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I was considering purchasing a new chess set and became overwhelmed. This was very helpful! This guide really spelled it out for me. Thank you! I will be placing my order for chess sets at The Chess House very soon!

Brian, Ohio

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Beginners: Chess Computers to Help You Learn

Advanced Chess Computers

Travel Chess Computers

LCD & Touch Screen Chess

Novag Electronic Chess

Saitek & Mephisto Electronic Chess

AC Adapters

Electronic Chess Computers

How do I choose the right chess computer?

When you know what to look for, you can choose the perfect chess computer for yourself or a family member.

To make a good choice, first determine skill level... for a beginner? intermediate? expert?

Next, purpose... teach a beginner? youth or adult? improve and practice? or casual game now and then? connect to PC to play against software? entertainment of moving it's own pieces?

Finally, style, appearance.... that's the fun part! and YOU get to choose that. Wood? Plastic? the appearance is completely up to you.

With those ideas alone, you can choose a suitable electronic chess set that will be ideal for you. Then, check the individual features of a model to narrow down even further.

Helpful Tips

a "Master" level computer can be adjusted to play at a beginner level. But a beginner level will never progress beyond it's highest level.
Handheld LCD computers such as the Maestro or Micro are perfect for the back seat of the car (sound optional :-)) or the plane.
Try not to rely completely on a the chess computer to teach. You'll learn faster by combining it with a DVD or book.

How does a chess computer work?

While you play just as if you were playing a friend, you will press lightly on the squares as you move the pieces. The computer senses this, "thinks" on it's turn and tells you it's move.

(The Citrine, shown in this video, actually senses the moves automatically. It's one of the best.)

You can always choose to play from a variety of Levels as weak as beginner up to as strong as the computer is designed to play.

Can I play a friend with my chess computer?

Yes, most computers have player vs. player mode, so that the computer asks as a referee and ensures you play legal moves.

Raphael recommends...

Mephisto Master. Ideal full-featured, traditional computer complete with carrying case and adapter.
Mephisto Talking Chess Trainer. Perfect for kids. Talks and teaches.
Maestro. Small LCD handheld keeps yourself or the kids occupied on long trips.

Good Chess Computer
Thornton, CO.

At first, I found the Maestro difficult to recognize the pieces and distinguish them from one another, however, I don't even think twice about it now. It did not take long to get used to the style of pieces. All of the levels for fun (between 1 and 60) are pretty easy. For me, level 60 is just a little bit too easy, but the next level up is just a little bit too challenging. There is a noticeable jump from the casual play levels, 1-60, and the more serious levels i.e. 1 second per move, 2 seconds per move, etc. There are some other features that seem a bit complicated such as a level that searches for a forced mate from a position you set up. Also, I find it a little too time consuming to set up positions so I don't use that feature on this device. Overall, I like it; I use it almost daily for anytime I wait in line or in lobbies or on break at work or before bed.

My Saitek Explorer is amazing!
Rajesh S.

The product has many wonderful features. Very well thought of!I am beginner - probably 1400-1600 ELO range. So I need something that I can "grow" with and this product is just so suited.You can see that a lot of artificial intelligence has gone into building this.I love the way it is designed and is robust. I live in India and ordered this through my family and wanted something that will be robust.Its a 5 star product[...]. I will recommend ChessHouse for anyone looking for chess products.

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Mephisto Talking Chess Trainer Ships again in March Price: $49.95 (Out of Stock)	Maestro Travel Chess Computer Ships in March Price: $89.95 (Out of Stock)	Mephisto Micro Chess Computer Ships in March Price: $34.95 (Out of Stock)

Beginner to intermediate chess computer that talks and teaches. Intermediate playing strength with a 1200-1600 rating level.	Superb styling, backlit screen, and extended player strengths makes this a must have chess computer!	This computer is Saitek's most inexpensive, yet full-featured LCD TOUCHSCREEN chess computer. It's perfect for the younger audience with many learning and experimentation features.


Mephisto Master Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $224.99 In Stock!	Mephisto Travel Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $26.95 In Stock!	Mephisto Advanced Travel Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $49.95 In Stock!

Beginner to master level traditional style chess computer with coaching, many levels, modes, and options. Includes extras like AC adapter and protective slipcase. Best advanced computer. 2200 ELO / 2400 USCF rating	Intermediate level, travel size chess computer with peg-style chess pieces. Recommended for beginners to intermediate players - this computer will progress with you.	Beginner to high-intermediate level peg-style chess computer.


Explorer Pro Chess Computer Arriving by Feb 10 Price: $89.95 (Out of Stock)	Mephisto Expert Travel Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $89.95 In Stock!	Mephisto Chess Challenger Arriving by Feb 10 Price: $89.95 (Out of Stock)

One of the most stylish computers, with extensive coaching features. Beginner, Intermediate, Expert	The Mephisto Expert is the ideal compact design offering expert playing strength and many features. It is small enough to fit in a laptop case, backpack, or just about any travel bag.	Want great features and extras (AC Adapter) while keeping the price low? Don't need voice tutor? The Challenger is our choice for a mid-range chess computer that will play very strong (2000-2200, Expert to Master).


Novag Carnelian II, Electronic Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $98.80 (Out of Stock)	Adapter for Novag Chess Computers Arriving Mid-February Price: $12.95 (Out of Stock)	Novag Obsidian, Advanced Electronic Chess Computer Arriving Mid-February Price: $145.95 (Out of Stock)

The Carnelian II looks amazing with beautifully carved Shishamwood chessmen! Now you can play an affordable, advanced chess computer with real wood chess pieces.	This adapter is designed only for Novag computers that request optional Novag Adapter P/N: 1021	Lovely, hand-carved, Shishamwood chess pieces have implanted electronic chips letting the computer recognize your moves as you gently press the starting and ending squares. Convenient NOVAG travel case let's you take it anywhere!


Novag Citrine, Advanced Wooden Chess Computer Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $297.00 In Stock!	Novag 2Robot Electronic Chess Arriving Mid-February Price: $229.95 (Out of Stock)	Novag Aquamarine, Beginners Electronic Chess Computer Arriving Mid-February Price: $69.00 (Out of Stock)

With hand-carved, wood Staunton chess pieces and a Est. USCF rating (2100), the Novag Citrine is ideal for casual players of any level. Autosensory move input with electronic piece recognition.	The 2Robot represents a new generation of chess computers! Equipped with a robotic arm and an enhanced high-speed program it can teach you to play chess as well as improve your chess skills.	Novice to club players will enjoy a playing strength of up to 1850 USCF. It boasts a very fast response time.


The DGT Wireless E-board with Classic Set Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $949.00 In Stock!	The DGT Wireless E-board with Timeless Set Usually Ships in 24 Hours Price: $949.00 (Out of Stock)	The DGT Wireless E-board with Royal Set In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come first served. Price: $949.00 (Out of Stock)

Wirelessly connect this elegant rosewood electronic chessboard to a PC and relieve your eyes from the computer screen. Enjoy the delightful wood chess board that utilizes advanced Bluetooth technology to connect with any robust chess software running on your PC.	Wirelessly connect this elegant rosewood electronic chessboard to a PC and relieve your eyes from the computer screen. Enjoy the delightful wood chess board that utilizes advanced Bluetooth technology to connect with any robust chess software running on your PC.	Wirelessly connect this elegant rosewood electronic chessboard to a PC and relieve your eyes from the computer screen. Enjoy the delightful wood chess board that utilizes advanced Bluetooth technology to connect with any robust chess software running on your PC.