Rodent II is out

[PK]

downloadable at http://www.pkoziol.cal24.pl/rodent/rodent_download.htm

It is a complete rewrite, which I had to do due to some untraceable bug in 1.7 codebase, causing node discrepancies between debug and release compiles. I didn't manage to implement all the functionalities from previous codebase yet. This is actually a good news, because it leaves me with some relatively simple improvements.

Another good news is that current source is Linux compatibile, owing to several hints kindly supplied by Dave Kaye. There is also a Linux executable. Preparing 32-bit Windows version, however, will take me a couple of days.

Due to some other commitments please don't expect new Rodent before September. In the meantime, however, I invite You to create new Rodent personalities. The tuning system has matured (and has been documented), option names are finally readable also for non-programmers. It is likely that one can squeeze some more elo out of it - or some more fun, whatever you fancy. If there is enough interest, I can run a tournament of user-defined personalities.

As for playing strength, the gain over version 1.7 is really modest, something like 25 Elo. Hopefully, code is much more maintainable and will allow firther strength increase, something that has become too difficult with previous codebase.

Have fun!

[SzG]

That's very good news, Pawel.

Do you think that we should regard the engine as a continuation of the previous one (and thereby classify it under the name Rodent in our lists), or shall we regard it as a new branch/family and call it RodentII?

[PK]

I think it should be treated as the same branch. Starting point is the same, project goals have not changed (which means that for example most of the UCI options are replicated) and overall difference is smaller than, let's say, between Glaurung 1.2 and Glaurung 2.2.

[Graham Banks]

Thanks Pawel.
Looking forward to testing it.

[Frank Quisinsky]

Hi Pawel,

name of your engine is:
Rodent II 0.8.7 x64 (hope it's right).
I added the configuration in my download file (Version 3.55).
Older Rodent versions have POP optimazation, not sure with Rodent II.

Engine will start a little bit later in my list.
To many older updates I have to added before.

THANKS!
I like your engine, great style !!

Not sure with the personality.
I will use "Default" with my conditions.
No changes in your basic.ini (hope it is right).

Best
Frank

[carldaman]

Awesome news, Pawel.

Thank you for the new and reworked Rodent version.


Cheers,
CL

[PK]

I have supplied 32-bit Windows compile.

On the other hand, my package does not contain Linux compile - I misunderstood what has been sent to me. However, the claim of Linux compatibility still stands - please use makefile and linux.compile files placed above src directory and everything should run smoothly.

[BrendanJNorman]

Thank you Pawel!



I have begun testing Rodent II (having tweaked my own custom personality) and am REALLY impressed.

I'll write a review soon and let you know the results.

P.S Very well done, I love this engine!

[chetday]

Pawel, the personalities in the new Rodent are wonderful, and I'm having a lot of fun playing against them. Thank you for this great chess engine!

[styx]

It is running very well in Linux. But is there any way to use the personalities?