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Subject: Re: Computer Correspondence Chess Challenge (Ham)

Author: Ralf Elvsén

Date: 18:36:12 07/27/00

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On July 27, 2000 at 17:15:33, blass uri wrote:

>
>I do not see how you decide about the positional level of them.
>They can often play very good positional moves(it may be because of search but
>it does not change the fact that club players will probably lose against
>computers even if they can aska computer if their move is a tactical
>blunder(more than 1/2 pawn error)

From my own experience (which is what counts for me :) this isn't true.
I often play semi-blitz (5 10) against programs and get quite a few draws
(I would guess 15% of the games). Very many of the other games are
"almost draws" where I blunder in a dead even position (often an
endgame).  A blunder checker would give me draws in at least
50% of the games.

About a year ago, when I for a while had two computers at home
I played "advanced" (well...) chess. I let Hiarcs run on one computer
and I used the other to analyze with Crafty. 6 games at 40/2
ended with 3 - 3, and I played for a win in all of these. Had I
played for a draw I would be very surprised if I didn't get
it most of the times.

The problems with blunder checkers is that it's hard to manage
time. One has to practise alot. I did often run up and down along
lines without thinking the way one should when playing. On two
occasions I lost a game because I didn't give Crafty enough time
to find the blunder. Both where tactical shots I may had spotted
myself if I had played alone :) So there is truth in what you
say that a blunder checker doesn't solve all problems. It has to
be used with care.

>
>The game of Steve Ham with black against nimzo is a good example because Steve
>Ham did not do a clear tactical error(there was no big change in the evaluation
>of nimzo) but Nimzo is probably going to win the game.
>
>It proves that even better than club players can have problems against computers
>even without tactical mistakes.

Yes, but as he pointed out, it's an unbalanced position. If he had
played for a draw (i.e. not sacrificed the exchange, or first of
all not played the dragon) I think he would have no problems
at all. Strong players will certainly have problems winning
(as I guess you meant). Not losing is another matter.

Ralf

>
>Uri



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