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Subject: Re: How many programs can do this ending in less than a minute!

Author: Ricardo Gibert

Date: 05:38:17 12/21/05

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On December 20, 2005 at 16:46:58, Stuart Cracraft wrote:

>On December 20, 2005 at 00:23:20, ERIQ wrote:
>
>>I don't think many can, this takes a human brain!
>>
>>In over twenty years of play, this is my only win in such an ending.Yes I am
>>proud.
>>
>>[D] 8/8/8/2k5/b7/2K1n3/8/8 w - - 0 72
>
>There are some endgame-pc/sq tables floating around that, with some typical
>search depths, allow any program to solve this ending, as I recall.
>
>K+B+N vs. K was a key requirement in legendary chess instructor
>Richard Shoreman's classes up in the Bay Area.

Ugh.

>Richard and I went
>over this extensively.
>
>The goal is achieved with some key, easy-to-remember positions.
>
>Of course, with EGTB's as they are today, I would just say all of the
>computers should add as many of those as are reasonable.
>
>For personal play, it's simply a fun hobby, but an important skill too.
>
>It teaches you coordination of B+N. Your play with B+N in other parts
>of the game should strengthen as a result.

The lack of pawns changes the way you use the Bishop and Knight too much for
this to be true. Normally, you're not 2 pieces up. Normally, there is at least
one other piece to oppose your 2. Normally, you use your forces to win pawns and
queen your own. KBNK could not be more alien to what is normal. It's like a
completely different game.

The idea that learning how to mate in KBNK will help the rest of your game is an
old idea that is half baked and does not hold up to close scrutiny. Trust me. I
know what I'm talking about. I'm an NM and can perform the mate in under 30
seconds against perfect play. A skill that I can assure you has virtually zero
practical value.

>
>Stuart



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