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Subject: Re: programmers and the wall

Author: Tony Werten

Date: 02:57:05 04/15/01

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On April 15, 2001 at 04:32:02, Christophe Theron wrote:

>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.

I think so to. I met Richard at the WMCCC in London and I explained to him how
"that nullmove stuff" worked. If he hadn't stopped he would have known.

BTW really nice to meet such a legend. ( also met David Levy there)

For who's interested: When I explained nullmove he turned to Ed schroder ( I was
playing Rebel at that time ) and said "that's kind of what we were using". Ed
agreed.

Tony

>
>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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