Chess

[realexplodingcat]

Anyone play chess? I was too tired to read last night. But my brain decided I wasn't too tired for chess. I made the mistake of playing the Chess game that came with OS X for the Mac. It killed me. Over and over. No matter what, it always had me at a disadvantage within three or four moves, followed by a slow death. It has been years since I've played with any regularity, so I'm not surprised by losing. But I would at least expect a few moments of glory. None. And yet I kept playing. After reading on some forums that the OS X chess game is nearly unbeatable, I didn't feel so bad. And I no longer wish to play it again. But now I'm itching for a game against an opponent, machine or otherwise, that isn't perfect. Even a long distance game, making one move a day via email or LJ comments would be cool.

Comments

I used to play

[audiorapture.livejournal.com]

now I mostly watch my PalmV play against itself... But we might be able to get to play a game once in a while. I even got a fancy glass set.

Re: I used to play

[explodingcat.livejournal.com]

I watched my OS X Chess play itself a few times. It never lets itself get the upper hand for long. Almost always maintains balance until the end when there are only 5 or 6 pieces on the board, and then one side manages to win.

There is something special about playing with a fancy set. We'll have to do that sometime.

Re: I used to play

[rav3n.livejournal.com]

I suspect that it trys to keep a fairly decent position into the end game.. depending on what it's using for it's endgame book most 'normal' humans are going to lose against a computer when the game has a clear end game path. Novelties (sp) generally work well against a computer.. at any rate I'd be glad to have a game or several with you at some point.

Re: I used to play

[explodingcat.livejournal.com]

If you're using fancy words llike "endgame book" you're probably better than I at the game, but I'm up for a challenge.

I found some strategy info on a forum that talked about beating the computer. I think somebody did once. Don't even attempt to control the middle and do battle there. The computer usually will not sacrifice a piece in order to take a lesser piece, it always makes moves that give it an obvious advantage. So, you have to somehow play in a way that doesn't offer the machine useful options for gaining a clear advantage. At the same time do some long range planning to trap it's pieces in unconventional ways. With that in mind, it still kills me.

Yes, we can have a game. Another friend of mine already started one with me. He found an online email chess game on www.shockwave.com. I don't know how many games I can handle at once. But maybe we can do that sometime.