Paris 09 Dedicated Chess Computer Tournament

[Steve B]

I remember getting a mailer from Fidelity advertising 68000 based EAG, but you could select your chip, e.g. 68020, 68030. You could also choose a dual-CPU version of either chip, IIRC. Very expensive, of course. Have you ever seen a dual-CPU version of the EAG?

no i have not and i know of no collector that owns a dual Eag
i do know for a fact that 50 dual 68000's and 50 dual 68020's were made
as for single processors ..Fidelity released them with 68000,68020,68030 and 68040 processors
i own a single 68030 EAG and i know of two collectors that have single processor 68040 EAG'S
i dont think there were any dual 68030's and dual 68040's made though
but the dual 68000 and 68020's are out there somewhere
actually the closest i could get to a dual processor EAG is this original manual for it
the manual has a letter signed by the Spracklen's and a special addendum otherwise the manual is the same as for a single processor EAG

the letter is interesting in that they discuss why the actual speed-up in terms of computing time is closer to 1.7x rather then 2x
the letter goes on to explain the reasons for the loss of .3 speed up

here are some links to scans of the addendum and letter
they can be downloaded and printed:




So Close and yet So Far Regards
Steve

[mhull]

I remember getting a mailer from Fidelity advertising 68000 based EAG, but you could select your chip, e.g. 68020, 68030. You could also choose a dual-CPU version of either chip, IIRC. Very expensive, of course. Have you ever seen a dual-CPU version of the EAG?

no i have not and i know of no collector that owns a dual Eag
i do know for a fact that 50 dual 68000's and 50 dual 68020's were made
as for single processors ..Fidelity released them with 68000,68020,68030 and 68040 processors
i own a single 68030 EAG and i know of two collectors that have single processor 68040 EAG'S
i dont think there were any dual 68030's and dual 68040's made though
but the dual 68000 and 68020's are out there somewhere
actually the closest i could get to a dual processor EAG is this original manual for it
the manual has a letter signed by the Spracklen's and a special addendum otherwise the manual is the same as for a single processor EAG

the letter is interesting in that they discuss why the actual speed-up in terms of computing time is closer to 1.7x rather then 2x
the letter goes on to explain the reasons for the loss of .3 speed up

here are some links to scans of the addendum and letter
they can be downloaded and printed:




So Close and yet So Far Regards
Steve

Thanks for sharing the manual scans. Very interesting. I imagine that finding a dual in the wild would be quite a prize!

[Steve B]

I imagine that finding a dual in the wild would be quite a prize!

Oh Yes..
the duals are two of the few remaining chess computers i am still searching for

i would pay MEGA bucks for one of those
MEGA Bucks i tell you Regards
Steve

[Steve B]

In Reviewing the list of participants one quickly notices that most have chosen a computer as close to the 2000 upper limit as is humanly possible
indeed if there was a chess computer rated 1999.999 it would have been chosen
clearly ..winning the tournament is of paramount concern to most participants and few can be bothered with the kumbaya feeling of comradery and friendship

having said that i do tip my hat to two participants who have entered much lower rated computers
the Tiger Grenadier rated 1895 contains the only dedicated chess computer ever programed by Chrilly Donninger(of Hydra Fame) and the Excalibur GM programmed by the FATHER of all commercial chess programmers..Ron Nelson
the GM tips the scales at 1857
these two computers are 100+ points lower then the upper 2000 limit allowed and have virtually no shot to win the event
these two brave souls clearly have a sense of history

seems to me that this is probably the way i will go
after all..why play with the most powerful computer?
do we want this event to turn into yet another chess computer tournament like the WCCCC where bizarre contraptions are air lifted in and used to produce the most powerful contestant??
liquid Nitrogen cooled 48 core processors where the operator needs a PHD in Nuclear Physics to operate the chess playing gizmo?
an event where more electricity is consumed in 2 days then most third world countries use in a year??
an event where local residents living near the playing site are drilled in evacuation procedures in case there is an explosion or some other nuclear mishap??


no i say...no
lets do this the right way
as a result and after the comments received in this thread i have decided to ELIMINATE the Fidelity Travel Master from consideration
this leaves either the Mobile Master OR the Elite Private Line..both programmed by the Spracklens

to help me decide which computer to use..and since i do own every computer entered ..in the spirit of friendship and comradery.. tossing all concerns for winning aside..
i will use the ensuing month to play both computers against all of the other computers entered and the one most victorious ..i will enter

Losing isnt everything either Regards
Steve

[mhull]

...

this leaves either the Mobile Master OR the Elite Private Line..both programmed by the Spracklens

to help me decide which computer to use..and since i do own every computer entered ..in the spirit of friendship and comradery.. tossing all concerns for winning aside..
i will use the ensuing month to play both computers against all of the other computers entered and the one most victorious ..i will enter

Losing isnt everything either Regards
Steve

Excellent notion. A harmonious communion of both art and science. Either way, you can be sure of at least winning the beauty prize.

[Steve B]

Yeah
i'm tired of always winning the Mr.Congeniality booby prize while the winner celebrates with fine wine and a week at Disney World

i goin for the kill...

You Cant Touch This Regards
Steve

[Steve B]

Well i have decided to enter the Mobile Master:
http://www.zanchetta.net/echecs/Paris2009/

my thanks to all those that offered their opinions and suggestions

my next decision is crucial as it could propel me to certain victory
the MM has a very small opening book built in(3000 ply )
Fidelity sold several opening book modules that dramatically increase the opening book size
the CB 9 module which adds 11400+ ply
the CB16 which adds 26900+ ply
or the 5 module Chess Encyclopedia Set which adds 73000+ ply

question is..which set to use?
the obvious choice would be the ECO set but this requires switching modules when the opening lines transpose from one opening to another ..while the game is underway

here is a photo of the EAG calling for a change in module to the ECO "C" Module(1.e4 e5 or 1.e4 e6 openings )


normally.. switching modules in the comfort of ones home with no clocks ticking is not a problem however under the pressure of a tournament game..with the clock ticking.. and not to mention i have to also operate both the dedicated computer AND make the moves on my PC to relay it to the Play Chess server...well ..you can easily imagine i just might bollix up the whole setup

if i use one of the other modules its as easy as pie as i insert the module once and i am done with it

maybe i should try practicing module removal/insertion under simulated tournament conditions .. to see if i can get the hang of it ..

This Aint No Disco Regards
Steve

[Steve B]

In an effort to maximize the Mobile Masters winning chances in the Tournament i will embark on a four game match with colors reversed against the Strongest chess computer entered
the Mephisto Nigel Short rated 1999 and programmed by long time member here Ed Schröder
Ed's programming is legendary and he is considered to have been the premiere 8 bit chess engine programmer the world has ever known
the first two games will feature the MM locked and loaded with the CB16 opening module and the last two games with the 5 Module ECO set
the NS will have its Tournament book loaded
TC will be the same as at the tournament
30 seconds avg.per move

Game one .....

Mobile Master had white
at this time control both computers reach 6 ply
one thing i immediately noticed is that there were very few ponder hits in the game
that is to say...there were not many instances when a computer replied instantly after an opponents move
obviously due to the fact that they hardly ever predicted their opponents reply
so we can see that the Spracklens and Schröder's programs are quite different in terms of evaluation and move selection

[Date "2009.04.18"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Fidelity Mobile Master(CB16)"]
[Black "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Time-Control "30 Sec./Avg.]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "A11"]

1.c4 c6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 dxc4 4.Na3

[d]rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/8/2p5/N5P1/PP1PPPBP/R1BQK1NR b KQkq - 0 4

having the CB16 loaded puts Sir Nigel out of book by move 2!
however the MM is out of book by move 3 and we start the game from this rather strange position


4.. Be6 5.Qc2 Bd5 6.e4 Be6 7.Nxc4 Na6 8.Ne5
Nb4 9.Qc5 Qd6 10.Qc3 Nxa2 11.Nc4 Bxc4 12.Qxc4 Nxc1 13.Rxc1 e5 14.Nf3 Rd8
15.Ra1 a6 16.O-O Be7 17.Qb3 Qb4 18.Qxb4 Bxb4 19.Nxe5 Rxd2 20.Nc4 Rd4
21.Ne3 Rd7 22.e5 f6 23.e6 Rd2 24.Rab1 Ke7 25.Rfe1 Nh6 26.Bh3 Rhd8 27.Kg2 g6
[d] 3r4/1p2k2p/p1p1Pppn/8/1b6/4N1PB/1P1r1PKP/1R2R3 w - - 0 28
here we can see an illustration of the difference in the evaluations
the MM a pawn behind rates the position -.57 while Short sees itself ahead +1.71

28.b3 f5 29.Nc4 R2d3 30.Re2 g5 31.Kg1 Ng4 32.Rbb2 b5 33.Bxg4 fxg4
34.Ne5 Rd1+ 35.Kg2 R8d6 36.Nf7 R6d3 37.Ne5 Rc3 38.Nxg4 Ba3 39.Nh6 Rd8
40.Rb1 Rf8 41.g4 Rf4 42.Nf5+ Kf6 43.h3 Be7 44.Ng3 Kg6 45.Rbb2 Rd3 46.Nf5
Kf6 47.Nh6 Kg7 48.Nf7 Rb4 49.Ne5 Rc3 50.Re1 h6 51.f3 a5 52.Rd1 a4

[d]8/4b1k1/2p1P2p/1p2N1p1/pr4P1/1Pr2P1P/1R4K1/3R4 w - - 0 53

Sadly the MM elects to play the howler 53.Kg3??
it was going to play 53.Re2 but switched to 53.Kg3 at the last second
while the MM would still have a hard fight on its hands to draw..this move just throws in the towel


53..Rbxb3 54.Rxb3 axb3 55.Nd7 Rc2 56.Ne5 Kf6 57.Nf7 b2 58.Rb1 Ba3 59.Nxh6
Rc1 60.Rxb2 Bxb2 * 0-1

FINAL POSITION

[d] 8/8/2p1Pk1N/1p4p1/6P1/5PKP/1b6/2r5 w - - 0 61

Mobile is down a R for a P Showing -.6.61

During the actual tournament it would be unsportsmanlike to continue playing at this point so
I Resigned for the Mobile here..

0-1 Regards
Steve

full PGN Score:
[Date "2009.04.18"]
[White "Fidelity Mobile Master(CB16)"]
[Black "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Time Control "30 Sec./Avg.]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "A11"]

1.c4 c6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 dxc4 4.Na3 Be6 5.Qc2 Bd5 6.e4 Be6 7.Nxc4 Na6 8.Ne5
Nb4 9.Qc5 Qd6 10.Qc3 Nxa2 11.Nc4 Bxc4 12.Qxc4 Nxc1 13.Rxc1 e5 14.Nf3 Rd8
15.Ra1 a6 16.O-O Be7 17.Qb3 Qb4 18.Qxb4 Bxb4 19.Nxe5 Rxd2 20.Nc4 Rd4
21.Ne3 Rd7 22.e5 f6 23.e6 Rd2 24.Rab1 Ke7 25.Rfe1 Nh6 26.Bh3 Rhd8 27.Kg2
g6 28.b3 f5 29.Nc4 R2d3 30.Re2 g5 31.Kg1 Ng4 32.Rbb2 b5 33.Bxg4 fxg4
34.Ne5 Rd1+ 35.Kg2 R8d6 36.Nf7 R6d3 37.Ne5 Rc3 38.Nxg4 Ba3 39.Nh6 Rd8
40.Rb1 Rf8 41.g4 Rf4 42.Nf5+ Kf6 43.h3 Be7 44.Ng3 Kg6 45.Rbb2 Rd3 46.Nf5
Kf6 47.Nh6 Kg7 48.Nf7 Rb4 49.Ne5 Rc3 50.Re1 h6 51.f3 a5 52.Rd1 a4 53.Kg3
Rbxb3 54.Rxb3 axb3 55.Nd7 Rc2 56.Ne5 Kf6 57.Nf7 b2 58.Rb1 Ba3 59.Nxh6
Rc1 60.Rxb2 Bxb2 * 0-1

[Steve B]

Game two is another brutal victory for Sir Nigel this game playing White
both computers were in book until move 7..

[Date "2009.4.18"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Black "Fidelity Mobile Master(CB16)"]
[Time Control "30 Sec./Avg"]
[Result "1-0"]

1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.cxd4 d6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Bc4 Nb6 8.Bb3
dxe5 9.Nxe5 e6 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.O-O Bd6 12.Qg4 O-O 13.Bg5 Qc7 14.Bf6
Bxh2+
[d] r1b2rk1/p1q2ppp/1np1pB2/8/3P2Q1/1B6/PP3PPb/RN3RK1 w - - 0 15

this pawn grab with + is the start of the Mobiles troubles
the computer simply underestimates the mating threat against its King and winds up getting the Bishop trapped
a bush league mistake

15.Kh1 g6 16.g3 Nd7 17.Bg5 Ba6 18.Rc1 h5 19.Qh4 Bxg3 20.fxg3 Bb7
21.Nc3 c5+ 22.Kh2 cxd4 23.Qxd4 Ne5 24.Bd1 Qc6 25.Qg1 Nd3 26.Ba4 Qb6
27.Qxb6 axb6 28.Rc2 e5 29.Bf6 e4 30.Bb5 Rfc8 31.Rd2 Nc5 32.Rd6 Rc7
33.Bd8 Rcc8 34.Bxb6 Kg7 35.Rf1 e3 36.Rdf6 Ba6 37.Rxf7+ Kh6 38.Ba7 Bxb5
39.Nxb5 Rab8 40.Bxb8 Rxb8 41.b4 Rxb5 42.bxc5 Rxc5 *1-0
FINAL POSITION
[d] 8/5R2/6pk/2r4p/8/4p1P1/P6K/5R2 w - - 0 43
Oddly the Mobile is again down a R for a P as in the last game
and for the same reasons as the last game i resign for it here

a 2-0 shellacking by Short
thats it for the CB 16 modules
you wont be seeing them in Paris After this debacle
on to the ECO Set Regards
Steve

Full PGN
[Date "2009.4.18"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Black "Fidelity Mobile Master(CB16)"]
[Time Control "30 Sec./Avg"]
[Result "1-0"]

1.e4 c5 2.c3 Nf6 3.e5 Nd5 4.d4 cxd4 5.cxd4 d6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Bc4 Nb6 8.Bb3
dxe5 9.Nxe5 e6 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.O-O Bd6 12.Qg4 O-O 13.Bg5 Qc7 14.Bf6
Bxh2+ 15.Kh1 g6 16.g3 Nd7 17.Bg5 Ba6 18.Rc1 h5 19.Qh4 Bxg3 20.fxg3 Bb7
21.Nc3 c5+ 22.Kh2 cxd4 23.Qxd4 Ne5 24.Bd1 Qc6 25.Qg1 Nd3 26.Ba4 Qb6
27.Qxb6 axb6 28.Rc2 e5 29.Bf6 e4 30.Bb5 Rfc8 31.Rd2 Nc5 32.Rd6 Rc7
33.Bd8 Rcc8 34.Bxb6 Kg7 35.Rf1 e3 36.Rdf6 Ba6 37.Rxf7+ Kh6 38.Ba7 Bxb5
39.Nxb5 Rab8 40.Bxb8 Rxb8 41.b4 Rxb5 42.bxc5 Rxc5 *1-0

[Steve B]

The second part of the Paris training match has the Fidelity Mobile Master outfitted with the Fide Chess Encyclopedia modules which increase the opening book by some 73000+ ply

Game 3 ..YAMML(Yet Another Mobile Master Loss)

[Date "2009.4.19"]
[Round "3]
[White "Fidelity Mobile Master(Fide CE)"]
[Black "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Time Control "30 Sec./Avg."]
[Result "0-1"]

1.Nf3 d5
[d] rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/8/5N2/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq d6 0 2
i started out with the Fide "D" module
immediately after only one move the MM calls for a change to the "A" module transposing to the Reti
the procedure to change modules is somewhat cumbersome
firstly when the computer calls for a change in the book module (due to a transposition to a different line) the computer must be powered down,then the present module removed..new module inserted..then computer powered back up
removing the module was a snap but when i reinserted it i used a bit too much force and about 1/4 of the pieces went into orbit
i will need to work on this procedure a bit i guess..

2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O Bf5 5.b3 e6 6.Bb2 Nbd7
7.Nh4 Bg4 8.h3 Bh5 9.c4 Bd6 10.d4 O-O 11.c5 Be7 12.Nc3 b6 13.b4 a5 14.a3
g5 15.Nf3 axb4 16.axb4 Rxa1 17.Qxa1 g4 18.hxg4 Bxg4 19.Nd2
Qc7 20.e4 Qb7 21.f3 Bh5 22.e5 Ra8 23.Qc1 Ne8 24.Ne2 Bg5 25.Qc3 Nc7
26.Nb3 Nb5 27.Qe1 Be3+ 28.Kh2 bxc5
29.Nxc5 Nxc5 30.bxc5 Bg6 31.Rh1 Bf5 32.Qb4 Qe7 33.Qb3 Qg5 34.Bh3 Bxh3
35.Kxh3

[d] r5k1/5p1p/2p1p3/1nPpP1q1/3b4/1Q3PPK/1B2N3/7R w - - 0 36
35..Bxd4
a nice tactical shot by the NS winning at least a pawn
the MM totally missed this move

36.Nxd4 Qh6+ 37.Kg4 Qxh1 38.Nxc6 Nc7 39.Ne7+ Kf8 40.Nc6 Qh2
41.Bc3 Qh6 42.Qb6 Ne8 43.Bd4 Ng7 44.Qb7 Re8 45.Qd7 Nf5 46.Bf2 Qd2 47.Nd8
Nh6+ 48.Kh5 Qxf2 49.Kxh6 Qh2+ 50.Kg5 f6+ 51.exf6 Qxg3+ 52.Kh6 Qh4# 0-1

FINAL POSITION
[d] 3Nrk2/3Q3p/4pP1K/2Pp4/7q/5P2/8/8 w - - 0 53

I get the impression that the MM couldnt beat the NS at this TC even if i used a book module written by Jeroen Noomen himself
0-3 Regards
Steve

Full PGN Score:
[Date "2009.4.19"]
[Round "3]
[White "Fidelity Mobile Master(Fide CE)"]
[Black "Mephisto Nigel Short"]
[Time Control "30 Sec./Avg."]
[Result "0-1"]

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.O-O Bf5 5.b3 e6 6.Bb2 Nbd7
7.Nh4 Bg4 8.h3 Bh5 9.c4 Bd6 10.d4 O-O 11.c5 Be7 12.Nc3 b6 13.b4 a5 14.a3
g5 15.Nf3 axb4 16.axb4 Rxa1 17.Qxa1 g4 18.hxg4 Bxg4 19.Nd2
Qc7 20.e4 Qb7 21.f3 Bh5 22.e5 Ra8 23.Qc1 Ne8 24.Ne2 Bg5 25.Qc3 Nc7
26.Nb3 Nb5 27.Qe1 Be3+ 28.Kh2 bxc5
29.Nxc5 Nxc5 30.bxc5 Bg6 31.Rh1 Bf5 32.Qb4 Qe7 33.Qb3 Qg5 34.Bh3 Bxh3
35.Kxh3 Bxd4 36.Nxd4 Qh6+ 37.Kg4 Qxh1 38.Nxc6 Nc7 39.Ne7+ Kf8 40.Nc6 Qh2
41.Bc3 Qh6 42.Qb6 Ne8 43.Bd4 Ng7 44.Qb7 Re8 45.Qd7 Nf5 46.Bf2 Qd2 47.Nd8
Nh6+ 48.Kh5 Qxf2 49.Kxh6 Qh2+ 50.Kg5 f6+ 51.exf6 Qxg3+ 52.Kh6 Qh4# 0-1