Author: Christophe Theron
Date: 14:18:59 10/14/97
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I don't see why your opponent could demand your clock to be accurate. I plan to use a simple clock sheme: my program knows the time controls, and it knows the time I take to manipulate (I shall use 10 seconds for this tournament). This 10 seconds cushion is enough, I know it by experience, to take care of clock and/or operator problems, because my real operating time is about 4-5 seconds per move. I have no way to adjust the program's elapsed time, so the only thing I can do is correct the time control. So if I see I'm really going to fall on time control (due to abnormally long operating time), I decrease the time control. For example on a 1h game, I could correct it and say 57mn time control, because of a 3mn time error. I never adjust in the other way, that is, giving more time to the program because I did the moves so quickly. I do not display the clocks (except an estimation of the remaining time till next time control, displayed before the start of the search) because this version is prototype and has no graphical interface. Anyway, the remaining time displayed is enough information. I took part of many computer or human tournaments and never had any problem. And it's TOO LATE for me to modify my program to 1) display time controls for both side 2) implement a way to correct the elapsed/remaining time If the tournament rules are changed this way, it's like throwing me out of this event. One other thing: do you realize what it is to have your opponent demanding a clock adjustment when you are in deep time problems in a tight ending? My opinion: if you want a simple rule, here it is: NO TIME ADJUSTMENT. Everybody is responsible for giving its program a good cushion, and not falling asleep in the middle of the game. This could make the tournament director's life easier, too. And no cheating. In special cases, there could be exceptions, but there must be a very good reason for this (power supply interrupted for example, or earthcake). Simply being in time crisis because of poor operator time is not a good reason. In that case, your opponent wins. Period. Regards Christophe Theron
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