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Subject: Re: What do programmers think about a chess algorithm??

Author: Bob Durrett

Date: 14:04:29 12/11/02

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On December 10, 2002 at 20:59:14, Ricardo Gibert wrote:

>On December 09, 2002 at 22:26:11, Bernardo Wesler wrote:
>
>>Do they consider it as an uthopy?
>
>By "chess algorithm" I assume you specifically mean one that can solve chess.
>Also, perhaps you intend the word "utopian" in place of "as an uthopy." This is
>what I will assume.
>
>>If so, what is the scientific reason?
>>If it was possible, how far are they from that point? Did they find any
>>evidence?
>
>There is an algorithm that is proven to guarantee perfect play called minimax. A
>trivial, but substantial improvement is called alpha-beta. In either case, the
>result is purely of a theoretical nature. The problem is that the algorithm
>takes a prohibitive amount of time to execute. For all intents and purposes it
>would take forever...with current hardware.

Perhaps this "taking forever" problem is sufficient motivation to find an
alternative proof that does not "take forever."

My gut feel is that a suitable proof must be inductive for the case where
50-move and repetition of position rules [or any similar limitations on the
number of moves] are waived.  Whenever you have something that can "go to
infinity," an inductive proof is indicated.

But if the 50-move and repetition of position rules are imposed, my gut feel
tells me that there is an upper bound on the size of a solution tree.  Maybe in
that case an inductive proof is not essential.

But if a solution tree is extremely large, it is effectively infinite.  So, even
in that case, the search for an inductive proof is indicated.

I wish I could produce an inductive proof to illustrate my point.  Incidentally,
giving a position to illustrate my point would also be nice.  Maybe next time.

Bob D.


>
>>Anyway, which is the possibility to get a very powerful chess engine or program
>>or soft that depends almost nothing upon the hardware?
>>Thx.
>>Dr Wesler
>>blwesler@mail.retina.ar



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