Master Chess

[Back of cover:]
An easy to use and challenging chess game featuring:-

- Infinitely variable computer opponent.
- Full 'Action Replay' option.
- LOAD/SAVE game facility
- Rearrange board at any stage (cheat!)
- Set-Up problems or positions.
- Full move verification.


THE GAME

Masterchess has been designed to be a no-frills chess playing program of
advanced ability which is easy to use. Special emphasis has been placed on
providing facilities useful to those wishing to improve their game as well as
just pass a pleasant hour or three.

To this end it is possible to review an entire game, step-by-step, or
re-arrange the pieces to make a point, or even build-up a position starting
with a blank board. Handy for solving chess problems, or practising your
end-game!

Early in the development of Masterchess, the 3-D, or perspective, view of the
board was investigated and discarded. It is difficult to use on-screen and
wastes a large amount of memory. The savings have gone into strengthening the
computer opponent.

Standard algebric notation is used both for inputting moves and for displaying
them on the screen. This means that each square is referred to by a letter and
a number. Looking from the White player's side of the board, the bottom left
square is a1 and the top right is h8. This remains fixed, no matter what colour
you choose to play ie. Moving White Queen's pawn forward two squares is always
writes as d2 - d4.

You instruct Masterchess to make your move by telling it what square to move
from and where to move to ie. d2 d4. (There is no need to press RETURN.)
Unusual moves are handled in a similar fashion. Taking a pawn "en passant"
enter the initial and final squares for your pawn. To castle, just input the
King move and the Rook will tag along automatically.


USING THE PROGRAM

Upon loading, the game will ask you which colour you wish to play. Type in
(B)lack or (W)hite. You then set the opponent's level of play, by deciding
how long you wish to allow it to think over each move. Type in a number of
seconds and RETURN. Although just about any whole number will be accepted,
we would suggest that you start with a level around 30 seconds and take it
from there. At 60 seconds Masterchess will beat most average players most
of the time. If you fancy your chances move up to 180 seconds and then beyond
600 for a good thrasing! Should you get fed up waiting - or just wish to
pressure the computer a little, hit RETURN whilist he's thinking. This forces
it to play its best move so far, at the moment you push the button.

Also while the machine is considering, you can view which pieces have been
taken by hitting the space-bar. Hit it again to resume normality. (This does
not affect the machine's thinking.) The same display can be obtained during
your turn by holding down the space-bar.

Pressing RETURN during your turn brings up the option menu:-

1. RETURN (from menu)
2. SET LEVEL
3. RE-ARRANGE
4. SET-UP
5. REPLAY
6. LOAD GAME
7. SAVE GAME
8. NEW GAME

Press the number key corresponding to the option you wish to call up. Taking
each in turn:-

1. Returns you to the game.
2. Enter the number of seconds, then RETURN.
3. Allows you to put pieces onto any square, or take them off, WITHOUT
   RESTRICTION. Careful! Works from current game position. You will be asked
   which square (ie. a1, b2, c3 etc.) and then which piece to go on it. Enter
   WP or BP for White/Black Pawn or BR, WN, BB, WQ, BK for Black Rook, White
   Knight, Black Bishop, White Queen, Black King etc. Beginning an entry with
   a letter other than W or B will clear the square. Press return to get out
   of the option.
4. Works as above, but starts with a blank board. Once complete press RETURN
   to begin play and RETURN again to get back to the menu.
5. Plays through the game from the start, or from the last use of (4) or (3),
   to the current position. Hit an alphanumeric key key to carry on one move
   or hold down the space-bar for continuous action.
6. Loads in previously saved position. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. Saves current position onto a (blank!!) tape. Again, follow instructions.
8. Restarts from scratch, with the colour choice and level setting prompts.


LOADING INSTRUCTIONS

Hold down SHIFT and RUN/STOP


The program code, graphic representation and artwork are the copyright of
Mastertronic and may not be reproduced, stored, hired or broadcast in any form
whatsoever without the written permission of Mastertronic. All rights reserved.

(c) Mastertronic Limited 1986

Made in Great Britain
Design: Words & Pictures Ltd., London