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Subject: A thoughtful answer to the tired question, "Are computers GM strength?"

Author: Jeff Anderson

Date: 01:31:05 07/15/00


For a long time I have observed the debate in this forum, "Are Computers GM
strength in tournament time controls?" or some such thing.  This is question is
impossible to answer unless we define what is meant by "GM Strength".  To answer
the question do we disect the programs play or the programs results?  I assert
that the only way to aswer the question is through the results of the top
programs.

Some critics of the belief that the top computer chess programs are GM strength,
such as Robert Hyatt, argue that 'the computer makes this move that no GM or
even a class player would make', or that 'the computer lost in a fashion which I
very rarely see a GM lose in', or that the computer 'lacked a plan' or
'demonstrated a clear lack of chess understanding'.  But these arguments are
silly.  It is true that in some positions the computer will play weaker than in
others, but this is just its style.  If these defects were serious enough that
the program would not be considered GM strength, then the porgrams opponents
would prevent it from demonstrating GM results.  Despite errors in certain types
of positions the computers have demonstrated a clear ability to demonstrate GM
results.

The computers are GM strength.
A top program on good hardware will not perform below GM level in a standard
time control tournament of humans ever again.

Jeff



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