Computer Chess Club Archives


Search

Terms

Messages

Subject: Re: The truth about chess programs

Author: Tony Nichols

Date: 02:39:07 04/22/05

Go up one level in this thread


On April 22, 2005 at 05:29:38, Vasik Rajlich wrote:

>On April 22, 2005 at 03:39:06, Tony Nichols wrote:
>
>> I know I might make some people mad by what I say but someone should say it.
>>Today's chess programs are not nearly as strong as the top human players. All
>>this hype about Hydra being 3000 elo is a joke. In fact, All the elo claims for
>>computers are a joke. We have seen many examples of class players drawing
>>against these programs. These same players would have no chance of drawing even
>>an average GM(no disrespect). These high level man vs machine matches are just
>>promotional gimmicks. The top players won't play anti-computer chess for many
>>reasons:
>>1. ego. The players want to beat the computer with normal(manly) chess. They
>>also don't want their achievement to be devalued.
>>2. money. If you show the weaknesses of the program and systematically beat it
>>you certainly will not get invited to another match.
>>I find it strange that people who approach computer vs. computer tournaments in
>>a very scientific way are the same people who scoff at posts made by players who
>>regularly draw against the top programs. Perhaps this information upsets their
>>fantasy? I don't know.
>>I for one am an avid user of chess programs and I find them invaluable. However,
>>even I (1850 elo)have to guide the programs along the right paths during
>>analysis. Could you imagine me telling Kasparov that he's missing the point! No.
>>The programs perform as well as they do because they are very good at tactics
>>and most importantly they have huge opening books. I know this is a
>>controversial topic but if we really want to test the strenght of programs, then
>>have them play against strong humans without opening books. Many here would not
>>even consider it.
>>I am interested in what others have to say!?
>>Regards
>>Tony
>
>First of all, the only way to test strength is via verified
>tournament-conditions games. Although I'm glad that you have such a high opinion
>of human nature :)
>
>As for the strategical holes in engines, I get two impressions:
>
>1) Probably the engines are indeed weaker positionally, and compensate with
>better tactics. What's interesting is that this is opposite to the go engines -
>these seem to be relatively strong positionally, and weaker tactically.
>
>2) A lot of humans are over-dogmatic about positional play. Some book has
>"positional principle" A, and how can the engine not know it? Of course the top
>players won't "know" these principles either, but we leave them alone.
>
>If you want to do an experiment, try playing advanced chess against your engine.
>If your "guidance" is really good, you should be able to beat it.
>
>There were already some experiments involving postal players but I don't know
>the results.
>
>Vas

Hi, Vasik
I am probably one of those overly dogmatic players:)
It is an interesting experiment, But I think many postal games are played this
way already!
Regards
Tony



This page took 0 seconds to execute

Last modified: Thu, 15 Apr 21 08:11:13 -0700

Current Computer Chess Club Forums at Talkchess. This site by Sean Mintz.