Author: Jonathan Lee
Date: 19:39:54 07/31/02
Ronald Nelson, the patent for the Fidelity Chess Challengers, as well as Sid Semole (who is deceased) are the main people of Excalibur. The company changed names from Fidelity to Excalibur. Unfortunately, I own a 23 year old computer & a 2 year hand held which both only see 4 ply. Before I start criticizing, I am certain his other brands of chess computers are better than the 2 I own. After all Rich Lang borrowed from Fidelity to improved his Genius program back in circa 1992. Here is a "skeleton outline" game of my 1979 computer loses to every level. This game can have many transpositions or different move orders. 1 E2-E4 E7-E5 (The game often looks like a Four Knights opening.) 2 B1-C3 G8-F6 3 D2-D3 F8-C5 4 C1-G5 O-O (Castle Kingside is mandatory for shortest mate) 5 C3-E5 B8-C6 6 E5xF6ch G7xF6 7 G5-H6 F8-E8??? (Remember this antique knows 4 ply) 8 3 possible Queen move orders (see below) 1 8 D1-G4ch 9 G4-G7 checkmate 2 8 D1-F3 9 F3-G3ch 10 G3-G7 Checkmate 3 8 D1-F3 9 F3-G3ch 10 G3xG4ch 11 G4-G7 Checkmate (most likely of the 3) The reason for something is taken on G4 because it was a bishop or knight. Here are the shortest order mates on the highest levels. 1979 Fidelity Chess Challenger 6 minutes per move For white 27 ply count For black 28 ply count (This antique had 1 day per move, but why bother). Excalibur Hand Held using buttons (not the pen stylus) Level 72 For white 31 ply count (2 different ways) For black 32 ply count I try not to use these machines because it will give you bad chess habits. Jonathan
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