Author: Steve B
Date: 07:08:59 01/29/05
Even before the first dedicated computer was released to the public(Chess Challenger-1977) attempts were made to create a chess playing machine for the home market perhaps the most well known of these is the "Cyber Chess" a paper automation where the user inserted various cards into a cardboard case and games could then be played with the player having to choose his next move the move would be hidden and then revealed by turning the card (like a dial) points were awarded or subtracted based upon the move chosen sadly for the creator of "Cyber Chess" was his timing it was released one year before the first dedicated computer came out and needless to say interest in these paper automations quickly evaporated legend has it the author of Cyber Chess upon learning of the Chess Challengers release promptly hurtled himself off of the top floor of the Empire State Bldg(NYC) :) The Cyber Chess Automation: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=3353&.dnm=655f.jpg&.src=ph there were several other Automations released before 1977 as well but none were as involved as "Cyber" here is one from Milton Bradley.. this automation only attempted to teach the user the moves and rules of chess The Auto Chess: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=3353&.dnm=91eb.jpg&.src=ph and another from a French Company ..Forcret this automation was a bit more involved in that it also had an led chess board to go along with the inserted game cards lights would be lit indicating the moves chosen by the user just an additional frill The Forcret Electronic Chess Board: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=3353&.dnm=21c0.jpg&.src=ph and finally ..not even a chess playing machine but interesting none the less a slide ruler type contraption which was released soon after the historical Fischer-Spassky WC match of 1972 contained every move of every game: The Championship Chessmate: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=3353&.dnm=a8b6.jpg&.src=ph Regards From The Turk Steve
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