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

Author: Earl Fuller

Date: 15:58:35 05/14/03

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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?


You will reach one of the highest possible playing strength at 40/2
The reason is simple. Time management!
But, in order for you to play any dedicated computer at it's  full strenght (or
program) you must do one thing, match the time you have given the program to
make it's move. Then and only then do you realize the full strenght of any
program or dedicated computer.
Example would be. speed chess at 5 min. both sides, or one of my favorites is
called action chess at 30min. time control, both sides.
Of course the less time we humans have to think,_ well we don't do has well as
computers.
But a good practice for uscf tournaments is to set the computer at 40/2 and play
the game out at that time control. The program will have the time to search when
it reaches a problem position and will play on the average a more superior game
than to give it a time limit, such as 3min per move.
good luck!
Earl



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