Author: Marty Hirsch
Date: 21:10:26 12/29/97
Go up one level in this thread
The M-Chess Opening Book is specifically intended to get the program into an active game with strength, complexity and variety, and to deal effectively (so far as possible) with the most challenging countermoves that may occur in each path. The many countermoves that are considered have come from a variety of sources including publications, humans and computer programs (M-Chess and other programs). There is a great deal of variety in the MCP7 Tournament Book, not only in the first several moves, but later on in many variations as well. There are no "trap" moves played by the MCP7 Opening Book. MCP7 is well-prepared against a lot of good moves, and also ready for a number of objectively worse moves that may either be tempting, plausible, or challenging. We DO NOT "go after" specific opponents looking for errors in their books or play to capitalize on. We do of course test our programs against various opponents, and hope we are as solid as possible, upon release. If we try an opening against a given opponent and do not like the result, we may change the line, or not, depending on the circumstances. On the other hand, we may win, but later decide that an opening is unsound--there is a countermove that has not been played, but that could defeat our strategy--then, generally, we change the book. Sandro has included some practically complete games in the book. I think that is more book moves than are necessary. I am greatly in favor of more opening variety, and I like the computer learning features a lot. It is risky to rely on published "theory" without first reviewing it carefully. The rise in computer chess strength has punched gaping holes in so-called "theory". The MCP7 Opening Library is an attempt to improve on that. Do I have any comments on what should or should not be acceptable in book construction? Yes, I do. All weak and aimless moves should be stamped out. -Marty Hirsch, author, M-Chess Professional
This page took 0 seconds to execute
Last modified: Thu, 15 Apr 21 08:11:13 -0700
Current Computer Chess Club Forums at Talkchess. This site by Sean Mintz.