Millennium ChessGenius PRO 2024 Chess Computer (M815)

I am a long time fan of the Millennium line or Chess Computers starting with the Millennium Orion 2000 to the Millennium Intelligent Chess Computer and more recently the Millennium Chess Genius and the Millennium King Performance.

I have a broad range on retro chess computers that use various styles of segment LCD displays so the LCD displays on the Intelligent Chess Computer and the Chess Genius did not bother me. However, I would have to say that the full colour backlit LCD display on the latest Chess Genius Pro 2024 is a very welcome update and makes a tangible difference to the playing experience.

I would have liked the Analysis Display to have been full screen or at least the piece letter (K for King, N for Knight etc) used instead of the hard to decipher piece symbols. One can get by so it is a minor niggle.

My favourite two aspects of the Chess Genius Pro 2024 over the Chess Genius is that the tutor on the Chess Genius Pro 2024 not only warns of mistakes but also shows the next three half moves (ply) so that the player has some chance to understand why the tutor is giving the warning in the first place. I also like that when the game is finished, one can select from the menu to go back to the beginning of the game and then use the two player/analysis feature to step through the game move by move to see what alternative moves were available. These two features will definitely improve any Chess player's ability. On the previous Chess Genius, one had to go back through a game step by step to do the same thing. Being able to jump to the start of the game on the Chess Genius Pro 2024 is a very welcome update.

I also like the updated sound effects that are a nice deviation from the traditional beep-beep alerts. I especially like the applause sound when I win a game. The in-game sounds are notably quieter than the start up and shut down jingle. This might irk some people. Here too I like the choice of jingle as it reminds me of the one used for the early versions of Yahoo Messenger and the good times I had.

One thing that is worthy of note is how surprisingly heavy the computer is, especially as Millennium intended the machine to be sleek and travel friendly. It is notably heavier than the bulkier Chess Genius.

Another thing to note is that compared to the Millennium Intelligent Chess Computer, the beginner levels on the Chess Genius Pro 2024 are notably stronger and even with tutor, might put off some outright beginner players. The beginner levels on the Intelligent Chess Computer are much more beginner friendly, especially owing to the limited opening book and the four ply search depth. I do not own any of Millennium's Chess School computer series available through Chess & Bridge to make a comparison but I would probably do your research if you are an outright beginner as the Chess School series my be better for you.

If you are a Novice Player and above, you shouldn't have any problems with the beginner levels.

Overall, I like the new design and option implementation on the Chess Genius Pro 2024. I think Millennium have found their focus again in their portable Chess Computer series. I am very pleased with my purchase.

Chess & Bridge offered a hassle free and speedy order and delivery process. The computer was well packaged and delivered by courier.