Chess School is an opponent and a tutor in the same board. It plays a real game at whatever level you set, corrects illegal moves, gives hints, allows takebacks, and never needs a phone, tablet, or app to do it. Switch it on and play.

Learn chess with system and fun

From the first move, Chess School guides a new player through the game step by step. The included 196-page chess book explains the pieces and how they move in clear, plain language, and it comes in both English and German. Alongside it, 100 training exercises are already stored in the device. Select an exercise, set the pieces on the board, and play. The tasks grow progressively harder, so a player finishes with a confident grip on the most important moves and ideas.

The built-in voice output works as a coach while you play. It warns you of mistakes, explains threats, and offers advice as the game develops, in English or German. Switch it on when you want the guidance, off when you don't.

How it plays

Press lightly on a square to enter a move. The pressure sensor board registers it immediately, and the backlit LCD shows the full board position along with the moves in notation form (E2 E4). Every rule of chess is built in, so a beginner can't make an illegal move without being told, and help, hints, and takebacks are available throughout.

Levels that grow with the player

The range runs from fun levels, where the computer deliberately makes mistakes and gives a new player a real chance of winning, up to roughly 1500 ELO. Game modes include standard play, 30-minute games, 5-minute blitz, and rated games. Position set-up, position verification, and move cancelling are all available from the menu.

Practical details

Switch it off in the middle of a game and the position is saved for next time. The pieces are magnetic and store in a compartment underneath the unit, so nothing rattles loose in a bag. Menu and help text display in English or German. It runs on 3 AA batteries (not included), or you can use the optional M811 AC adapter with international connections, available separately.

How does this compare to the Chess Master II (MIL800)?

The difference is scope. Chess Master II goes beyond chess and includes checkers along with a variety of other games. Chess School stays with chess and puts its variety into chess formats instead: 30-minute, 5-minute blitz, rated games, and the built-in exercise library.

Specifications

• Overall dimensions: 10" x 7.1" x 1.1" (25.5 x 18 x 2.8 cm)
• Playing surface: 5.9" x 5.9" (15 x 15 cm)
• Square size: 3/4"
• King height: 1.2" (3 cm)
• King base: 1/2"
• Weight: approx. 1.1 lb (500 g)
• Board technology: pressure sensor, Millennium HighSensity
• Display: backlit LCD
• Processor: 8-bit single chip
• Playing strength: up to approx. 1500 ELO
• Pieces: magnetic, included, with storage compartment
• Voice output: English and German
• Device languages: English and German
• Power: 3 x AA / LR06 (not included), optional M811 power supply
• UPC: 4032153008066