Author: Matthew Barnett
Date: 12:10:59 07/02/01
The following appeared in 'Doors' an internet and computer/technology related supplement in The Sunday Times (UK) on 1st July 2001. I've numbered the questions but everything else remains as it was published accept for a picture of Kramnik. There is no mention of his forthcoming match against Deep Fritz. His answer to question 2 might interest the international software police and various local constabularies in Russia! ;) But his answer to question 6 is interesting - Kasparov losing by 'accident' to Deep Blue?! * _Star check_ Vladimir Kramnik, 25, is the world chess champion. He discusses the technology in his life with Richard Johnson 1 What is your main reason for using a computer? I subscribe to ChessBase (www.chessbase.com), an internet service that keeps records of 2m chess games. It is updated every day. If I am playing someone, I usually study their last three months' games. 2 Is technology cheaper in Russia? I understand there is a big grey market? Freinds acquire technology for me, so I take no interest in the price or where it comes from. I only bother about it working. 3 What computer do you own, and where did you buy it? I do not want to advertise the name publicly. I have a hugely powerful laptop with a big screen. 4 How much did it cost? It is priceless. It's not about cost. It's not even about the information stored on it, because that is all encrypted and backed up. It is about time - the time it would take to buy a new one and set up all my files and databases. It stores all the moves I am thinking of playing, comments on tournaments I have played in and my ideas. So I never let it out of my sight. 5 Do you practise against the computer? Not very often. It is different from playing a human opponent. A computer plays soulless chess. 6 Which is better? Ten years ago the human was much stronger. But now I would say they are more or less equal. I know that Kasparov lost to Deep Blue, but I think that was an accident. Chess is a mathematical game, and to play a mathematical game better than a computer is a real challenge. 7 Do you have a mobile phone? I have four - three for Russia and one for the rest of the world. One that is always switched off and just for messages, one for friends and family, and one for business. 8 How good was the last DVD film you played? I am Russian, and we enjoy a different school of cinema. I like Kubrick, and movies where you have to think - not just sit back and wait for a bomb to explode. Having said that, the last film I watched was Gladiator. * Regards Matthew
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