Important announcement: World Computer Chess Championship –

[Henk]

Only engines are allowed to participate that are qualified as being 'original'. That's an asset. So now we know that at least Komodo, Shredder, Hiarcs and Jonny are or were 'original' engines at the time they participated.

Not really. All we know is that nobody complained to the organisers and no suspicions were aroused causing an investigation to be held. That is a long way from being positive proof of innocence. However I do believe in the presumption of innocence, so in that respect yes we have to regard them are "original".

That's a pity. In almost all sports we have doping control.

[Ferdy]

For the 2017 World Computer Chess Championship we are changing the format, removing the entry fee, and offering an expenses budget to each of the contestants. Our aim for 2017 will be to attract the strongest participants. There will be only 4 contestants, each of whom will receive 1,000 Euro for their expenses from the ICGA.

Does this mean only 4 participants are accepted? or more can be accepted but they can only offer 1000 euros to each of 4 participants?

Regarding attracting the strongest participants, perhaps ICGA should just invite the Stockfish team.

[hgm]

The problem is that the Stockfish team shuns world championships out of principle, and that some of its current members have destoying ICGA for daring to organize such things high on their private agenda...

[syzygy]

The problem is that the Stockfish team shuns world championships out of principle, and that some of its current members have destoying ICGA for daring to organize such things high on their private agenda...

And how would you know about their private agendas? You hacked them?

The existence of SF may well be a "threat" to ICGA-type tournaments, but that is not SF's fault. Nor does it have to be anybody else's fault.

It seems the new set up destroys the last reason for its existence.

[Ras]

That's a pity. In almost all sports we have doping control.

We should also have that with engines because it is so easy to dope them. Just take the binary, and crank up the 1-bits. Empirical studies have shown that already boosting the 1-bits to 1.1 (just by 10%) gives an unfair Elo advantage of around 20 points because stronger bits mean stronger moves.

Another unfair approach is chrome-plating the bits so that the bit-rot will be considerably reduced, compared to the unplated competitors. This method especially makes sense if you have to submit the engine before a tournament.

[syzygy]

So why do I have to take my body there?

To fill it with beer, what else

[syzygy]

So all participants must play the same moves in all positions. And then the size of the program will be used as a tie breaker!

I am reminded of the All-England Summarize Proust competition.

[Paloma]

+1

[Hai]

Simple solution:

Let also Stockfish, Komodo and Houdini play or only the weaker engines.
But don't do something stupid like weaker engines + Komodo or weaker engines + Houdini.
It must be interesting and fair.

[Harvey Williamson]

Simple solution:

Let also Stockfish, Komodo and Houdini play or only the weaker engines.
But don't do something stupid like weaker engines + Komodo or weaker engines + Houdini.
It must be interesting and fair.

I am sure the ICGA would love to see the authors enter Stockfish.