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Subject: Re: 3 computer chess myths: which one has proven to be true?

Author: Ricardo Gibert

Date: 03:25:27 04/23/02

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On April 22, 2002 at 09:01:30, Jouni Uski wrote:

All 3 appear true to me.

>1. program X plays relatively better against humans than against computers

This can be illustrated by considering 2 possible programs: Program A tries to
play open positions. Program B tries to play closed positions.

When either program plays another program, they play on a more or less equal
footing. For example, in closed positions, they are equally clueless.

When Program A plays humans, it does reasonably well, since it tries to play
positions programs are good at against humans. When Program B plays humans, it
does poorly, since it tries to play positions programs are poor at against
humans.

This is, admittedly, an artificial example, but how it differs from actual
programs is only a matter of degree to me.

>2. program Y plays relatively better with longer time control

This should tend to be true of programs with a lower EBF. Naturally, this
presupposes the program has arrived at its lower EBF by some reasonable means
e.g. a program uses R=2 nullmove in non-endgames, while an otherwise identical
program does not.

>3. there are diminishing returns from speed doubling, when search depth is
>   increased

In theory, you can double the speed until a program plays perfectly. Further
doubling will not improve the programs play.

Twenty years ago, the rule of thumb was that programs increase in strength by
100 rating points with each doubling of speed. Today the rule of thumb tends to
be more like only 40-50 rating points. It's gradually coming down. Not
conclusive, but it would be pretty weird if "3." were not true.

>
>I think definitely 3. is true - only the size of diminishing is unclear. E.g.
>from latest SSDF list (yes comp-comp play!) doubling gives only 40 points at
>current top level against 75 previously. But 1 and 2 are still open cases.
>
>Jouni



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