Go back
A Modest Proposal: The Strongest Player of All ...

A Modest Proposal: The Strongest Player of All ...

Only Chess

GG

Joined
24 Aug 05
Moves
0
Clock
06 Dec 06
Vote Up
Vote Down

Many of you are familiar with the "greatest player of all time" debates. Unfortunately, there has been no objective measurement that can accurately gauge playing ability--though attempts have recently been made.

Remember the article a while ago from Chessbase about computer analysis determining the "strongest" world champion? (http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail...)

The idea was great, and the conclusions interesting, but the program's limited strength caused problems. I also suspect that the band of games played was too narrow--only world championship matchups, and often taken when one or both players were past their prime.

It would be interesting--and extremely useful to chess enthusiasts--to see the results of a more comprehensive study. Such a study would need the most modern hardware and software available--either Deep Fritz X, which looks like it's about to beat Kramnik, or Hydra would work well for this.

I would also recommend modifying the scope--using Chessmetrics ratings, analyze every game played during a player's five year peak to determine his peak playing strength. In order to widen the sample, take every game played during those five peak years against ANY top 10/12 opposition (again, as determined by Chessmetrics).

m

Joined
13 Apr 06
Moves
24617
Clock
06 Dec 06
Vote Up
Vote Down

out of interest, who did the computers rate as the strongest player?

o

Joined
15 Jul 06
Moves
1598
Clock
06 Dec 06
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by mazziewag
out of interest, who did the computers rate as the strongest player?
Capablanca..I think

A

Joined
28 Nov 06
Moves
4374
Clock
06 Dec 06
Vote Up
Vote Down

Many human players would agree with this I think. But, as with any sport/game people are going to have their heroes and idols. This would be hard for anyone to gauge unbiasedly. Personally, I would say Morphy, or Alekhine.

G
Whale watching

33°36'S 26°53'E

Joined
05 Feb 04
Moves
41150
Clock
06 Dec 06
Vote Up
Vote Down

An interesting idea. Presumably the closer a players past games match the move selection of a strong engine, the higher that players "rating" would be.

However I do think such a process will favour the more tactically minded players at the expense of the more strategic or positional.

I wonder if the outcome would settle the debate, or fuel an entirely new debate.

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.