MASTERCHESS
Mastertronic version (different from Mikro-Gen version)


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 chess 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.


CONTROLS

Joystick or Keyboard
Keys are redefinable, or use:

Q - Up
A - Down
O - Left
P - Right

Move the cursor arrow onto the chess piece you wish to move, press
space to pick it up, reposition the piece using the arrows and press
space again to deposit it in its new position.


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
thrashing! Should you get fed up waiting - or just wish to pressure
the computer a little, hit RETURN whilst it'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.
Press the number key corresponding to the option you wish to call up.
Taking each in turn:-

1. RETURN (from menu)
Returns you to the game.
2. SET LEVEL
Enter the number of seconds, then RETURN.
3. RE-ARRANGE
Allows you to put pieces on any square, or take them off, WITHOUT
RESTRICTION. Careful! Works from the current game position. You
will be asked which square you wish to move onto. Move the cursor
onto the square you require, and press fire to select it. Press
RETURN to get out of the option.
4. SET-UP
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. REPLAY
Plays through the game from the start, or from the last use of (4)
or (3), to the current position. Hit any key to carry on one move
or hold down the space bar for continuous action.
6. LOAD GAME
Loads in a previously saved position. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. SAVE GAME
Saves current position onto a (blank!!) tape. Again, follow
on-screen instructions.
8. NEW GAME
Restarts from scratch, with the colour choice and level setting
prompts.


LOADING INSTRUCTIONS

Type LOAD "" and press ENTER.