Customer Reviews

Saitek Mephisto Advanced Travel Handheld Chess Computer

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

 

 

This has been the perfect thing to take to the kid's activities. Sophisticated enough to provide a good game, but not so expensive that I'll be upset if the thing falls in the pool, gets stepped on, etc. I enjoy playing the game and so do my 6 and 7 year old.

I don't play the board around the house. The board doesn't compare with the speed and ease in which I can play chess on a computer, particularly on chess.com. However, my kids do use it around the house since they're restricted on their computer time and highly restricted on their internet time. They also frequently play it in bed before going to sleep.

My 7 and 6 year have no problem operating the board, although it took about 20 games before we became competent at operating the game. I am a programmer and am comfortable with most technical products, but I have never been one to read manuals; Neither are my 6 or 7 year olds. So, that may have been part of the problem. Some of the things we needed to learn was pressing a piece down on the source and the destination, how to move a castle, how to switch sides, general bewilderment at what the game was doing, etc. However, we do occassionaly refer to the manual for the persistent problem and it looks okay.

I --really-- appreciated Saitek including extra pieces with the game since the small pieces are easy to lose.

The only issue for me, is the size of the pieces. I am 45, need reading glasses, and have difficulty distinguishing between the pawns and the bishops although I do okay with the other pieces. This isn't a criticism, since that's the price of portability, just something to keep in mind when setting your expectations.

Saitek make excellent chess products and this is no exception. I found it remarkably easy to use and the range of levels should suit most players. It has excellent features and is perfect for those new to the game, or those who wish to improve and stretch their strategy and tactics. A great buy.

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