how strong of and engine do I really need?

[S.Taylor]

I am an O.T.B player who uses engines to analyse my games and the games of others for learning purposes. My current rating is 2047(USCF). How strong of an engine do I really need for doing this?

The stronger the engine, the more reliable it is to show you the best next move.

This is what _I_ think.

Engines which have easy analysis functions is always a great plus, too.

To simply check out positions for basic tactics, you don't need such a strong engine (by todays standards), and you can get a big choice for free.

[Nimzovik]

Yes.... I too am rather mifed concerning the lack of a touted released Rybka 3+ (perhaps I should say bug fixed Rybka 3? ) that to date has not been released. Indeed if it is to be released it sure is way too long of a wait for a 'fixed' Rybka.....

[Dr.Wael Deeb]

Yes.... I too am rather mifed concerning the lack of a touted released Rybka 3+ (perhaps I should say bug fixed Rybka 3? ) that to date has not been released. Indeed if it is to be released it sure is way too long of a wait for a 'fixed' Rybka.....

The thing is that we'll never recieve the so promised Rybka 3+,instead we'll going to buy Rybka 4 with it's new Aquarium 4 for 125$ or so I heard and I might just believe it....

So when I was debating about the so called new clone of Rybka,the one his name must never be mentioned,and said that I don't trust Vasik anymore,the Rybka's sect members jumped all over me kicking and biting me for my sinner words....

So,can you deny the fact that we were totaly outplayed by the Rybka team,that they do whatever they want including the fact to not keep their promises

A disappointed and despered customer regards,
Dr.D

[hawkeye]

What I am finding rather sad is that I asked a question about how strong of an engine I need and suggestions as to what engine to use and somehow the topic got changed to clones. How did that happen? Are some of you suggesting I use one?

Happy regards,
Steve

[Kirk]

If you are like me, I would try and play and engine rated just about the same or even slightly lower. Chessmaster for example has many personalities and you can adjust the strength and create your own

I myself, prefer an engine roughly equal as my concentration laps if I do not think I have any chance. If you know you have a shot at winning then I have found my mind is sharper at concentrating and calculating.

I guess one could comparing to lifting weights with the attempt at being able to lift a couple of rounds of 10 reps, rather than making the weights so hard you can only do a couple of reps and tire out. The longer reps are more beneficial IMHO

[S.Taylor]

A disappointed and despered customer regards,
Dr.D

But I thought you were one of the top guys in Rybka.
How come you are SO outspoken? Have you left the Rybka team?

[Dr.Wael Deeb]

A disappointed and despered customer regards,
Dr.D

But I thought you were one of the top guys in Rybka.
How come you are SO outspoken? Have you left the Rybka team?

I've never been a top guy in the Rybka team and even if I was,that won't change my opinion about the current situation....
Dr.D

[S.Taylor]

IMO nobody can stop the Attack of the Clones anymore. It's like the swine flu...

The balance of power is shifted already and no one can do a damn thing about it....
Gentlemen,whether you like it or not,the new computer chess era has just started and Rybka will not be the dominating player in it....it will have to struggle along with new players....
Will it be up to the task ....only time will tell....

Dr.D

P.S.As the current mutant is around 60 Elo stronger than SP Rybka 3,Rybka 4 SP must be at least a 100 Elo improvement over Rybka 3 SP and that will give it a short timed gap because the mutant,and God knows what other creatures,is going to improve also....it's an open source IIRC

Oh NO!
I wanted to get the Rybka 4, best verion (mp?) but only because nothing else would come remotely close to even within 100 elo of it for a long time, AND because it would cost $50-70, the most.
$125, I will not wish to pay.

When I say this, I mean, that if the improvement is above 150 elo, then OK, i DO agree to pay $125. But i REALLY mean, 150 elo, in a stable and confirmed way. Not 130 elo. But 150-250 elo. And that, together with great improvements in all other functions and features.

I am not too concerned with clones, at the momment. I prefer something which there is an address to complain to if you have any problems. And, I am more interested in a great product, than whether or not i could have got the same thing free (especially if it has problems). One great program that can last me a long time, with no end of enjoyment and challlenge, is worth $125, IF it is atleast 150 elo over the rybka 3.

This was not so much the case, when computers were much weaker. But 15 years ago, Rybka 3 might have been worth a million dollars.