How to Lose to chess computers and/or engines

[Amstaff]

Hi Fernando, what kind of time control do you use for the games? How long does an average game last?
I play my games exactly as you describe except I have been know to violate your last rule, but I agree, they should be played to the end. In my case, sometimes I play a long game and just get tired (I am about your age!!) and if the game is "even" after 25 moves, I have called it a draw in the past (never a win for me). But since you are my confessor, I recognize now my sin in this now.
Gerald

[ryan711]

Playing against chess engine is a good way of training to improve your chess skill. The concept is similar to isometrics like pushing a concrete wall with all your strength. Doing this repetitively for a length of time will definitely increase your physical strength. After playing a hundred games against engines, my score is 0. But when I play against humans, I see a clear increase in my performance.

I confess! I used take backs, peep at engines' evaluation and opening book and sometimes switch sides. And I still lost.

[Kyodai]

I'm not Fernando... but can mention my own way of playing
I always use score-sheet - the two last real games were
classic 40 moves in 2 hours and also 40 moves in 1 hour
(the last one a very interesting game vs Gambit Tiger about a month ago)

[M ANSARI]

To be honest the days where I take on one of the strongest engines with good hardware are long behind me, it must be that I am not so sadistic anymore. What I sometimes do though, is take a position that has been resigned by a game of GM's ... and then try to win from the winning side against a strong engine with good hardware . I think that will quickly teach you in how to improve your technical skills, and will also quickly humble you and give you notice to how much inferior you are to an engine! There have been several games I have gone through that still had many defensive resources that could draw or even turn the tables ... but the GM did not see those resources and resigned.

[Kyodai]

Yes - there are many ways... I use to play tournament chess many
years ago - and still find pleasure in occasional games vs engines -
preferably with longer time controls like 40/1h (min) to 40/2h (max)
That way I can play when enough time and in the right mood...
I live quite a distance from a town with a decent chess-club...

[Harald]

When I played chess against a computer I did my very best
until my position was lost beyond all hope.
Then I switched the sides and tried to win with the computer position
until I had to switch sides again.
The challenge was to win with less than three side switches.

Harald

[Kyodai]

That's almost a poem...

When I played chess I did my very best
Until my position was lost beyond all hope
I struggled in vain without any rest
Now I give all my faith to the Pope

[Harald]

I tried to beat the computer at chess
but soon the position looked like a mess.
Switching sides white and black
was just an illegal hack.
In the end it was futile I guess.

Harald