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Subject: Re: Anti-human programs as completely separate entities

Author: Mike S.

Date: 13:27:55 10/11/02

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On October 11, 2002 at 15:34:54, Roy Eassa wrote:

>(...)
>But my thinking is not a simple checkbox or small change to the program, but
>rather a completely different set of algorithms.  Basically, a completely
>different program with entirely different logic.

I guess, an effective search algorithm which is good for the "standard" engine,
will also be good for an anti-human engine. Maybe search algos have to be
different when the evaluation is much bigger, I don't know.

The programs which are known to use more knowledge, like Hiarcs or Shredder,
reach similar depths with lesser nodes, so they are competive among comps. But I
think if there would be *much* more knowledge included, the loss of depth would
harm not only the performance against comps but also against GMs. GMs are
extremely good in every category of chess, including tactics.

It's different with a system like Brutus, where you can - as it was reported -
add much knowledge to the evalutation chip without loosing speed.

Also there's no general anti-human strategy independent from the humans strength
level I think. Against weakers players below ~2200 for example, programs can
afford a tactical oriented game basically, don't need to be positional giants,
and can afford somewhat more risk than against comps. Some progs play like that
anyway, even without human/comp switch. Main things to care for in addition are
to avoid closed pawn centers and trojan sacs.

It's probably different against a class of players of 2200 to ~2600, and again
above 2600. I'm not really capable to come to a solid based opinion about that
calibres of players, so to speak. Probably you'd need to be more near their
strength to have an idea. But what's known is (as Bob Hyatt also has explained
often) that those players can spot, and utilize every type of weakness in an
opponents play. I guess they are used to it, from preparations against their
human opponents.

Kramnik demonstrates that, too.

From the impressions I have of various programs, I (still) believe that Nimzo is
particularly unpleasant for human players of lesser strength, just like it is
now (i.e. N8) without additional anti-human things. That it's not in the very
top among progs anymore, doesn't matter much in that respect. It's not
speculative IMO, but has an extremely sharp style. It's pieces are like the
tooth of a shark. It seems that it's not good in the endgame compared to others
unfortunately, but that doesn't matter much. You won't see any endgame anyway
when playing against Nimzo :o).

But OTOH if it should be that Nimzo's tactics are no threat for a GM, it may be
one of the easiest opponents for them.

But you can't expect to beat a GM with knowledge, when they know more exceptions
than an average player knows rules... :o)

Regards,
M.Scheidl



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