Testing Strength Reduction Parameters

I played an entertaining game against MadChess a few evenings ago. Prior to the game, I adjusted MadChess’ strength reduction parameters because I felt their values caused the engine to play too strongly for a given Elo rating. Perhaps my adjustments made the engine too weak. I’m using “feel”, a very unscientific process. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the game. I played white. MadChess played black, set to 900 Elo. Time control is blitz, 5m + 5s. The game began 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 d6 4.dxc5 Qa5+ 5.Nc3 Qxc5 6.Nd5 Qc6. Here I missed a tactic. Can you spot it? I… Continue Reading

Tactical Minefield in Won Game

I played an interesting blitz game a couple nights ago against MadChess 3.0 Beta. The engine is strong enough for me to release it. Before I do, I’m improving features not related to maximizing engine strength. In fact, quite the opposite: I’m working on UCI_LimitStrength and UCI_Elo options that reduce the engine’s playing strength. This enables us mere mortals to configure MadChess for a more enjoyable game- competitive but with winning chances gifted to us by an engine purposefully playing inaccuracies and blunders. The game began as follows. Playing white, I develop my pieces. MadChess 3.0 Beta mindlessly pushes a… Continue Reading