ADINFER-ChessEVAL ©
Dedicated Chess Computers


Eldest: The First Computers (1977-1980)


From Applied Concepts Inc.
Written by Maurice M Ohayon
First edited | 04/03/2014 | by MMO
Last edited | 08/23/2015 |
Photos and documents: originals from MMO

Reference to cite: The First Computers (1977-1980) From Applied Concepts, April 2014, ChessEval.com

Boris was manufactured by Applied Concepts Inc. in 1977.
It was distributed and released commercially by Chafitz in 1978.
The first models were slightly different from the ones put on the market by Chafitz in 1978 (see below).
Instruction manual and advertisements of this first production were copyrighted the same year (1977) by Applied Concepts Inc.

The Boris series started with the "Boris Plays Black" model.
It was advertised as the "Talking"
Chess Computer, but it was without speaker: its "talk" was limited to the display of random messages supposed to "amuser la galerie" (to amuse the gallery).

Its walnut case, its conviviality, its easy way to enter commands, and its ability to play black or white or itself or to enter problems were well received by the chess players and the learning chess candidates.

Different versions of Boris were produced... also in kit, from scratch... with the possibility for the customers to create their own enclosure from the blue prints offered with the kit .




Boris Plays Black, Applied Concepts (1977)

The first exemplars of Boris were produced by Applied Concepts Inc. in 1977.
Advertisement by Applied Concepts Inc. (1977)

BORIS PLAYS BLACK

Learn to play chess at home with a partner that won't embarrass you in the process.

You set your own pace — as you improve your chess skill you simply adjust the pro­grammable timer to the level at which you wish to compete.

Expert or novice the challenge is yours with BORIS ...

Computer Chess. Mind game technology for in-home use.


Programmable Timer — Allows adjustment of the level of play to match player skill. As time is increased, the level of play improves. The timer may be programmed from 1 second up to 99 hours. Time is displayed in Hours — Minutes — Seconds.

Programmable Positioning — Allows you to position the chess pieces at any starting positions. Very handy for mid-game strategy study without going through opening moves each time.

Handicapping — Particularly handy for beginners. You may program Boris to spot (remove) any piece you wish for handicapping.

Illegal Moves — Boris checks for illegal moves and rejects them by stating "ILLEGAL MOVE".

Alpha-numeric Display — An 8 digit alpha-numeric display allows full rank display and allows Boris to talk to you. Examples: "BORIS PLAYS BLACK", "ILLEGAL MOVE", "GOOD MOVE", "HAVE YOU PLAYED BEFORE", "CONGRATULATIONS",... etc.

Standard Notation — Boris uses standard chess notation for rank and file.

Clear Entry — Keyed entry may be changed until the move has been "ENTERED" into the computer.

Castling — Boris both castles and recognizes castling.

En Passant — Boris both recognizes and uses En Passant.

Queening — Boris automatically queens when the pawn reaches the 8th rank. After queening, another part may be substituted for the queen.


Color Selection — Boris can play black or white or both. Yes, Boris can even be made to play himself.

Rank Display — Boris displays pieces in each rank as symbols rather than numbers. Thus making rank and file editing easy. Recognizable at a glance.

Player in "Check" — Boris denotes "CHECK" by displaying "CH" in the seconds location.

Player in Checkmate — Boris denotes "CHECKMATE" by display­ing "MT" in seconds location.

Random Play — Boris does not follow a set pattern or make the same moves each time. His program is designed to make the best move in the given amount of time for which he is programmed.

AC Power — Boris operates on only 8 watts of 117VAC Voltage. No batteries to leak, run down or replace.

Warranty — Boris has a 90 day limited warranty.

Handcrafted Case — Solid walnut, hand rubbed oil case. Chessboard and chessmen included.

Price — $299.95 (Texas residents add 5% sales tax.)

Send check or money order to: APPLIED CONCEPTS INC.

P.O. Box 2582 Garland, Texas 75041

All shipments sent prepaid. (214) 234-1317


©1977 Applied Concepts. Inc.

 From original Documentation by Applied Concepts Inc.

Original Documents (ChessEval Collection)

  

BORIS Computer Chess

The micro computer that brings flexibility and challenge to the game of chess.

A mind against machine challenge previously found only in laboratories and computer rooms.



The Instruction Manual and the documentation are from 1977.
These computers were the first edition of the Boris Plays Black.
It is difficult to know how many of these first Boris were produced.
Maybe some of our readers have the answer. Please, feel free to contact me (mrcohayon@chesseval.com).


- General Description


The adapter is permanently connected to the computer.

- Front plaque


King Logo without anything under.
Applied Concepts Inc. is written just under the name of Boris.
Sliding button with 3 positions: Reset, ON, OFF.

-
Display

When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris plays Black.

- Board (1977)

Board is signed by Applied Concepts Inc.

- Documentation (1977)



Boris Plays Black, Chafitz, Version 1 

This computer is the same than the previous" Boris Plays Black" except for:
- the rear label of the company: Chafitz;
- the Patent Pending under the King Logo;
- the absence of the name of Applied Concepts Inc. under the name of Boris.

- General Description


The adapter is permanently connected to the computer.

- Front plaque


King Logo with  Patent Pending under.
No more Applied Concepts Inc. written under the name of Boris.
Sliding button with 3 positions: Reset, ON, OFF.

- Display


When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris plays Black.

- Instruction Manual



- Board



Boris, Chafitz, Version 2

The Version 2 is equipped with the more recent "Boris Awaits your Move" program.

- General Description


Rear plug for the adapter.

- Front plaque

King Logo with  Patent Pending under.
No more Applied Concepts Inc. written under the name of Boris.
Sliding button with 3 positions: Reset, ON, OFF.


- Display


When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris
awaits your move

- Operation Manual




Boris, Chafitz, De Luxe Edition

- General Description


Boris The Talking Chess Computer            The luxurious walnut box                         the Rear plug for the adapter

- Display


When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris awaits your move.




Boris is King with "Boris Plays Black" program, Chafitz Inc.

The Logo of Boris is changing: the King figure has a different design and it is written under: "Boris is King" and "Patent Pending" on the following line.
Two different program versions were used: one using the old program "Boris Plays Black" and another the new program " Boris awaits your move". The two models were sold in the same laps of time.



- Display
When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris plays Black.


Boris is King with "Boris Awaits Your Move" program, Chafitz Inc.


MEET BORIS THE TALKING CHESS COMPUTER  

Chess has been employed for centuries.

Somewhere along the way, if acquired the reputation of being a game that can only be played by intellectual men.

Not so!

Chess is a game of strategy that can be played by anyone—men, women, and children.

This revolutionary computer, BORIS, is the perfect chess teacher, companion and opponent.

He'll also take your mind off the world around you.

 So if you're ready for the perfect relaxer, why not make the "Great Escape" with a great new friend, BORIS.

BORIS electronically displays all chess pieces on the board.

(First rank displayed above.)

 

 

The Classic Game of Chess Will Never Be the Same.

BORIS is the world's most advanced portable chess computer. Match him against any other computer in his class, and he defeats them all. For the millions who play chess, plus those who want to learn the game, BORIS provides the challenge and flexibility that until now were found only in expensive laboratory computers. Like his big brothers, BORIS  even talks to his opponents, with messages programmed into his almost human brain.

BORIS was created to be the perfect chess opponent; always ready at a moment's notice, with a game and strategy that's unpredictable. If your chess skills are wasting away because you can't find an opponent, BORIS will be a challenging adversary, and there's never a fear of being embarrassed if you make a careless blunder.

BORIS plays black or white; he'll even play himself.

Set him to play at a beginner's level, or let him loose, and he'll play a game that will keep the attention of a Master.

BORIS is unmatched as a chess teacher.

It's easy to find scores of bootaor beginners, but it's never as easy to find someone with the time and patience to teach a novice. BORIS knows every rule and move of the game, and has all the patience in the world.for beginners, but it's never as easy to find someone with the time and patience to teach a novice. BORIS knows every rule and move of the game, and has all the patience in the world.

Even if you've never played the game before, you can learn from BORIS in less than an hour.

If you're his student and unsure of your next move, simply ask BORIS to suggest the best one.

When BORIS backs you into a corner, just change places with him, and see how he battles his way out otis own trap.his own trap.

You con alter his level of play at any time to match your advancement.

While BORIS is "thinking," you can see him electronically moving pieces around the board, analyzing the effect of each move he considers.

His electronic display also shows the position of each piece on the board at any time during a game. This feature, combined with BORIS' position programming, lets you set up any board position in seconds; advancecflayers con set up board situations to practice specific strategies, and beginners can remove pieces for handicapping.players con set up board situations to practice specific strategies, and beginners can remove pieces for handicapping.

BORIS keeps you honest by displaying "ILLEGAL MOVE," if you attempt one.  

He concedes  defeat  with "CONGRATULATIONS," if you're good enough to beat him, even "STALEMATE," if you play him to a draw.

His vocabulary includes a variety of phrases which will odd flavor to your game.

He can certainly unnerve you at any time with a comment like, "I EXPECTED THAT" or "IS THIS A TRAP?"

BORIS is programmed for oil classic chess moves: castling, en passant, queening, etc.- plus, he solves all mate in two problems.

Also, BORIS is programmed for random play, so you'll never get the same game twice.

BORIS comes in a hand-crofted, solid walnut case, 10" x, solid walnut case, 10" x ZVa"" x 6%", with chess pieces and folding chess board.

You can use your own board and pieces if you prefer.

Whether you're an experienced player, a beginner, or you need a special gift for a chess buff, BORIS is definitely for you. When you sit down to challenge BORIS, be prepared for the game of your life. You'll quickly see for yourself why BORIS IS KING.


BORIS is available in fine department stores and specialty shops.

Call TOLL FREE 800-638-8280

(except from Alaska and Hawaii) for the name of the store nearest you.

 For further information write

Chafitz, Dept. 718, 856 Rockville Pike. Rockville, Md. 20852.

Dealer inquiries invited.



- General Description




- Display

When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris awaits your move.


- Front plaque


The King picture has changed from the one used in the previous versions of Boris Plays Black.
A king more stylized...
One additional line of text: Boris Is King.
One line more for the Patent Pending.


- Board

In the case E8, logo of "Boris is King".



- Documentation





Boris From Scratch! in Kit Form, Chafitz Inc.

 From original Documentation by Chafitz, Inc

Now Available In Kit Form.

Here's your chance to build BORIS, widely regarded as the world's most advanced personal Chess Computer. We have received so many requests from Hobbyists and Kit Builders, that we're offering Him now. for the first time. In Kit form.

YOU DONT HAVE TO BE AN ELECTRONIC EXPERT TO ASSEMBLE THIS ELECTRONIC MASTERPIECE!

BORIS comes ready to assemble, with easy, step by step instructions, making this kit assembly a cinch for even the novice builder. Only the highest quality components are used in this advanced microprocessor based computer, and each part has been tested to meet our rigid quality control standards.

BORIS is the perfect teacher and opponent. As a teacher, he'll suggest moves for you if you're uncertain of what to do next, or use his exclusive position programmer to set up practice games or remove pieces for handicapping.

NO OTHER PORTABLE CHESS COMPUTER PLAYS A STRONGER GAME!

BORIS will keep you on your toes and make each game much more exciting by talking to you with messages flashed from his seemingly-human brain. BORIS will play at a level to teach a child, or let him loose, and he'll keep the attention of a Master.

We're only making limited quantity available, so act now!

You'll never find an easier kit to as­semble or a more challenging finished product!

Complete Kit— $175.00

Thousands sold the world over for $300.00.

All computer parts included for you to enjoy this world famous Chess Computer.

Also includes blueprints so you may build your own enclosure!

Handsome handcrafted Walnut Case shown In photo available for additional $30.00.

ORDER IMMEDIATELY AND WE'LL PAY FOR FREIGHT AND HANDLING!










Documents from the ChessEval Collection

No doubt that the proposition to build "your own enclosure" was accepted by a lot of enthusiast customers...

 



Boris Master, Regular Edition (1979)
 
The Boris Master was particular by a bigger size of the box and by a central compartment holding the rechargeable batteries.. As a consequence, it was one of the first chess computers able to maintain its memory and for sure, the game in process...

SPECIAL FEATURES OF BORIS MASTER

Basic operation

BORIS MASTER units operate with the same simple procedures as BORIS; however, BORIS MASTER incorporates valuable additional features.

To begin a game, move the off-on switch to "on" position. To reset for a new game, move switch to "off" and then back to "on".

 

Battery power

You can play chess anywhere with BORIS MASTER, using the built-in rechargeable batteries. BORIS MASTER will operate on battery power for up to seven hours of play, or will hold a position in memory for up to five days without having to be recharged, providing batteries are fully recharged at the start.

Batteries indicate the need to recharge by dimming of the display, showing inconsistent brightness in the display, or losing sections of display characters. When any of these occur, you have only a few minutes before game memory will be lost. Switch BORIS MASTER to the "Memory" position immediately, and recharge as soon as possible before continuing play.

To recharge, simply plug the power adapter into the jack and connect to any standard 110 volt wall outlet. BORIS MASTER will recharge while play, or you can leave him to recharge with the off-on switch at the "off" position. The batteries will fully recharge in 12 hours.

 

Using the memory

BORIS MASTER has a unique memory feature which allows you to interrupt and resume games at any time. BORIS MASTER holds a chess position attained in memory for as long as he is provided with power, either through his battery, or through the adapter. This allows you to move BORIS MASTER from place to place during a game, save an interesting position to show friends, or extend battery life.

If you wish to interrupt a game but not terminate it, you must do so only after accepting one of BORIS'S moves, and before making a move of your own. Indicate to BORIS that you have accepted his latest move by pressing any of the move entry keys. Then slide the off-on switch to the "Memory" postition. BORIS MASTER'S display will go blank. When you wish to resume play, slide the switch to "on", and BORIS will display BORIS AWAITS YOUR MOVE. You may take up play with your next move exactly where you left off.


- General Description


 

- Display

When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris awaits your move.

 

- Front plaque




Boris Master, Special Edition with Plaque


- General Description

 

- Display

When the computer is turned on, the display shows: Boris awaits your move.

 

This Boris was own by Manfred Hegener, co-founder of Hegener & Glaser (Mephisto chess computers).

 



Boris Master, De Luxe Edition

 

- General Description

This Boris Master De Luxe is particular by the quality of the box: rounded angles, smooth varnish...
The box is slightly bigger than the one of the regular Boris Master.

 

 

BORIS Diplomat Bd-I (1979)


 

 

 

Modular Game System with Sargon 2.5 Module (1979)





BORIS Diplomat Bd-II (1980)





Auto Response Board (ARB-1) (1980)







Eldest Chess Computers