Author: Frank Schneider
Date: 18:57:57 10/29/04
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On October 29, 2004 at 16:00:04, Nathan Hellmers wrote: >When using the analysis button on pocket grandmaster, is the resulting analysis >used for the computer's next move or is the analysis done outside of the >computer's game thinking? > >For example: let's say I set it to think for one second per move with no >pondering. When it is my move, I hit the analysis button to let it look at the >position for 1 minute. Is the next move the computer plays based on one second >of thinking or one minute? Just want to be sure I am not suddenly temporarily >upping the playing strength each time I use the button. Hi, you're upping the strength ;-) The reason is, that the engine uses "Hashtables" to store searchresults, and these hashtables are not cleared, when the computer makes the next move. You could either - clear the hashtables manually (Options - Clear Hashtable) - select a small hashtablesize (Options - Engine) I agree that it can be hard to beat PocketGrandmaster even on level "Easy 1", but it is possible. When set to level one, PocketGrandmaster does not really "look ahead", instead it just calculates the consequences of some exchanges and checking moves. So it does not blunder deliberately, but it also does not really make plans. Using that knowledge, a good strategy to win is: - Play carefully and slowly and wait for mistakes. If there is no good move, PocketGrandmaster may make a bad one and weaken its position. Sometimes "doing nothing" (Kg1-h1, Kh1-g1, ...) is a good strategy when playing computers. - Double check if your moves are safe. If you let a piece undefended or if there is a simple checkmate, PocketGrandmaster will "see" it. - Exchange pieces and try to reach endgames. In an endgame position, it is on the one hand unlikely that you miss a simple threat and on the other hand you can outsearch PocketGrandmaster, which does only look ahead one move. - Prepare traps. Try to prepare a simple mate-threat, e.g. a mate on the back rank or a queen defended by a bishop/knight on the king side. Then try to exchange the defending pieces or offer material to lure them away, because PocketGrandmaster may be blind to your mate threat... Using the above strategy, you may not win straight ahead, but I'm sure you can win a game from time to time (and more regularly as you get used to it ;-). You can also "cheat" by using the "Show threat"- and "Hint"-features from the help-menu (you can also press the "?"-button from the toolbar to get a hint move). Best, Frank > >Thanks, > >Nathan
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