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Subject: Re: How to adjust Draw Score inside F6 GUI?

Author: James T. Walker

Date: 14:16:05 04/08/02

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On April 08, 2002 at 11:24:14, K. Burcham wrote:

>On April 08, 2002 at 11:01:45, James T. Walker wrote:
>
>>On April 08, 2002 at 10:46:12, Jeroen van Dorp wrote:
>>
>>>You must change the contempt value through the engine parameter dialogue box.
>>>
>>>Right click on the engine name at the top of the engine window and click on
>>>engine parameters. Now adjust the contempt value in pawn value (1 pawn = 100)
>>>
>>>From the help file
>>>
>>><quote>
>>>Contempt value: A very strong program can sometimes trick itself into a draw by
>>>showing too much respect for the opponent. On a fast machine, the program may
>>>suddenly start to repeat moves, because it has seen some very deep lines which
>>>is slightly better for the opponent (even though the opponent has no chance of
>>>actually finding the line). To counteract this tendency, we have introduced a
>>>"contempt factor", which essentially tells the program to play on against weak
>>>opponents.
>>>
>>>Setting a positive contempt value will cause the program to avoid draws, while a
>>>positive value will make it go for a draw even if it thinks it is better. This
>>>essentially shows respect for the opponent. The value is in hundredths of a
>>>pawn, so setting 50 means that the program will play for a win, even if it
>>>thinks its half a pawn down (which can easily be the case in certain openings).
>>>If the program is playing against a top grandmaster it is usually better to set
>>>minus 50, so it will play overconfidently and take a draw if the opportunity
>>>arises.
>>></quote>
>>>
>>>J.
>>
>>That's the biggest bunch of gobbledygook I've ever seen.
>
>why are you saying that James. or are you kidding. are you saying that this code
>cannot be written. please explain your opinion, unless you are just
>joking.
>kburcham

Hello Ken,
I'm not kidding.  Do you mean to tell me you understand the first sentence of
the second paragraph?  It contradicts itself all in one sentence.

"Setting a positive contempt value will cause the program to avoid draws, while
a positive value will make it go for a draw even if it thinks it is better."

How can a positive setting cause it to both "avoid draws" and "go for a draw"???

I'm getting old so maybe my reading comprehension has deteriorated recently.  Do
you work for Chessbase?
Jim



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