If you are still a novice, my advice would be to get a Mephisto Exclusive board, with a Mirage or MM I module. These modules are modest in pricing these days. Their strength is about 1500 FIDE elo, and at shorter time settings they play weaker of course. When you outgrow it in strength, there are a number of stronger modules available for the Exclusive board.southernlights wrote:I'm trying to study chess to move beyond a rank novice. As I do programming all day, the last thing I want to do is play chess on a computer screen in the evenings. As such, I'm looking for a nice computer with real wooden pieces to continue my learning.
Is there any more feedback on this board now that it has been out a while? In particular, I'm looking for feedback on the engines and if they can be decreased in strength substantially for a beginner. Also if it has any kind of coaching/training modes to help new players avoid mistakes or practice positions easily. Any other feedback also appreciated.
Finally, would I be better off getting a DGT board with DGT Pi instead of this setup? Price would be getting close to each other once you get nice DGT board, pieces, and the Pi.
In this way you can start with a modest budget instead of buying an expensive machine without knowing if you like it in the end.
EDIT: if you want training, then try to get the Mephisto Europa, it has a booklet with a nice training course.
Budget regards,
Paul