MEPHISTO II Electronic Chess Computer. Picture taken from Mephisto II box.

 

DEAR CHESS FRIEND!

Congratulations on the purchase of MEPHISTO II. This chess computer is the result of extensive testing and development work from highly qualified engineers and programmers.

We can proudly say that MEPHISTO is the first German made chess computer that can successfully compete in playing strength with the best chess computers of foreign origin.

Also in terms of the ease of use and features, MEPHISTO has provided you with some extras that were previously only found and available to hobbyist with access to mainframe chess computer programs.

The previously unimaginable miniaturization of electronics and microprocessors has made it today possible to construct a "super brain" in pocket format that provides such an amazing performance.

Of course MEPHISTO II can play with both white and black pieces, or against itself. MEPHISTO II can suggest moves and help you at any time, if you ask.  MEPHISTO II understands the chess rules as governed by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), such as castling and en passant. MEPHISTO II only plays legal moves and recognizes mate and stalemates. The most famous openings are played from MEPHISTO’S extensive opening library. You can also enter your own favorite opening variants as desired or let MEPHISTO II show you the openings.

A random move generator provides for variety to ensure that games are rarely repeated.

Did you accidentally enter a wrong move? If so you can take back as many moves as you wish all the way to back to the starting position, even if MEPHISTO II has already responded to your move.

Your electronic chess partner can show you on request at any time the move that is currently being considered. You can at any time cancel the analysis. Naturally MEPHISTO II is also able verify the current position after each move.

MEPHISTO II utilizes the opponents thinking time in full measure for its own move considerations. Much time is saved by this.

The manufacturer has considered you and your family with the interchangeable module that allows for quick and easy swap of the built-in game program. This allows you to upgrade to future even stronger modules as they are developed by MEPHISTO and keeps you continuously playing at the highest level.

The value of this new module technology is exemplified by MEPHISTO II. It is an improved version of MEPHISTO X, one of the strongest chess programs in the world,

MEPHISTO X was the winner of the MICRO tournament of 1980 held in Stockholm and also won the 1st World Micro Chess Computer Tournament in Paris in 1981.

When playing your first game with MEPHISTO II, you will quickly notice what an opponent, partner, and even teacher you have at your disposal.

Not only beginners but also advanced and even the experienced club players will appreciate MEPHISTO II and will find new dimensions of enjoyment for this game of kings.

Finally, we wish you much happiness with your MEPHISTO II, the unique chess computer.

Excerpts taken from MEPHISTO II User manual. Translated from German by Spacious-Mind.

Technical Specification

Mephisto II (1981)

Box

Computer Label

User Manual

Spacious Mind

Schachcomputer.Info

Active 2015

Tourn. 2015

1401

-

T1

T2

T3

T4

T5

Final

-

-

-

-

-

-

MANUFACTURER

PROGRAMMER

Hegener + Glaser

Thomas Nitsche & Elmar Henne

Not Known

1981

$395.00

1332

Year:

MFR ELO:

Original Price:

Wiki ELO:

Model #:

-

My Serial #:

0054847

Processor OEM

RCA

Processor:

1802

Speed:

Type:

8 Bit

6.1 MHz/3.5 w/bat

ROM:

12 KB

RAM:

2 KB

Battery Type:

4 x AA

Power Adapter:

9V DC HGN 5001

Display:

4 Pos 7 Segment

Board Type:

External Board

Overall Size:

Board Size:

Not Applicable

6.5/8x4.1/2x1.1/2

Options Select:

Button Select

Play Levels:

8 + 8 Problem

Opening Book:

300 Variations

Take Back:

Complete Game

Position Setup:

Available

Position Verify:

Available

Move Analysis:

Display Info:

Available

Available

Solve Mate:

Mate in 5

Save Game:

Available

Ponder:

Available

Search Depth:

16 ply max.

Provide Hint:

Available

Teach Mode:

Not Available

Change Sides:

Available

Active Level:

TM Level:

A6 or C3

Infinite Level:

A8

A3

Hardware Specification

Game Features

Matchplay & Test ELO Ratings

Computer Game Rating

Rating Test

Other Computer Chess Ratings

USCF

USCF

Spacious Mind

Human Rating

USCF

CCR

CCNS 1985

Ply

FIDE

USCF

-

1786

-

1563

1487

Class C Level Electronic Travel Chess Computer!