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What is electronic chess?
With the advent of computers and the Internet, digital chess became popular. Many players play digitally on the different platforms available, which has undoubtedly facilitated the popularization of the game. It is also recurring to play on simulators like Fritz or Komodo, among others. However, many players lack the tact of the pieces and the vision of the game that a real board provides. Is not the same.The player against the machine is already a classic in chess. Who does not remember that famous game in which Deep Blue beat Gary Kasparov? Playing against artificial intelligence is a good way to practice and improve your game. But again, it is not the same.Electronic chess came to satisfy those people who want to play against the machine on a physical board. It is the winning combination. An electronic board that connects to a computer and that detects our plays. Artificial intelligence responds accordingly and we take care of moving its pieces.How does electronic chess work?
It is made up of an electronic board that connects via USB or Bluetooth to a computer. The pieces also contain electronic components that allow it to be detected by the board. When you move a part, the board detects it and sends the coordinates of the movement to the computer.Once your movement is received, the computer “thinks” its move and displays it on the screen. You move his piece to the right place (if you cheat or you make a mistake the computer detects it) and again it's your turn. Artificial intelligence is fully configurable, so you can easily change difficulty or style of play.If you don't have a computer, many boards can even be connected to the mobile or tablet via Bluetooth. Simply download an application, which will be in charge of showing the movements of the machine on the screen.Another alternative is the DGT Pi, an independent computer shaped like a digital clock (it can also be used as such) in which the machine's plays are shown. It also serves as a clock during the game and has eight different chess engines. We can also connect the DGT 3000 to transmit the game time to the computer..jpg)
Types of electronic chess
There are many electronic chess models available today. From the most basic and cheapest models to luxury models with incredible functionalities. These are the most outstanding electronic boards on the market.Low-end electronic boards
The low-end electronic boards are geared towards learning children, although anyone can use it to learn to play. They include different levels of difficulty and even a virtual chess teacher, who tells you bad plays and alternatives, as well as other types of help.The most outstanding models are the Chess Genius (€ 106) and the Chess Genius Pro (€ 149). This board does not connect to the pc, but we see the plays on a screen and can be dictated by voice. His playing strength is comparable to that of a player with more than 2000 ELO.
Mid-range electronic boards
The leading electronic chess in the mid-range is DGT Centaur. This board is much more advanced and has artificial intelligence that automatically adapts to your playing strength, so you can have fun playing and especially learning. The plays of the computer are indicated by integrated LED lights on the board. It has a small screen where we can configure all the available options. If your intention is to play alone against the machine, this is the best option. It can reach an ELO of 2900.DGT Centaur Video by Gadgetify
Gone are the electronic chess machines in which the pieces had to be pressed against the squares on the board in order for the computer to record the movements, and in which it was difficult to find the ideal level configuration to play against them. The most elegant and innovative computer of the Dutch company DGT Centaur offers a more real experience to play chess on a physical board. The movements are recorded as on a sensory board. The plays can be seen on the side screen and through the circular LEDs of each box. The DGT Centaur has a battery, so it will not be necessary to have it plugged into the electrical network or change the batteries every two times as in the past. The computer has three main levels: Friendly, Demanding and Expert. At the "Friendly" level the DGT Centaur evaluates your strength level while playing with you to adapt to you in more or less balanced games. The other two levels will make you progress little by little. In addition, it has other functions to, for example, analyze your games. Most chess coaches suggest that the study be done on physical boards. Without a doubt, the DGT Centaur is a great tool for this at a lower price than the combination of a sensory board next to the DGT Pi clock-computer.
By Ruben Crespo.
If, on the other hand, you also want to play online against other players, you can purchase one of the low-cost DGT E-boards. These have to be connected to a pc, tablet, smartphone or DGT-Pi to play against the machine. The great advantage is that you can also use it to play online, stream online and other advanced features. A good option is the DGT SMART BOARD.
High-end electronic boards
The best electronic chess boards are undoubtedly DGT E-boards. There are basically three modes: USB, Bluetooth and Serial, which is basically used to broadcast over the internet. With any of them we will have an incredible electronic board with which we can do everything. These are the models that we have in the store, although in reality you can make a combination of them, since both boards and pieces can be purchased separately.
- DGT SMART BOARD. It is the one we mentioned earlier, and it is like the "weaker" version within the high range. You can choose with plastic pieces and with wooden pieces. Also with or without coordinates. USB connection.
- DGT USB E-BOARD. You can choose between plastic and wooden board. You can also choose the wood between Walnut, Wengue or Rosewood. The model of the pieces varies between Plastic, Royal, Classic, Ebony, Timeless and Oficial Fide, in addition they can also be plumbs. All these variants can be combined without problem.
- DGT BLUETOOTH E-BOARD. It has the same varieties as the previous one, but the big difference is that it connects via Bluetooth to the computer. If our computer does not have bluetooth, we can buy an external one (worth € 10 to € 20) or connect it to a tablet / smartphone. It is somewhat more expensive than the USB version, but much more comfortable. It has a range of 15 meters.
- DGT E-BOARD PORT WALNUT SERIES. These models are designed for the retransmission of tournaments through the Internet, since the serial port has greater reliability than USB, and performs much better for the broadcasting of live tournaments. Up to 12 electronic boards can be connected on the same network. If we want to do this we will need the “Cable Connection for 1st Smart Board in tournament set-up” pack, which brings everything you need to do it. In addition, for each board to connect you must use a Connection Kit Small.
What can electronic chess be used for?
As you have already seen, electronic boards can be used for many things. These are the most used functions today:- Tournaments broadcast live on the Internet
- Retransmission of games on giant screens in chess clubs
- Training and solo game play
- Training and online game play with friends
- Games on the different online chess platforms
- Play with favorite chess programs and modules: Fritz, ChessBase, Komodo, etc.
- Game analysis.
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