Author: Michael de la Maza
Date: 21:25:42 10/28/99
Imagine that you are writing a naive time allocation algorithm for a chess program that will be playing against humans. Suppose that the time allocation can only be a function of the move number. To simplify things, assume that the first 10 moves are all book moves and are played instantly. Also assume that the computer has a total of 60 minutes to make all of its moves. Here are some possible time allocation algorithms: 1. Allocate 30s per move This would allow the machine to make 130 moves (the 10 instant book moves + 120 more) which is enough to complete all but the longest games. 2. Allocate 60s for moves 11-40 and 20s per move thereafter With this algorithm, the machine could make a total of 100 moves, and would spend more time immediately following the opening and in the middle game. 3. Allocate 120s for moves 11-39 and 2s per move thereafter The idea here is to win during the middle game. What would you do and why? More generally, if we assume that the strength of the program is tactics should the time allocation algorithm allocate more time to the middle game to support this strength or should it allocate more time to the end game to cover this weakness? Should the program allocate a lot of time in the middle game in the hope of getting a decisive advantage or should the time be spread out more evenly to avoid blunders? Remember that the program is playing against humans, not computers. Michael
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