Description of Novag Star Opal Chess Computer
The Star Opal, from Novag Computers, is a beautiful travel chess computer. The Star Opal has a rating of 1900 Elo and a large library of openings and 128 redesigned playing levels offer strength and versatility. The Novag Star Opal is an excellent quality chess computer and represents the latest and finest in electronic innovation from Novag.
- Very strong 16K program with 8MHz System clock speed
- Now 128 redesigned playing levels offer strength and versatility
- Including opening book with more than 8500 halfmoves
- 5" x 5" fully sensory chessboard with unique move indicator system
- Piece storage and miniature Staunton Pattern Chessmen for maximum ease of use
- HINT, TRAINING and REFEREE function if you need advice
- Moves can be taken back (25 halfmoves)
- Random generator
- Solves most mates in 6 moves
- Many hours of fun from 4 x AAA cells or an optional 9V NOVAG mains adaptor for long term economy (both not supplied).
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Customer Reviews of Novag Star Opal Chess Computer
Peter from Orrington, Maine Novag Star Opal Chess Computer ReviewAs a portable chess computer, the Novag Star Opal works as advertised. At tourny level, 40 moves in 2 hours, it is estimated at 1900, which is much stronger than me. It is tiny, discreet, and hides away in my work desk nicely. The shut down feature is nice, as it saves the game where I left off (lunch hour chess partner). The tiny pieces are strong and it can be turned upside down without losing pieces. If your hands are very large, it can be a bit challenging, but not bad. It is a fun little unit, worth the money.
Steve from St. Louis Novag Star Opal Chess Computer ReviewI have only played this computer on the first three levels as of 12/11/10, but, so far, it is strong enough to give me a challenge, yet weak enough that I have a chance to beat it. In fact, its play is very uneven (sometimes good, sometimes bad). It will also be aggressive at some times and timid at others.Its array of openings is bewildering, because it plays several variations of some openings as well as playing a wide variety of openings. However, it usually only knows its openings six moves deep, and it plays some openings that strike me as bizarre (2...d6 in the Caro-Kann, for instance, instead of 2...d5).Finally, its endgame is rather weak, but my main complaint is that, when taking back moves involving captures the computer does not tell you which captured piece to place on the sqaure. Thus, I have to rely on my memory. This hasn't been a problem so far, but it is a potential issue.All in all, this computer is a good chess partner for intermediate players, but, since it lacks the training features of my New York Times Touch Chess Deluxe, I would not recommend it for beginners. I also would not recommend for really strong players, since it is weaker than the other two handhelds.
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