One of the problems with programming computers to play chess is tha "event horizon" which is an issue where, in certain types of position, the computer is trying to solve an issue which involves lengthy analysis. It can occur that, for example, the computer can only see 8 moves ahead by either side, but the real crux of the matter occurs 10 moves ahead. One of the reasons chess has been of such interest to computer scientists is because of the implications regarding brute force calculation v "human understanding".Computers are now manifestly stronger than all bar the very best humans, but there are still clear imperfections in the programming which are not likely to be solved in the near future. However, interestingly, programs are still in no danger of beating the best Go players.
Kasparov may have been the strongest GM in history. He is not a computer expert, right? I don't know if he can judge accurately the difference between a 'human move' and a 'computer move'.
Fischer's Poisoned Pawn also usually will give you a huge advantage early in the game whenever you get a chance to play it
What was noteworthy was how all the players, no matter what strength, produced the same low level of recall when confronted with what was, in effect, a nonsense position with the pieces randomly scattered, suggesting that pattern recognition plays a significant part for strong players.
Chess story: on day one of a new job I suggested to my office-mate that we set up a chessboard on the filing capinet and move when we feel like it. Fine. This we did and while at the time I thought I was an OK player, I got anhiliated time after time. I was moaning (good naturedly) about this to another collegue a month or so later and he said "ah, well that's because Mark's a grandmaster and you're not" - I laughed - good joke - and carried on getting stuffed for a few more weeks; it never occured to me it may be true. Mark (Orr) eventually fessed up - not a GM but an IM and at the time Irish Chess Champion. I think I beat him once - and that is my chess claim to fame
That's a funny story: I happen to know Mark Orr, not well, but I've had contact with him on occasion - he used to be a regular on the Scottish tournament scene and played for a club in Edinburgh at one point.
Nice guy. He'd come back to the house for food and after the wife and kids had gone to bed we'd watch a colourful film, drink lots of booze and and play some chess. He sat on the floor without a board and I'd sit on the sofa in front of one. Even after feeding him lots of alcohol I still lost. He said he pictured the board in two halfs in his head and worked on each independently - I tried - absolutely hopeless. I've never been sure if that abilty only comes with chess expertise or is something more generic...
Ah, sounds like "blindfold chess" - which was banned in Stalinist Russia due to the alleged mental stress it causes.
I can do it with one game at a time (and with practice, maybe two or three)...
Topic: Computer Chess 