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Subject: Re: Are computers stronger at 40/2hours compared to 3min/move?

Author: stuart taylor

Date: 15:05:19 05/14/03

Go up one level in this thread


On May 14, 2003 at 17:53:59, Dann Corbit wrote:

>On May 14, 2003 at 17:23:47, Uri Blass wrote:
>
>>On May 14, 2003 at 14:59:17, Dann Corbit wrote:
>>
>>>On May 14, 2003 at 14:53:58, J. C. Boco wrote:
>>>
>>>>I've been musing about different computers, both dedicated and software for
>>>>PC's.  I've recently had a new thought which I'm sure is old-stuff to all of you
>>>>veterans out there.
>>>>
>>>>I usually play with the level setting which states the average response time for
>>>>the computer to make one move.  For example let's say the level is "3 minutes on
>>>>average for each move".
>>>>
>>>>But I could achieve the same time control by setting the computer up for 40
>>>>moves in 2 hours, and let the computer budget its time.
>>>>
>>>>While I can see that the time control of 40/2hours may make the machine a little
>>>>stronger since it can search deeper (longer) in hairy positions, just how much
>>>>stronger will it get?
>>>>
>>>>My lay guess is the 40/2hours time control is not much stronger than the 1 move
>>>>every (on average) 3 minutes.  Does anyone have any insight?
>>>
>>>Depends on how you look at it.  At slow time controls computers will play better
>>>and have fewer mistakes.
>>>
>>>However, the ratings for computer programs are much higher at fast game rates,
>>>and the faster the time control the higher the rating.
>>>
>>>Imagine playing game in 10 seconds and you can imagine why.
>>
>>He does not talk about faster time control.
>>
>>3 minutes/move is the same average time per move like 2 hours/40 moves.
>
>Yes, I see now.
>
>In that case, the computer will lose some strength, since they will not be able
>to resolve a fail low if it occurs.  There is a lot more flexibility at 40/2
>than at 3 minutes per move.

3 minutes a move is weaker, because when it's 40/2 it prunes the time
distribution for better results, using time more purposefully.
If you spend 3 minutes for an only-legal-move, then that is definitely a 3
minute waste. Don't you (whoever asks the question) realize that?
S.Taylor



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