For *completed* games, do you find any engines more helpful than others?
I’m aware than many engines play to GM strength and that they’d all easily beat me, but I still find that some suggest moves which are more human-like than others. For a long time I used engines such as Fritz, Shredder and Junior. They are good and I still use them. However, I’ve recently started using Rybka and found that its suggestions are generally more adoptable. i.e. I can make more sense of them. Rybka’s author is an IM and it appears he has put a lot of knowledge into his program. Recent results show that it is probably stronger than all other engines, but what interests me more is the style in which it plays to this level.
Anyone else tried Rybka? Or what about Hiarcs 10 (I’ve heard this is relatively positional, but I’ve not tried it)?
Originally posted by VarenkaI haven't heard of Rybka before. Is it free, and if so, where can I get it? Unfortunately I don't have the money to fork out on an engine.
For *completed* games, do you find any engines more helpful than others?
I’m aware than many engines play to GM strength and that they’d all easily beat me, but I still find that some suggest moves which are more human-like than others. For a long time I used engines such as Fritz, Shredder and Junior. They are good and I still use them. However, I’ve ...[text shortened]... bka? Or what about Hiarcs 10 (I’ve heard this is relatively positional, but I’ve not tried it)?
Originally posted by Positional PlayerSee www.rybkachess.com for info. The author intends to make a free release in the near future, but I don't see details of this yet. I read about it at the Computer Chess Club site.
I haven't heard of Rybka before. Is it free, and if so, where can I get it?
Originally posted by Positional PlayerRybka is superb and seems to have uncanny positional ability for an engine. It will sac pawns to get a better structure in a most unusual way. Beta versions were free but it is about to be released commercially.
I haven't heard of Rybka before. Is it free, and if so, where can I get it? Unfortunately I don't have the money to fork out on an engine.
In answer to your original question, I find engines most useful for pointing out (often major) tactical blunders which still litter my games. The number of inaccuracies in games between all but the best players is often startling.
You can't expect engines to help you develop better positional sense, however.