Saitek Chess Trainer Maephisto Version

by Worldwise Imports

Product Features

• Dimensions: 15 1/2in L x 11in W x 3in D
• 64 Playing Levels: Fun, Casual, and Fixed Depth
• 16 Stored Opening Systems
• Sensory chess board
• Pewter and Silver Effect pieces - metallic look and feel

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 2.8 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000096L5X
• Item model number: 103092
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,516 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

What better way to learn chess than to have your very own personal trainer. The Talking Chess Trainer will help you to pick up the basics quickly, or improve the skills you already have. A multitude of level settings, playing and teach modes and special features will ensure your chess strategy will grow!
Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent cost/ benefit, March 14, 2010

By 

Adriel S. Machado (São Paulo-Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Saitek Chess Trainer Maephisto Version (Accessory)

It's an excelent deal! For this price you get an autosensory chess computer with many levels! The design is very clean and neat. The pieces are light but have a good look.
Alecs computer face adds some fun to the game. No more typing the moves!!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Piece of garbage, October 10, 2010

By 

Thomas M. Bracuti (NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Saitek Chess Trainer Maephisto Version (Accessory)

I bought this game in anticipation of a great product. My last computer chessboard lasted 10 years. This one....about three weeks, or maybe 20 games.

Then the G and H rank squares would no longer operate. I changed batteries and did the ACL reset to no effect. G and H were dead.

This is a loser when it comes to quality, don't buy this garbage.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Defective - poor quality control, and probably not too sturdy., December 25, 2010

By 

Sunshine - See all my reviews

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:2.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Saitek Chess Trainer Maephisto Version (Accessory)

This would have been just ok for the price, but when it arrived (new in the box) the 'A' rank (row) did not respond to moves.

NOTE: All moves are made by applying pressure to the piece to be moved(a simple tiny pressure switch under the keyboard surface seems to make it happen.) The human must press down on the particular piece to be moved and must press again after placing the piece on a new square.

CONS:

(1) The worst part of this unit is that there is no way to enter a move if the squares do not respond to pressure. Once the pressure switches under the keyboard surface stop working (think normal wear), the unit is toast.

(2) The pieces were small, not weighted, and not magnetic. Don't try to make moves too fast or the pieces will go flying.

(3) This set probably will not hold up for many years unless the player is very gentle.

(4) Poor quality assurance: this unit had an inspection tag on the underside, but they didn't catch that it was defective? "Made in China" according to the sticker.

PRO:

Ok for a beginner, even a young one as long as he/she isn't rough with it or so young that he/she is at risk for choking on the small pieces.

MY EXPERIENCE:
The one shipped to me worked as long as I (or the computer) did not try to make a move beginning or ending on the A rank. I got several moves into a game against the computer before I realized it was defective.

The computer botched the opening on the easiest mode just like a beginner. In my judgment a very young (or very new) player would not be too badly outmatched. Therefore it really might be an appropriate first computer for a short period before one begins serious play - if only it hadn't been defective.