Komodo 8CPU v Houdini 8CPU Match (2 hours + 30 secs)

Discussion of computer chess matches and engine tournaments.

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Graham Banks
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Game 39 - Komodo's IQP a strength, not a weakness

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 39

We have seen in previous games that Komodo is not put off by having an IQP. This pawn actually held its position together during the middlegame, and then held the draw in the ending that followed. Komodo leads by +2 =36 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 40 - some interesting play from komodo on the kingside

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 40

Komodo gives up the exchange in pursuit of a kingside attack, and after further activity ends up with a couple of connected advanced passers in return for a piece. The position is pretty much deadlocked though, and after much protracted manoeuvering, the game is drawn. Komodo leads by +2 =37 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 41 - Komodo equalises fairly easily in QGD Ragozin

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GAME 41

Komodo equalises easily enough in a QGD Ragozin line, and after pieces come off reasonably quickly, the game is drawn. Komodo leads by +2 =38 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 42 - fairly early repetition. Komodo leads +2 =39 -1

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GAME 42

Not too much action to speak of in the return encounter either, with a reasonably early repetition bringing the game to an end. Komodo leads by +2 =39 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 43 - Houdini kingside disruption not a disadvantage

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GAME 43

In an English line, Houdini is happy to allow its kingside pawn shelter to be disrupted in exchange for active play. The inferior pawn structure didn't prove to be a handicap in the ensuing endgame either. The game is evenly fought right through to a drawn king and pawns ending. Komodo leads by +2 =40 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 44 - Komodo queenside expansion stops kingside attack

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GAME 44

Komodo's activity on the queenside keeps Houdini busy enough to prevent kingside counterplay. After the major pieces come off, Houdini cedes a pawn, but the endgame is always drawn. Komodo leads by +2 =41 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 45 - clever defense from Houdini keeps Komodo out

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GAME 45

In an Alekhines Defence Chase variation, things get messy in the centre rather early. Komodo's queenside pawn structed is damaged, but in return, it has nasty kingside opportunities. Houdini's 21. g3 is part of a clever defensive plan that holds the Komodo forces at bay, and after most of the pieces come off the board, the rook and pawns ending is drawn. Komodo leads by +2 =42 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 46 - interesting king move in the opening from Komodo

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GAME 46

Interesting opening play from Komodo (13. Ke2) maintains a slight edge for Komodo, but the middlegame and eventual endgame hold no real perils for either side and the game is drawn. Komodo leads by +2 =43 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 47 - Komodo queenside expansion keeps Houdini busy

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GAME 47

Queenside expansion from Komodo prevents Houdini from posing problems on the kingside. After the queens come off, the dynamism is extinguished and a threefold repetition follows soon afterwards. Komodo leads by +2 =44 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 48 - another draw. Komodo leads by +2 =45 -1.

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 48

Komodo gets active play in the centre as compensation for an isolated c-pawn. There are no real possibilities for either side to create problems for the other, and once most of the pieces are traded, a dead drawn bishops of opposite colours ending arises. Komodo leads by +2 =45 -1.


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