Author: Robert Henry Durrett
Date: 06:15:17 06/07/02
We all know that it's just a matter of time before chess computers will be able to effortlessly whip the strongest GMs. Maybe this year. Maybe next. But soon. So, after that, what would "the users" wish to be the direction of chess computer development? Chess computer users who use their computers for analysis will want their chess computers to continue to become stronger and stronger, without bound. They will want their silicon analysis tool to consistently produce moves much stronger than any human could consistently come up with, and do in "no time flat." These users will wish to see a continuation of the trend toward exceedingly strong chess computers. But what about those users who wish to play chess against their computers? Such users have a very legitimate desirement: To optimize their "silicon chess buddy" so that they will get the most educational and fun practice available. It is a well known fact that you learn most by playing opponents who are stronger but not so strong as to be discouraging. It is often said that playing against humans who are 100 rating points above you will give you the best benefit. The obvious way for chess computer designers to provide that capability is to design "precision handicapping" into their computers. Whether the user is an absolute beginner or the likes of Kramnik or Kasparov, the desirement will be the same: to be able to set the chess computer so that it will play exactly 100 rating points above the user's skill level. It should be easy to chess computer's skill level to within 10 or 20 rating points of the desired performance level and to be confident that the chess computer's performance will be at that level. Since most users will wish to develop their skill at winning against human opponents, it is important that the chess computer perform like a human. Once such a tool becomes available, users will cheer loudly. Bob D.
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