The New York Times Deluxe Touch Screen Chess

by Sharper Image

Product Features

• Built-in computer ranks "Expert" (estimated 2,000 rating on the U.S. Chess Federation system.)
• Choose from 136 different skill levels
• Features 3 languages: English, Spanish, and French
• Buil-in chess clock & large backlit tough-screen LCD with stylus
• Made by Excalibur for Sharper Image Co.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• ASIN: B000YB4SZI
• Item model number: QU159
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,369 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

Excalibur and The New York Times have teamed up to give you a state-of-the-art chess computers with all the of a full-sized unit. Plus, you get 500 challenging and educational chess puzzles from Robert Byrne, renowned columnist from The New York Times! Capable of beating 99% of all chess players at its top level, The New York Times Deluxe Talking Chess fits in your pocket and is always ready for a challenging game. This is the Sharper Image version with all of the great features and looks of the original.Program Features Estimated 2000 rating - capable of beating 99% of all chess players 136 selectable strength levels Teaching mode for beginners Estimates your tournament rating Choose the opening you want to practice Voice vocabulary in three languages - English, French, and German! Take back feature for mistakes and experimentation.OtherGeneral Features Most readable chess figures ever on a pocket chess computer! Easy to read LCD shows every move. Built-in chess clock Light button makes it easy to play in the dark Auto memory save Includes special teaching and coaching features Sophisticated metal accents Sound effects and complete chess voice vocabulary Overall Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 1 1/2Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included) Manufactured by Excalibur Electronics for Sharper Image Company.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Handheld Chess Available; A Few Flaws, May 30, 2010

By 

John Herr - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: The New York Times Deluxe Touch Screen Chess (Toy)

This is definitely the highest-quality and strongest handheld chess computer I've been able to find. That being said, its strength is more like 1800 USCF, not 2000. I've been able to beat it at its highest level several times. In particular, its endgame is somewhat weak, though this is the main weakness of all chess computers and can be expected to manifest itself to a greater extent on a handheld device. I doubt other handheld devices would play the endgame better. The interface is very professional, and the display is excellent. There is a bug that occasionally causes the computer to exceed its time control, which gives it a ton of time on the clock; however, the user can choose to continue the game. If you're looking for a portable chess opponent, you're only going to do better by using a laptop.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars chess, May 30, 2010

By 

William M. Greenwood "Chess Nut" (Texas) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New York Times Deluxe Touch Screen Chess (Toy)

I have found the 'New York Timed Chess' a very good playmate. It is difficult to understand at first due to the directions being too brief and their abreviations being less than adequate. However, after a few false starts the little master proved to be quite charming and utilitarian. The piece display could be enhanced, but over all I would buy it again!

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, April 20, 2011

By 

Disappointed - See all my reviews

= 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: The New York Times Deluxe Touch Screen Chess (Toy)

The chess game is worthless for use other than at night. The glass screen cover has so much reflected glare that it is impossible to use outside in the daylight. Major disappointment....you wonder how the people at sharper image could have overlooked the flaw. Makes one think twice about any of their other products.