PrettySpaceDog 1.00

[ehenkes]

Based on SpaceDog 0.97.7 this version was adapted for Microsoft Visual Studio and modern Windows builds.
The original code was cleaned up and adjusted so it compiles (free of warnings and errors) and runs properly in an MSVC environment.

In addition, the engine was extended and tuned as a practical training partner for human players, e.g. in Cute Chess.
The main focus was not maximum engine strength, but a strong and credible playing style with configurable limits and opening-book support, so the engine can be used for serious human practice.

For training with humans the default values are:
Hash 1024
MaxDepth 9
MaxQDepth 4

I guess the strength is about 2050 to 2100 Elo.

If you like it stronger, use:
MaxDepth 0 (no limit by uci option)
MaxQDepth 0 (no limit by uci option)

Download: (without book)
https://www.henkessoft.de/Schach/Pretty ... Engine.zip

[cpeters]

Enhanced?

Why did you remove

Code: Select all

CMakeLists.txt

and the sample-files for the tex-output (very cool feature I think).

It's just seems to be another engine for windows (cross-platform before) now tbh. But thanks to stearing me to:
https://github.com/thorsilver/SpaceDog

I didn't know about it.

Greetings

[ehenkes]

https://lichess.org/study/PPNyAUip/uBHQCeXi

chesswhopper vs PrettySpaceDog 1.00, 20 April 2026
https://lichess.org/study/PPNyAUip/uBHQCeXi

[cpeters]

Grobian.

[ehenkes]

My goal was different: I’m looking for a foundation with well-structured C/C++ code that can be expanded into a training engine for humans. PrettySpaceDog 1.00 is my first step.
We tested this engine on my twitch stream. With a search depth of 8 moves, it has an interesting strategy that allows it to win. The game on lichess demonstrates this. A great battle between man and engine.

[ehenkes]

Grobian.

I've even thought about getting rid of the old-fashioned xboard. The modern UCI is really all you need.

[ehenkes]

cross-platform before

It took quite a bit of work to get the code to compile without errors or warnings in MS Visual Studio. In addition, the code was tied to an opening book that wasn't included. I don't use Linux or Apple. That's why MS Windows is my priority. Above all, this engine is now particularly useful as a training partner for chess players with an Elo rating between 1700 and 2100. Who wants to play against Stockfish?

[ehenkes]

https://www.henkessoft.de/Schach/Pretty ... Engine.zip

PrettySpaceDog 1.01

Changes:
- Added the new UCI option FightingSpirit (0 ... 100).
This allows the user to make the engine play in a more fighting, ambitious, and aggressive style without simply making it weaker.
- Improved general stability and usability for Windows/MSVC users.
UCI mode remains the recommended and fully tested interface.

Use the options of search control for training purposes:
- MaxDepth (Search) and MaxQDepth (Quiescence Search) can now be used to shape engine strength in a practical and controlled way.
- Use FightingSpirit to make the engine play in a more aggressive style.

[cpeters]

In addition, the code was tied to an opening book that wasn't included.

book:
https://github.com/thorsilver/SpaceDog/ ... okfish.bin

Coded/assumed as default, yes - but any other or no polyglot-book at all would do actually.

[ehenkes]

https://github.com/thorsilver/SpaceDog/ ... okfish.bin

Thank you very much! It has been delivered together with an older release version. I am going to include the book in version 1.02.