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

Discussion of computer chess matches and engine tournaments.

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Nordlandia
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Re: Game 52 - Houdini dodges a bullet!

Post by Nordlandia »

Graham: do you plan rearrange the same match with SF dev as opponent for latest komodo?
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Graham Banks
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Re: Game 52 - Houdini dodges a bullet!

Post by Graham Banks »

Nordlandia wrote:Graham: do you plan rearrange the same match with SF dev as opponent for latest komodo?
Perhaps during my next term break in around 8 weeks.
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Graham Banks
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Game 59 - wholesale exchanges lead to drawish game

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 59

Houdini obtains a spatial advantage in the middle of the board, but Komodo's position is solid. Interestingly enough, Komodo provokes wholesale exchanges that open the position right up. However, the resulting position is drawish and the game ends up as drawn. Komodo leads by +3 =55 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 60 - open h-file no problem with no rooks

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 60

Houdini also holds the black side of this opening line well. Although the h-file eventually opens up, the last pair of rooks comes off the board almost immediately and there is no venom left in the position. Komodo leads by +3 =56 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 61 - g-file holds the key to draw.

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 61

In an Slav Defence/Open Catalan, Komodo decides to try and hold its extra queenside pawn at the expense of castling into a semi-open g-file, plus being saddled with a passive bishop guarding c6. Komodo later gives back the pawn to fully open the g-file. When nothing comes of that, Komodo tries to create something on the queenside, but by taking control along the g-file, Houdini easily holds the draw. Komodo leads by +3 =57 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 62 - Houdini exchange sac comfortably holds the draw.

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 62

The return encounter initially follows a similar pattern until Houdini gives up the exchange for an extra pawn plus the bishop pair. Although Komodo is initially quite happy with that decision, it soon becomes apparent that black has a fairly comfortable time holding the position. Another draw sees Komodo leading by +3 =58 -1.


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Graham Banks
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Game 63 - Komodo comfortably holds Qd6 Scandinavian

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 63

In a Qd6 Scandinavian, Houdini signals its intentions with h4, aiming to advance on the g6 pawn. Komodo forgoes the right to castle kingside and then swaps off queens. Although Komodo ends up with doubled isolated pawns on the d-file, this is inconsequential, as its position is easily defensible. Another draw and Komodo leads by +3 =59 -1.


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Nordlandia
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Re: Game 62 - Houdini exchange sac comfortably holds the dra

Post by Nordlandia »

Game 62 remark:

*The defender probably has more chances of successfully defending with the pair of bishops than "with other minor piece combinations. This seems to hold true even when the board isn’t opened up for bishops. Indeed, there is a certain school of thought that claims that ’a pair of bishops equals a rook and knight in the ending’. I’m not sure that this assertion can be proven.

*Although I fortuitously saved this game it gave me the lasting impression that, ceteris paribus, rook and knight are superior to two bishops. Here, even with an extra pawn, Black was always somewhat worse. I’m also willing to bet that White’s chances are better than 57% (see the introduction to this chapter) in the initial position, but everyone is entitled to their opinion! My impression is that, in cases where the pawn structures are intact, the bishops can’t find enough targets and are thus inferior.

*«A pair of bishops shouldn't be underestimated, but the rook and knight are still superior»

*«In open positions where the knight has no outposts in the centre, the strength of two bishops and a pawn is no less (and tends to be greater) than that of a rook and knight»

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Graham Banks
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Game 64 - Komodo goes ahead by +4 =59 -1

Post by Graham Banks »

GAME 64

Komodo plays differently, simplifying the position with exchanges, then castling queenside into semi-open files there. After further exchanges, we reach a QR and pawns endgame that looks drawish. However, when Komodo pushes b4 to create connected passed pawns, things start going downhill for Houdini. What follows is a classy demonstration by Komodo as it ekes out its fourth win in the match. Komodo now leads by +4 =59 -1.


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Leto
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Re: Game 64 - Komodo goes ahead by +4 =59 -1

Post by Leto »

The wins are coming at a faster rate than I expected. We might get a 6th win before 100 games are played.