Author: Christophe Theron
Date: 01:32:02 04/15/01
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On April 14, 2001 at 17:08:43, Rajen Gupta wrote:
>i've noticed ever since i've been following computer chess that there is a
>programming cycle at the end of which a particular programme gets exhausted and
>then reaches a plateau.presumably the programmer has milked everything possible
>from the programming technique he uses for his programme, after which unless he
>tries something new, there is a flat line.this is esp true for the
>champions-once a champion has lost his crown, he never makes a comeback; remains
>a has been-genius; mcpro; rebel; hiarcs, now fritz is struggling to retain its
>top spot with the twin assault from the 2 tigers!
>
>wonder who's going to displace chris theron in 2-3 yrs time?
>
>( i'm sure of one thing though-the next champ, under whatever guise it is
>now,will be definitely be wearing the chessbase colours)
>
>rajen
I don't believe in this plateau theory.
I believe that the programs keep improving while the programmers are working
heavily on them.
When the programs stop improving, you can be 90% sure that the programmer is not
working hard on it anymore.
For example I almost sure Richard Lang stopped serious computer chess
programming in 1994 or 1995. It has been the end of the Genius dominance. I
cannot believe that he has tried hard to improve after Genius3. He is obviously
too good. If he had worked hard, he would have improved.
In the end, the most important factor in the AGE of the programmer. For each
programmer there comes a time where the passion fades away. It is related to the
age, I'm sure. Your interests change with your age, that obvious.
I'm 36. I have been writting chess programs for 20 years (not full time
however). How many years of good chess programming do I still have? Can I
seriously compete with some 18 years old, young, fresh and motivated programming
geniuses?
Another important factor is managing to make money with your chess program. If
you can't make money with it, then even if you are very good you won't be able
to improve your program. It is possible that the best chess programmer in the
world is not a professional chess programmer. Maybe it's one of the amateur
programmers, but we will never know.
Christophe
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