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Subject: Strategy vs Tactics in Computer Programs

Author: Mike Hood

Date: 05:36:39 04/20/02


After the Smirin vs Shredder match voices became loud saying "Today's computer
programs may be brilliant at chess tactics, but they are still weak at chess
strategy". I agree with this statement, except for the word "still". My
contention is that it is not possible to give computer programs any strategical
understanding whatsoever. Everything is based on positional evaluation and
search depth. If the search depth is deep enough, a computer may make a series
of moves that simulate a strategy, but that's all it is: a simulation; a fake.

Strategy is all about looking at the board and planning a series of moves to
achieve a goal, whether it's a positional improvement or material gain. Computer
programs don't do this. All they do is look at the current position and choose
the next move. That's all.



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