Author: Chuck
Date: 20:29:28 12/10/99
I would like to make a statement which supports Bob Hyatt's position that most ratings given for computer chess programs are inflated, including recent releases on the SSDF list. I have noticed that programs go through a cycle, which is obvious and easy to see. Now, an unmodified program and hardware should play at a very consistent level over long periods of time (really, for as long as it works). But when a new program is released, it is better and faster than most of its' competition, thus, it's rating gets inflated. As it gets older, it is surpassed by more and more of its' competitors and it starts getting pounded, whereby it's rating takes a pounding, too. This DOES happen on SSDF. The best example is easily the Mach IV. Bertil Eklund claims this to not be true, but, the Mach IV had a SSDF rating of 2282 in January 1993 but now has a SSDF rating of 2074(?)!! Thats a 208-point drop!! Obviously, the Mach IV was not modified, so this is clear evidence of the cycle I mentioned. Now, I am grateful for the work SSDF does, and Bertil, and I respect them for doing a thankless job. The SSDF team is, I believe, fair, and they are a valuable resource. But this rating cycle does exist and I don't understand why Bertil would want to cover up the truth. Regards, Chuck
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