Which electronic chess game is right for me? Even though there are many electronic chess games on the market, it is easy to select the one that will suit you best if we simply narrow the selection of chess computers to the essential features.
There are three basic types.
1. LCD chess computers
2. Desktop style chess computers
3. PC-connect integrated "smart" chess boards
1. LCD chess computers are compact, lightweight, and portable. Look for those units that are "touch screen" computers. A small pen shaped "stylus" stored with the electronic touch screen computer allows you to instantly make moves and select options on screen. Screen clarity is an important factor for you to consider. Generally the more expensive and newer units offer the best clarity. Also, these higher priced units usually include a nice leather zipper case. You'll find that the LCD chess computers fall into the $35 to $90 price range. Most run on AAA or AA batteries. Watch out - battery replacements could get expensive for those computers that use watch style flat cells - notably Touch Chess. You'll find the LCD computers have a rating range of <1000 (Beginner) up to 2000 (Expert) We will now look at the other two computer categories. A LCD Electronic Chess Computer comparison follows at the end of this article.
2. Desktop style chess computers are rather traditional and come in a variety of chess rating strengths and sizes. A multitude of features are available. It really depends on what appeals to you. Do you like Talking chess computers? Tutorial features? Opening Drills? High Levels? Beginner features? Stylish design? Autosensory? Full size playing board ideal for player vs. player? Most desktop chess computers are capable of playing at the lowest beginner levels. It is the high side of the rating scale that is important. For most beginners, a computer capable of intermediate (1700) rating will allow for years of use and improvement. Desktop style chess computers can be as small as 10" square or as large as 22" square. They typically fall into price ranges of $25 to $250. Basic beginner computers can be found for $60 or less. Features that will affect the price and that are usually found on higher priced models are electronic chess computers that include AC Adapter's, vinyl slip cases, LED's on each square, many levels and instruction features. Some will play at levels of Master Strength (2200). For those that wish a full size vinyl tournament chess board combined with the features of an electronic chess computer, the Excalibur Grandmaster is truly a unique piece of art. It is even autosensory. This means that the computer will register the pieces move without the need for pressing the squares for each move. A brief comparison of these chess computers follows at the end of this article. For now, let's briefly look at the final class of electronic chess games.
3. PC connected chess boards. This is the high-end and rather sophisticated method of playing computer chess. Yet, it is simple enough for the average chess player to install and enjoy these advanced features. The whole concept is this. Take a beautiful wood chess board, hide some electronics inside, connect it to your computer and turn this block of hardwood into a piece of software. The benefits are astounding. You could play chess online or with your favorite chess software! The chess computer's moves are annouced by voice so you don't even need to look at the computer monitor! You could also connect an integrated chess clock and have the computer record the clock times. How about taking the chess board to your chess club and recording your game with it, then returning home to offload your games into the computer? Now that's the way.
So, I hope you now have a feel for the different electronic chess computer options and what you could start looking for.
The following electronic chess games are recommended.
1. LCD Style
Saitek Maestro (backlit, clear display, expert level, leather case)
Excalibur Deluxe Talking Chess (clear display, Voice, leather case)
Saitek Micro Travel Chess (beginner features, economy LCD with good display)
Touch Chess (ultra compact, lightweight, but display not as clear)
LCD Chess (not recommended, tedious)
2. Desktop Chess
Mephisto Master (Premium features, slipcase, 2200 Rated)
Grandmaster (Autosensory, full size 20" vinyl board, 2200 rating)
Talking Chess Academy (Best beginner tutorial, many features)
King Arthur (Fun for kids, integrated LCD, Voice)
Talking Chess Trainer (affordable beginner features)
Junior Master (basic, compact chess computer)
3. PC Connect
DGT Autosensory Electronic Chess Board (full featured, 20+ compatible chess software programs, internet chess, game record, integrated clock functions, capable of strong play with PC software, excellent for home study)
Compare all of the above Electronic Chess Computers and find the one that best suits your needs and your budget. Be sure to get in touch. We'll be able to answer your electronic chess computer questions.
