Re: GNUChess

[Simon Waters]

> Jon Fabris wrote:
> 
> Is there a way I can make GNUChess much easier,
> like easy enough for a normal kid to beat?

Stuart and Chua will be pleased to know this is becoming THE
most frequently asked question, so I'll update the documentation
for 5.05

Yes, the simplest method is to allow yourself more time,
currently GNU Chess doesn't "think" in the opponents time, so if
you take more time over your moves it will still play 40 moves
in 300 seconds or whatever the default time control is. Or use
the time control options on your interface to give the computer
even less time.

More advanced options can be passed via the initString (assuming
you are using WinBoard), such as using "depth" to set search
depth, or "book off" or other engine commands as in the
documentation accompanying GNU Chess.

For those not too proud recent versions support the "book",
"hint" features of common interfaces, as well as "showing
thinking".

I've written my own short article on besting chess computers,
which covers some strategies you might adopt to turn the tables,
although it needs some futher proof reading.

http://www.wretched.demon.co.uk/Chess.htm