Comments on: [lang_nl]Topcomputers gaan ook de strijd aan[/lang_nl][lang_en]Top computers will also meet[/lang_en]

By: Christian

Christian — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:26:40 +0000

Hi all,

I was very pleased to hear about the conditions in Rybka/Ehlvest the sequel where Rybka’s book was cut down to 3 moves.

My question is what would happen if Rybka (and all computers) were disallowed the use of a book entirely. 0 moves if you will. Would they still cruise through the WCC undefeated as Zappa’s programmer suggested.

Some may say that no book is unfair to the computer’s but the way I look at it is that opening knowledge is really a human thing that we have spent many generations developing and giving it away to the computers for free is really unfair to us.

Consider the evolution of our opening knowledge from classical to modern and hypermodern. Nimzowitch to Botvinnik. From Fischer to Kasparov. Things that were considered most dangerous are now considered a mistake. Due to the work of humans. I mean opening theory is really the property and birthright of humans. Is it not??

I would really like to see a top level computer play a tourney against the top ten with no book. If it won that would really impress me and I think it would be very interesting the way computers and and top humans interacted. Perhaps we would all learn something new about chess itself. And if the humans exposed the computer in some fundamental way that would provide the computer’s with a new set of challenges and also a new way forward for them to continue their development

P.S. what do you think Jeroen?

By: Anson Williams

Anson Williams — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:45:18 +0000

The current Freestyle Champion? Isn’t that 99% Rybka anyway?

By: Jeroen

Jeroen — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:06:24 +0000

Hi Nelson,

Ha, the current Freestyle champion!? Now who could that be….

Best wishes, Jeroen

By: Nelson Hernandez

Nelson Hernandez — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:49:19 +0000

Heh, I think Rybka vs. the current Freestyle Champion is the next step.

By: Andre

Andre — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 19:07:36 +0000

Rybka vs Hydra either in a free style tournament or pure computer match is the next step

By: Felix

Felix — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:24:43 +0000

Indeed, this match is not to figure out which engine is stronger (we have ratinglists like CEGT, CCRL etc. for that), it’s clear that Rybka is stronger than Zap!Mexico. The question is which team, or we could say engine-book combination, is stronger in this tournament.
I guess Jeroen and Dagh will prove that Rybka’s book is superior.
Anyway, this match is something very nice for the spectators, since we can look forward to even more top level chess in Mexico, so just enjoy the games

By: Dennis

Dennis — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:33:12 +0000

Bert, you mention “If not both these requirements are met, not much value can be added to the outcome of the match.” Why? Do you think the same about humans? Must Kramnik and Anand have the same opening books?

To me, the value of this match is which program is the strongest (in this match). And that includes all aspects (opening books, speed of computer, knowledge inside program, and even luck).

By: Bert de Bruut

Bert de Bruut — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:00:38 +0000

(yes you’re right, I am to lazy to watch the video or read the tourney regulations)

By: Bert de Bruut

Bert de Bruut — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:00:23 +0000

Will the machines this time use the same hardware (unlike the silly Deep Junior vs Deep Fritz match, in which the latter had been equipped with a severe handicap)? Will the opening books be the exact same?

If not both these requirements are met, not much value can be added to the outcome of the match.