Author: Amir Ban
Date: 14:18:46 10/10/97
Last Tuesday the Israeli Chess Federation adopted a new league charter that bans computers. The new charter specifically excludes any sort of "software" and frequently attaches the word "human" wherever players are described. This reverses a 1994 decision to allow computers in the league, and ends Junior's three-season career in the leagues, the last one in the major league. There were three failed attempts in the past to reverse the decision. On this 4th time, the resolution was passed with 5 votes for, 4 against and 2 abstentions. This decision was expected ever since Almog Burstein, Israeli envoy to FIDE, became head of the league subcommittee. Before the 1997 season, there was a wildcat attempt to strike out Junior from the league lists. A court of appeals overturned that act, but required the federation to hold a new discussion on computers before the 1998 season. As a result, Junior missed the beginning of the season but managed to play 4 games in 1997 (2 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw). The Israeli major league is one of the world's strongest, with more than 20 GMs and most players above 2400 ELO. The decision was influenced by narrow interests. All three club chairmen who were present voted for, and some openly said that having no computer, they are at a disadvantage. Interestingly, all players and ex-players who were present voted in favor of computers. We presented a letter, signed by all six members of the Israeli National Team, approving of computer participation and saying that they have no problem in playing against a computer themselves. The Professional sub-committee, headed by GM Alon Greenfeld, also submitted an opinion in favour of computers. Some of the arguments to support the resolution were: - Computers are not allowed by FIDE. - No other league in the world has computers. - Computers have unfair advantages. It's like doing a 100m race against a car. - An interesting argument: Unlike humans, computers can participate in two events at the same time. Mr. Burstein said after the resolution was adopted: "You have now prevented the possibility that Junior would play in Paris and the league at the same time" :) (The league starts in January, BTW). Amir
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