz Levels

Fast-paced game modes with strict total time limits for the entire game.

Beginner Levels

Restricted search depth for weaker play, aiding novice players.

Mate Search Levels

Special levels for finding mating sequences up to eight moves deep.

Training Levels

Levels with limited search depth to help players learn and improve.

Info Mode: Watch and Learn!

Principal Variation

Shows the computer's predicted line of play up to four moves ahead.

Search Information

Displays current position evaluation, search depth, and speed.

Chess Clock Information

Tracks elapsed and remaining time for both players.

Move Count/Game Moves

Displays the total number of moves played in the current game.

Want a Hint? Just Ask!

Feature to request a suggested move from the computer.

Options for Fun and Variety

Operation Mode Options

Customizes how the computer is operated, like sound and auto-answer.

Playing Mode Options

Adjusts how the computer selects moves, such as book usage and search methods.

Rotating Display Options

Selects which information cycles on the display while the computer thinks.

Verifying/Setting Up Positions

Verifying Positions

Checks if chess pieces are correctly placed on the board.

Changing and Setting Up Positions

Allows custom board setups or problem-solving scenarios.

Technical Details

The ACL Function

Resets the computer in case of lock-ups due to static discharge.

Care and Maintenance

Guidelines for cleaning and handling the electronic chess computer.

Technical Specifications

Lists device details like keys, display, power, dimensions, and weight.

Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess User Manual

Table of Contents