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Subject: Re: About 'understanding' the game

Author: Dann Corbit

Date: 16:19:29 06/15/01

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On June 15, 2001 at 19:06:17, Gian-Carlo Pascutto wrote:
>Jose Carlos wrote:
[snip]
>> A.2. Computers and humans do not compare (like the soldier and the tank).
>
>I think this holds a lot of truth.
>
>> B. If we speak of 'quantities' (namely ELO rating), we can certainly compare
>>    humans and programs, and say _with numbers_ if programs perform like GM's
>>    or not.
>
>This assumes you can express GM in term of an ELO rating. I do not think
>that is possible, or at least has any meaning.

A horrible, incorrect, and sweeping generalization:
1.  GM's plan for half and hour and then chop your head off with a samurai
sword.
2.  Computers cram your head into a meat grinder and slowly turn the lever.

Neither one feels very nice, but at least the carrion birds can have something
to eat later on in either case.

Some GM's play like computers (Morphy/Polgar are tactical freaks)

Some computers play like GM's (Yace, Fritz, Rebel, Chess Tiger at times -- for
example) will come up with dazzling moves that pay off in the long run and seem
strange at first, just like a GM.

I think we can reach a consensus on something:
1.  Are GM's better than most of us at playing chess?  Sure, that's why they are
GM's.
2.  Are computer chess programs better than most of us at playing chess?  Sure,
they almost never make a mistake.  The least tiny slip and they grind you into
powder.

Therefore:
Computers and GM's are better than most of us are at playing chess.  Anyone
surprised at this marvel of logical induction?



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