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Subject: Re: Computer chess tournaments and hardware

Author: Keith Ian Price

Date: 01:07:43 07/04/02

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On July 03, 2002 at 01:59:46, Russell Reagan wrote:

>On July 03, 2002 at 01:16:19, Adam Oellermann wrote:
>
>>Isn't that supposed to be the spirit of the distinction between WMCCC and WCCC?
>>To be honest, I long for the glory days of yore when behemoth computers slugged
>>it out in these tournaments.
>
>Maybe, I have no idea what the difference between WMCCC and WCCC is. Perhaps you
>could enlighten me :)

WCCC is the World Computer chess championship. It is held every three years,
this year being the first since 1998. The next is 2005. Any hardware is allowed.
It predates microcomputers, and so is the original. It really tests excellence
in computer chess, which has always been a combination of hardware and software,
and pushes the envelope.

WMCCC is the World Micro-Computer Chess Championship. It is held on the years
when the WCCC is not. All programs must run on "standard"
"commercially-available" PCs. The adjectives are in quotes because those
definitions has been stretched in the last few years. In any case there has been
no guarantee of equal hardware even in the WMCCC, just commercially available,
so whoever could afford the latest and greatest micro would have some advantage
over those who could not. The idea is to show which program might be best for
those of us without unlimited budgets, but since it can end up being a battle of
killer books, it has not always shown even that. It does provide bragging rights
for the winner and his program.

If you want equal hardware, and engine-engine evals, SSDF and those who test
with two equal machines like Thorsten are going to give an outcome closer to
reality than any CC tournament. With Thorsten, you also get lively commentary.
;-)

>
>I suppose part of me likes the idea that I could potentially participate in
>something like this. I think it would be a great experience one day. If people
>are going to start bringing 1024-processor machines, then that doesn't sound
>quite as fun to me since any minute chance I had of winning just went right out
>the window. Maybe I'm being selfish though.

WMCCC sounds closest to what you want. No one would make a killer book for your
program, until they find out it is a threat.

kp

>
>Russell



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