Any way to randomize openings when not using a book?

[JohnW]

If I match two engines and configure the match to not use an opening book, a lot of engines when select the same opening over and over.
For example, I can't get Patricia 5 or Lc0 v0.32.1 to play anything other than e4. Why they won't select d4 or even c4 once and a while I don't understand. I don't want to use an opening book because they'll make 10-20 moves until they run out of book and I want to watch a game as if it were two humans playing on my Chessnut Move. Any idea how I can make the engines randomly select an opening? Thanks for your help..

[ImNotStockfish]

Yes, there is a way, by using a book, literally, unironically, seriously, actually, for real.

[Rowen]

Most engines if not using a book will always play their best moves but sometimes an engines' parameters can be tweaked so the engine varies its moves, randomisation etc, I mainly use the Fritz GUI but using that there are many opening books that can be downloaded that vary in move length (and variety) , some as few as 1 to 3 moves long. Even with longer books the moves can be shortened to zero and upwards, and variety of moves can be adjusted. I don't have chessnut .Presumably that doesn't allow you change opening book parameters? Or use other books?

[JohnW]

Yes, there is a way, by using a book, literally, unironically, seriously, actually, for real.

Ok, so now tell me how to make them move like a human would instead of 20 moves in 3 seconds

[JohnW]

Most engines if not using a book will always play their best moves but sometimes an engines' parameters can be tweaked so the engine varies its moves, randomisation etc, I mainly use the Fritz GUI but using that there are many opening books that can be downloaded that vary in move length (and variety) , some as few as 1 to 3 moves long. Even with longer books the moves can be shortened to zero and upwards, and variety of moves can be adjusted. I don't have chessnut .Presumably that doesn't allow you change opening book parameters? Or use other books?

Oh, I didn't realize there opening books like that or you can make them shorter. That's a good idea, thank you!

[tapio]

Move timing humanization is something that can be done with LucasChess.