Customer Reviews

Lcd Chess & Checkers

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have been playing chess since I was a young boy. Now in my 40's I still play everyday. My brother gave me this excalibur for chirstmas in 2001. I keep it next to my bed and play it every night. The product discription does not give it very much information. first of all there are 199 levels. I am a good player and I can't win higher than level 10. There are 100 different openings to learn from when played in opening play mode. Easy switch between playing white or black. Hint button. Score mode. Undo. Several differnt options. Comes with a detailed manual. I wish I could be more detailed. However, that does bring me to why I'm here, typing this at night, laying in bed.
Now, in 2008, after this many years of daily abuse, after thousands of miles traveled by car, after a few cruises, a wedding in Hawaii, thousands of baths, and a few hunderd drops onto the floor or ground - my trusty freind finally gave out! However, in that time, the screen never scratched, cracked or gave out. The casing never cracked or scuffed. The three AAA batteries were held securely in thier case by a screw-lid and required changing only three times.
After reviewing all the chess games here, this Excalibur still looks like the best. I have an electonic game that has pieces but I never play that one because of the darn pieces So as soon as I finish this sentence I'm going to buy one to replace the one my brother gave me 7 years ago.

I really like it but be aware that the screen is way too small and hard to see. I however set up a regular chess set in front me and transfer the game from the hand set to that so I can see and think easilly. Everything else about it is great!!

hsassan

So far, the game is good. It allows you to play against the computer or against another person (though I have not tried the latter yet). It remembers your current game, allowing you to shut down and turn it on later and pick up where you left off. It rates your play based on your performance against the various levels, AND it only takes into consideration games which you tell it to, so someone else can play the game and it will not effect your rating. It takes a little getting used to the controls to move the pieces around, which is only annoying because the error "beep" sounds whenever you do that and there is no way to shut that off. Other sounds you can shut off, but not that. So it makes playing it in a private place (plane flight for example) difficult when you don't want to bother others. The only other negative that I have encounterd so far is that the "on" button is activated too easily: one bump on it in your bag and it will turn on. I suppose you could remove the batteries during transit, but then I am not sure if it will lose its memory.

This is getting scary. The smaller they get, the more powerful they are.
And convenient to.
I like the idea that you can take it with you anywhere at anytime. You can put it in your coat pocket, and you don't have to worry about losing any pieces. It has lots of options i.e, training, help menu, volume, openings, mate finder level, player setting from 1 on 1 or zero and watch the LCD play itself.

But unlike its predecessor (Talking LCD Chess Handheld) it not only doesn't talk "But thats not the problem" you couldn't set a time limit on it. Nor was there a tournament level. Another idea that they should have installed is that, when you go to play the black side the numbers and letters should be reversed as well.

But all-in-all its still a great game.

You have to hold it at an awkward angle just to see the pieces, and the interface is not intuitive AT ALL. Really regretting this purchase right now.

I bought 3 Handheld LCD Chess & Checkers Game of them for a small group of young people on our chess team. It's great for the beginner to more experienced. Want a more difficult opponent? - just turn up the difficulty number: 1-73. It can humble some of the best, and build confidence for the lower level players. Moving pieces takes some getting used to, but after 20 minutes or so it's easy. I like it's portability, no need to attach to another device, etc. It even moves quickly if desired. Also has a 'hint' button. Keeps the interest level up.