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Subject: Re: I don't think wmcc results is enough reliable, isn't it?

Author: Charles Milton Ling

Date: 19:18:07 08/24/00

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On August 24, 2000 at 18:53:53, Eran wrote:

>Different chess programs use different processor speed, and the results may not
>be fair. If Junior uses Pentium III 1000 Mhz instead of 700 Mhz, Junior might be
>a bit stronger and belong to the group of top chess programs, Shredder, Fritz,
>and Nimzo. I assume that if all chess programs use the same processor speed
>exactly, for instance Pentium III 1000 Mhz, the wmcc results will be enough
>reliable and fair. Do you agree with it?
>
>Eran

It is hardly my place to comment on this, as my computer literacy is minimal,
but I do know a little bit about statistics, and a bit more about Chess.

I do not understand why such a tournament is *ever* held except on a
uniform-platform basis.  A "level playing field" (I think it is called) is aimed
at in all competitions; I fail to understand why this requirement is waived
here.  (I do, of course, realize that processors are only part of the equation,
but still...)

The fact that the final result would still (given a uniform platform) have a
considerable degree of randomness does not distress me.  Are matters different
in human tournaments?  X has a cold, Y has just married, Z is still chafing from
his/her -2 result in the last Category XVIII...  We still cheer W, who won - to
everyone's surprise.  Let's see him/her repeat that next time!

The big difference might be that the top humans play several tournaments a year,
whereas the top programs (leaving aside the fact that not all of them are always
represented in the Championship) only have one WMCC a year.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone here - you have greatly
contributed to my understanding of things that were entirely dark to me; just by
 following your discussions, I cannot fail to learn a little bit.  This is a
wonderful forum, even for the neophyte.

All best,
Charley



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