14
4.5 Countdown Clock
Options:
clock: up
/
down
Normally, the computer defaults to the
clock: up
option,
displaying the elapsed time. Activating the Countdown Clock option,
however, will display the remaining time instead. Here’s how to
differentiate between the clocks symbols at a glance:
[
/
]
Countup Clocks (White/Black)
{
/
}
Countdown Clocks (White/Black)
Note that the Countdown Clock option is only available in combina-
tion with the Tournament and Speed Chess Levels.
4.6 Ticking Sound
Options:
ticks: off
/
on
Turning this option on will activate a ticking sound that simulates a
chess clock. You can create the atmosphere of a championship chess
tournament in your very own living room!
4.7 Coach Mode
Options:
coach: off
/
novice
/
inter.
/
adv.
Activating Coach Mode allows the computer to look over your
shoulder while you play, watching what you do and offering help if you
need it! In this unique capacity, the computer might warn you if you
are in danger of losing a piece, or if it thinks your move is about to
lead to an avoidable material loss. You may see displays like
Your
Queen is in jeopardy!
or
Watch your Knight!
. If
you stand to benefit from a particular situation, you might even see
He’s giving you a big chance!
. Sometimes, the com-
puter will also ask you to confirm or cancel an obviously illogical
move. If you choose to cancel, your move will be taken back and you
can try another!
To choose one of the Coach options, press ENTER repeatedly until
your desired level is displayed. Once you exit Option Mode and return
to game play, the last displayed Coach option will automatically be in
effect. The following are the available settings.
•
coach: off
: No coaching features are activated.
•
coach: novice
: Here, the computer assumes that you are
familiar with many tactical and strategic concepts, so it will only
make you aware of less obvious and more advanced concepts,
such as sacrifices and combinations.
