Author: Stephen A. Boak
Date: 09:52:02 11/16/03
Go up one level in this thread
On November 16, 2003 at 08:26:44, Amir Ban wrote:
>On November 16, 2003 at 02:09:22, Stephen A. Boak wrote:
>
>>On November 15, 2003 at 11:29:09, Uri Blass wrote:
>>>
>>>I do not think that the pressure that kasparov has against computers is bigger
>>>than the pressure that the players who played against Junior had because both
>>>sides were weaker and not only the computer.
>>>
>>>
>>>Uri
>>
>>Pressure comes from within, not from without.
>>
>>Kasparov has the most to lose (top playing reputation/rating in the world),
>>hence his internal pressure to not fail is tremendous (& horrendous).
>>
>
>This is true in every game he plays.
Agreed.
The pressure to uphold a reputation is *always* there. Kasparov normally
handles it very well. Stronger players handle it very well (better than weaker
players).
However, that pressure is not heavily perceived (or is more easily curtailed or
handled) by the reputation holder when he is absolutely convinced (confident) he
is the strongest player.
Heavy pressure only begins when the player faces such strong opposition that it
calls into question (lowers his confidence in) his own relative strength.
It is possible that the internal pressure is greatest versus a machine (with
perceived relentless machine alertness, not overlooking even the slightest human
error).
The more you believe the opponent's strength may be able to win
(these programs are getting very strong, I must be very careful at all times),
the more pressure on yourself not to lose.
And (my thesis), the likelihood of a blunder.
It is *self-doubt* (internal pressure) that is the real pressure. When that
erodes confidence, it makes playing much more of a strain.
It makes the possibility of mental errors, whether simple or more complicated
oversights, more likely ... because the mind is distracted by the doubts, fear,
pressure, whatever it is called.
The unknown about a new program version's strength
(maybe this program will spot tiny errors in my play and outplay me)
may add to the internal pressure.
>
>According to this, the stronger you are, the weaker you play.
>[..] the strongest handle pressure better than the others.
Agree to the second sentence. Certainly Kasparov has shown he can handle the
pressure on numerous occasions.
[But other times his demeanor has cracked. When has Kasparov shown the most
emotional fury over a game or match? During or after playing computers.]
Note pressure is the greatest when the opponent is the strongest (the
possibility of losing due to superior opponent play).
Respectfully disagree with the first sentence ("According to this ...").
I am *not* saying that the stronger you are, the weaker you play (due to the
internal pressure to hold up your reputation).
I am only saying that the stronger you are (if you define yourself utterly by
your chess playing ability), the more pressure you feel internally when facing
1) an opponent you may disdain, when it is:
2) an opponent you fear may possibly be able to win;
3) an opponent you don't know very well, but believe is very strong;
4) an opponent whose victory over you would make you *second* best in the world.
[Kasparov hasn't yet conceded that computers are better than the best human in
the world.]
With weaker opponents, or even stronger human opponents, your own skills &
emotions are under control (the pressure is there also, but controllable). You
don't crack, you don't make gross blunders. Even if the human opponent gets a
small advantage in the game, or if you make a small mistake or two, you still
expect (have confidence) opportunities to outwit him and hold the draw or
otherwise win.
Good points, thanks.
--Steve
>
>Amir
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