It's a strange competition as computer programs are allowed by the ICCF (are there are any correspondence chess organisations which prohibit the use of computer programs?). So I guess the person who wins the World Championship has to be an expert at which programs to use and when. Perhaps he would also lend a hand in choosing openings and maybe whether to steer certain games towards drawish or more uncertain directions.
06 Oct 12
Originally posted by Fat LadyI can see competitions among players who use engines, but I am bothered by the idea that they share a title previously held by players who used analysis that was purely human-derived.
It's a strange competition as computer programs are allowed by the ICCF (are there are any correspondence chess organisations which prohibit the use of computer programs?). So I guess the person who wins the World Championship has to be an expert at which programs to use and when. Perhaps he would also lend a hand in choosing openings and maybe whether to steer certain games towards drawish or more uncertain directions.
In some ways, the transition is similar to races among humans when we started to use horses, camels, bicycles, and then automated transport such as cars and airplanes, but we still keep our foot races as separate and distinct competitions.
06 Oct 12
Originally posted by Paul LeggettExcept that 'roids aren't openly allowed in foot racing. 😛
I can see competitions among players who use engines, but I am bothered by the idea that they share a title previously held by players who used analysis that was purely human-derived.
In some ways, the transition is similar to races among humans when we started to use horses, camels, bicycles, and then automated transport such as cars and airplanes, but we still keep our foot races as separate and distinct competitions.
26 Oct 12
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Originally posted by SwissGambitSteroids isn't an apt analogy. Roids only help you reach your physical limits genetically and you still have to work very hard to be competitive whereas you just flip an engine on and it tells you what to move... its like one of those facebook RPGs where you click buttons all day long trying to get the biggest sword.
Except that 'roids aren't openly allowed in foot racing. 😛
26 Oct 12
Originally posted by tomtom232You are right. Steroids will not make one a champion without all the training, hard work, and natural ability that is necessary for any athlete.
Steroids isn't an apt analogy. Roids only help you reach your physical limits genetically and you still have to work very hard to be competitive whereas you just flip an engine on and it tells you what to move... its like one of those facebook RPGs where you click buttons all day long trying to get the biggest sword.
26 Oct 12
Originally posted by tomtom232No, the analogy is fine. You can't become world corr champ by just flipping on an engine. Everyone else is already doing that. You have to be the best centaur - a person who knows how to get the maximum utility from the engine (for example, dealing with 'horizon effect'😉, and also knows to reject the engine's choice in the rare event that it is misplaying a position.
Steroids isn't an apt analogy. Roids only help you reach your physical limits genetically and you still have to work very hard to be competitive whereas you just flip an engine on and it tells you what to move... its like one of those facebook RPGs where you click buttons all day long trying to get the biggest sword.