Author: Stephen Ham
Date: 13:42:03 04/14/00
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Dear Jouni, Dann, James and others, Thanks for your interest in the Computer Correspondence Chess Challenge! Yes, I too think the chess engines have indeed performed well to date. I confess they have done much better that I ever expected. However, I just sent my move in for Fritz 6a-Ham and Fritz 6a now admits it is clearly inferior. I think I have a large advantage now...one that might be winning with the proper technique. My move (29...Qxb2) and commentary will likely be posted late tonight (4/14) or tomorrow morning. Perhaps I'm the only one who doesn't think that Ham-Nimzo 7.32 is better for Black, Nimzo 7.32 "thinks" is has a large advantge. I'm curious what Nimzo "sees" now, because I think I have the easier part of equality since I see lot's of places where it can err. It is a very complex position, however, as both sides have played sharply and unbalanced the position to obtain dynamism. My fear though, is that with the chess engine's 20 ply searches, that possibly I'm the one missing something. We'll all know for sure in a few more days. Jouni, regarding the "non-optimal 3-variation mode", as you know the chess engines are now only displaying the primary mode. The search depth deepened by 1-2 ply from 17-18 ply to 19-20 ply, but this may be partly due to reduced material on the board. I think Dan is absolutely correct about the transition to endgame "like" positions. I sense that the chess engines have recently played less than optimal moves in that transition. Hopefully I can exploit this. I should point out that the chess engines have been out of their deep opening books for, on average, only about 12 moves. Nimzo 7.32 especially stayed in safe main line opening theory, so it couldn't get hurt quickly. Ham-Fritz 6 could have been an early win for me, had I not played like the human that I am and goofed my move order up, giving the computer a saving defense. Meanwhile, I think I gradually outplayed Fritz as Black once it left the safety of its opening book. In summary, given their deep opening books and great tactical skills combined with fantastic search depth, it's unrealistic to expect me to quickly win. My style is more technical than tactical, involving the gradual accumulation of small positional advantages. Therefore, these games still have a lot of play left. I just hope to be able to hold my head up high and still post here, regardless of the result! I still think I will win the match, but I'm now quite impressed by how strong these monsters are. Stephen Ham
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