Saitek Mephisto Master Chess Computer

I recently bought one of these and im kind of embarrassed to ask this question. Can a human beat this thing, or am I just not getting something? Im not a bad player but I havent been able to beat this thing once. Does anyone out there have one that can offer some advice on how to set this thing so my game can grow with experience? I dropped a little over 200 dollars on it and im getting better results with tchess on my ipod touch. I would like to set the computer so it is just a little bit better than me so I am forced to get better, then once I improve, have the computer automatically get harder so I am forced to get better. Does this computer even do that? I am under the impression that it does, but again, maybe I missed something. Thaks alot, any help is apreciated.

Have you read the instruction that come with it ?

Lol, yes. Im just confused on the strength settings. I read some reviews on here after I posted this and they said its for more advanced players. I was under the impression that you can set it low for beginners. It doesnt seem so because its still incredibly hard. I guess a more appropriate question would be, what computer would better suit me? Based on a few places saying so id guess im around 1450 to 1500 on the ratings scale.  Thanks

It should be able to set it at beginner level.

"Endorsed by Garry Kasparov, and the strongest chess computer in its price range! With an outstanding playing strength and 256 level settings, this computer is ideal for advanced chess players. With its combination of playing features, playing modes and setup options, this computer will offer you all the variety and stimulation you need for the ultimate chess match. 64 playing levels, very strong program, Info mode to see computer's mind, Coach mode, 200-move take-back, Hints given, all major openings and many famous grand master moves to study. Other features include sensory chess board LED board lights, protective case with piece storage, LCD display, chess clock, power down feature, and unfinished game storage. AC Adapter included

I get that it has multiple settings. I just think plays harder than it says.

Well, it does say that it is for "advanced" players. 

Yeah, its a kind of misleading. For advanced players but can be set for beginners. So is that the beginning of advanced? I guess I can always sell it. Hopefully they have a good program like tchess for the iPad.

Or you could just hang onto it, and when you improve  a bit, you may really like it....

I agreed with Captainbob here hang onto it for a little while you might improve shortly and then the Mephisto will come in handy

I may do that. I just wish those boards the hok up to your computer via usb werent so expensive.

I have a Novag Obsidian (purchased after a pretty careful comparison with the Mephisto Master), and if it makes you feel any better, I find the "novice" levels surprisingly challenging on that thing too - and I know the Mephisto is supposed to be even stronger than mine.

Are you using the "Fun" levels?

Yeah, thats whats sad. I cant even beat it on Fun 1. THE EASIEST level on it.

...  Maybe someone dropped it during shipping, so it's .. you know.. malfunctioning or something. 

Why don't you post a game here so we can see what you or the computer doing wrong.

I wish I read this post before making the purchase!

I guesstimate myself at about 1400-1500 and cannot be Fun Level 1, with the battery saving power on. 

It is a few days old and up for sale.  I had received the Chess Challenger but thought Master would have the same training guide as Challenger, except more, but I was wrong. 

I love the ELO rating Challenger gives on the 20 practice games and thought that the Master would have loads of Master games; it doesn't.  I had asked a sales person and was assured it had GM games even though the PDF file online with the instructions didn't have it. 

Oh well.  It is 1 week old and I have put it on ebay.  I will stick to the Challenger until I can find a dedicated computer with ELO rating. 

I'm selling one of these. Hardly used, great condition. Comes with the instruction manual. I want $50 +p&h (just postage costs). Complete with vinyl case with the see through screen face protector.

Features are: back light for play in the dark. stylus / touch screen. Multiplayer options including rating system built in. Saves user rating, calculated from playing strengths of computer levels (not sure how this is determined).

Case folds over to help device stand up. Great for use next to a physical chess set where you can play against the computer on a real board.

Convenient size makes transportation easy with a back pack. I've managed to carry it in the side pocket of my cargo pants. Although it's very strong for its size.

Endorsed by Garry Kasperov.

PM me if you're interested in purchasing this from me.

Regards

David

I'm coming into this conversation way too late, at least for the OP. I had a Mephisto Master computer too. It is, indeed, notoriously difficult, but supposedly it is easier to handle if you set it to a level that limits its thinking depth. If you set its depth to the lowest possible setting, that might allow you to score better. Then you can increase its depth gradually as you win.

Be advised: I wound up sending mine back soon after I bought it, because of a bug. When set to tournament time controls, such as 40 moves in 2 hours, the machine adds the 2 hours after only 20 moves (i.e., 40 ply), not 40 moves. When I e-mailed the company about it, they admitted that it was an unfixable bug.