Houdini 1.5 is released

[Mike S.]

Thanks; I am familiar with these 32/64 bit requirements. I was/am only using 32 bit Windows versions so far, therefore I am of course always trying the 32 bit engine versions. In this case Houdini_15_w32.exe (see error message).

It's right that 64 bit versions cause the same error message if I try to run them here. But I cannot imagine that ...w32.exe is a 64 bit executeable by mistake?! In this case I would assume that (at least some ) people trying Houdini 1.5 are still running a 32 bit Windows too and would have noticed that. - I am almost sure that it is another issue, related to W2K. Let's wait and see.

[Houdini]

And most probably the problem is in SSE2 that P3 is lacking.

No, Houdini is compiled without SSE2 extensions.
I've never found any speed-up using SSE2 or SSE3 instruction sets.

[Houdini]

Thanks; I am familiar with these 32/64 bit requirements. I was/am only using 32 bit Windows versions so far, therefore I am of course always trying the 32 bit engine versions. In this case Houdini_15_w32.exe (see error message).

It's right that 64 bit versions cause the same error message if I try to run them here. But I cannot imagine that ...w32.exe is a 64 bit executeable by mistake?! In this case I would assume that (at least some ) people trying Houdini 1.5 are still running a 32 bit Windows too and would have noticed that. - I am almost sure that it is another issue, related to W2K. Let's wait and see.

I've tried googling "win 2000 SP4 not a valid win32 application" and "MSDN not a valid win32 application", many hits but nothing really useful showed up.

[rodolfoleoni]

........................

But I cannot imagine that ...w32.exe is a 64 bit executeable by mistake?! In this case I would assume that (at least some ) people trying Houdini 1.5 are still running a 32 bit Windows too and would have noticed that. - I am almost sure that it is another issue, related to W2K. Let's wait and see.

Just to confirm, my windows xp version is 32 bit, even if processor is 64 bit. Houdini 32 bit version works fine here.

[tmokonen]

I tried it out on my old PIII Windows 2000 Server SP4 box, and I got the same error message. Are you using VC++ 2010? I've read on Microsoft's support site that W2K is not a supported platform for executables made with that compiler.

[lucasart]

The new Houdini 1.5 is available.

Main features are improved evaluation and search (by about 35 Elo), and Gaviota EGTB support.
Detailed information and download can be found at http://www.cruxis.com/chess/houdini.htm .

I've created a mailbox for problem reports, suggestions or requests, you'll find the address on the web page.
If you enjoy Houdini, feel free to donate to the development of Houdini. Donations will be used for purchasing hardware to improve the testing of Houdini and will contribute directly to future versions.

Cheers,
Robert

Thanks. This is great news! But is there any chance for a Linux or Mac OS version ?

If you have a look at the source code of StockFish, you'll see it's a matter of a few #ifdef's for thread functions, either using the Windows or POSIX ones, and adding a gcc line in the makefile. Or you can contact Jim Ablett for help with compiling on Linux and also Mac OS. I think he uses the Intel compiler, which is somewhat better than gcc.

[Peter Skinner]

Where is the source?

If you took ideas (and likely code) from Crafty, Stockfish, and the Ippolit family of engines, you have to publish the code.

Crafty's license states that any modification of the code _must_ be released and the copyright notice be left intact.

I would like to see just how much of Crafty is in the program.

Peter

[ernest]

Thanks; I am familiar with these 32/64 bit requirements. .

Hi Mike,

I would have been very surprised if you hadn't!...

But why do you keep crippling yourself with things of the past (like W2K)?
I remember when you didn't have enough disk space for the 5-men Nalimovs...

By the way, have you been thinking about an update of your PB5moves.ctg (which I am still using in most of my engine matches)?

[BTO7]

Thanks Robert for such a superb engine. I hope I speak for all when i say ...I think we should give you Chess Engine Author of the YEAR AWARD!!! Also IPON is now ranking the engine 3000!!!! Talk about crushing the competition. Houdini is the only engine I use not to mention your just a great guy in general with patience and tolerance for all you end users. We really couldnt ask for a better programmer who keeps in touch with his base. You and your family have yourselves a great Holiday Season.

TC
BT

[BTO7]

Where is the source?

If you took ideas (and likely code) from Crafty, Stockfish, and the Ippolit family of engines, you have to publish the code.

Crafty's license states that any modification of the code _must_ be released and the copyright notice be left intact.

I would like to see just how much of Crafty is in the program.

Peter

Really doesn't seem any of your business...maybe just worry about yourself and do your own thing while others do theirs