Author: Albert Silver
Date: 23:15:30 05/08/00
Go up one level in this thread
On May 09, 2000 at 01:07:17, Bruce Moreland wrote:
>On May 08, 2000 at 19:58:12, Mike S. wrote:
>
>>On May 08, 2000 at 13:15:32, Bruce Moreland wrote:
>>
>>>It is possible that Bosboom was afraid to lose to the computer, but it is also
>>>possible that he is someone who does not want to be forced into intimate
>>>contact with them, and this should be respected if possible.
>>
>>Interesting new thought in this context (and with a subtle irony in your words,
>>if I understand it right).
>>
>>As I am much more used to play computers than people, I think I have this
>>emotion against humans. So, if I should ever play a tournament, maybe I'll
>>refuse playing against them and play the computers only...
>>
>>But to be serious: I doubt if the top priority of a master who refuses to play
>>against a computer, is still chess? If I were in their place, I'd compete with
>>whomever or whatever is put in front of me at the other side of the board. I'd
>>play the devil himself and give him a hell of a game. I may loose, but still
>>call myself a chess player.
>>
>>Regards,
>>M.Scheidl
>
>The people who play in these events are a little fraternity, and they don't want
>their world shaken up so much. Many of them expect a particular kind of
>experience, and their level of concentration is so very high that they fear the
>distraction caused by changes in the experience.
This is all very smug and I don't agree with it at all. How do you know that
that is why they complained? Did it read:
Reasons we the players object to the participation of Fritz:
Article 1
We are a little fraternity and do not appreciate being shaken up so much.
Article 2
We expect a particular kind of experience.
Article 3
Our level of concentration is very high and we fear the distraction caused by
the changes in this experience.
Article 4
It doesn't come dressed in the proper attire.
Article 5
<blank> to be filled in later.
Before judging the players it might be a good idea to hear their arguments.
Personally, I would have objected for two reasons:
- The players' opinion was not taken into consideration.
- A program has no business being in a national championship. The problem isn't
strength nor is it cyber phobia. It is simply the principle of what a national
championship is about. That's all. Want to put it in a category 25 tournament?
No problem. In a giant open? No problem. But not in a national championship.
There I disagree wholeheartedly.
I don't understand what all this macho BS about being a real chess player or
artist is all about. That's just trolling IMO.
I can see that Bosboom's decision is very controversial, but perhaps he didn't
have the means to do the honourable thing. Here is the problem: half the prize
money was indeed contributed by Chessbase, but a player who refuses to play
Fritz isn't out HALF the prize money, he is out ALL of the prize money. Suppose
you had a rare chance to vie for the title of national champion thanks to your
efforts and hard work. You then find yourself in a position similar to Bosboom's
where you object adamantly against Fritz's participation but your voice (and
that of the other players) is ignored. You have 4 options:
1) Play the program all the same.
2) Play in the tournament but play the minimum one move against the program.
3) Play in the tournament but not against the program. No prize money.
4) Not play in the tournament.
Option 1 under the circumstances is completely unacceptable. Option 4 is
unacceptable for possibly two reasons: you need to play in the tournament
because you need the money OR you refuse to give up the chance to become
national champion because of this episode. Option 3 might be linked to the last
in which case you find an ugly balance between your principles and an empty
stomach, so it gets ruled out. So you opt for number two. A grey area
undoubtedly, but balanced out by the very injustice that you have to make a
decision.
Albert Silver
>
>Of course there are probably a few who just like to bitch about everything, too.
> It seems to be an aspect of the chess playing experience.
>
>bruce
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