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Subject: Re: Just learning capability?

Author: Mogens Larsen

Date: 03:19:46 06/13/00

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On June 13, 2000 at 03:30:37, Dann Corbit wrote:

>I don't think I am missing the point.  People think that computers have an
>unfair advantage, so they want to cripple them.  I disagree adamantly.
>
>It is humans who have the unfair advantage.  Just because they don't apply it
>properly is not the computer's fault.
>
>Humans have opening books.  Does anyone have to sit and think to decide that 1.
>e4 or 1. d4 is better than 1. f4 or 1. h4?
>
>No thought is required because we have memorized the openings.  Some very good
>players have memorized very deeply.  Their "opening book" is probably as large
>or larger than any computer opening book.

Well, computers play chess in a different way using calculation, while human
players play chess using their understanding of the game itself. That gives
different advantages and disadvantages. In principle computers have to use time
on each single move, whether it be the first or the last. I think the average
thinking time would be very similar. Human players would use less time in the
opening and endgame and much more in the middlegame. A computer would use more
time in the opening and endgame phase and less in the middlegame. I don't think
there's any timedisadvantage without a book.

Opening knowledge is an inherent part of the human understanding of chess. The
same doesn't apply for computer programs. This and endgame knowledge is a part
of the game of chess. When you play chess for the first time then every move
looks okay, but you gradually learn what works and what doesn't. The same should
apply for computer programs. If it can't play the game... well, then it's just
too bad.

BTW, I wish you would stop implying that GM's are cowards and chickens just
because they dislike playing against a piece of software. It's not only grossly
unfair, but also unjustified (and understandable).

Best wishes...
Mogens



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