Chessvine.com - Chess Tech

Chess Cheating and Delaying Online Game Broadcasts

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:38:03 -0400

For several years (probably since Kasparov vs. Deep Blue or maybe the X3D broadcast) a debate has been brewing on the ethics of real-time online chess game broadcast in international competition. I personally have no opinion to share on the issue because frankly it doesn't effect me.

Recently an article appeared by chessbase extending their views on the subject (fifteen minute delay in broadcast).

"Suspicion is rife in the chess world, and this can be very damaging to the game. Not just that more and more players may be tempted to use – and indeed may already be using – illegal computer assistance (those who are caught and admit to their wrongdoing inevitably say 'doesn't everyone do it?'). Even graver is the fact that not just the cheaters but everyone else is affected: soon nobody will believe a brilliant game. Recently we had the following conversation with a top GM: 'Did you see the 2570 performance by the 13-year-old Indonesian girl?' we asked (WFM Medina Warda Aulia, rated 2035, had just scored 5.0/7 at the Telin Chess International Tournament in Jakarta). Our GM friend's reply: 'So have you figured out which engine she was using?'"

To get a clear view of the changes chessbase has proposed take a look at the official proposal submitted to FIDE (PDF).

As I said this anti-cheating proposal hooplah came about long before now but it really came to a head earlier this year when the FFE (French Chess Federation) accused its own players of cheating and a massive backlash ensued. If you didn't know anything about that the chessbase link above has convenient links to those former articles as well.

Why do I consider this an issue of "chess tech"? Because of devices like the one featured in This Article. I think it is best to assume that EVERYONE cheats in international competition and then come to a fair conclusion as to how to detect the used devices and eliminate the non-cheaters from the list of suspects for the round. I'm certain FIDE will take its time deciding on this one and so nothing will be done in the near future except perhaps what chessbase calls "token measures" ... which happen so frequently.

Play Chess On Skype

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:43:14 -0500

For those of you that don't know skype is a handy online tool to communicate with voice and video with other skype users around the world or in the next room.

And for those of you who are curious about why I'm bringing this service up on a chess site ... wonder no more ... skype has an add-on or "extra" where you can be in a call with someone and play chess at the same time! Of course in my search for informative links on the topic I came across some pretty disheartening news. Along with said chess support there has now emerged a convenient way to cheat at chess on skype. see the link HERE. I have no idea what the strength of this cheating helper might be but just in case I wouldn't bet the deed to my house on a chess game on skype.

How To Beat Rybka

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:11:00 -0400

10th International Computer Chess Tournament (ITC10)

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Sat, 29 May 2010 08:44:00 -0400

Participants:

Rybka (Poland, Netherlands)
Pandix (Hungary)
Joker (Netherlands)
Komodo (USA)
The King (Netherlands)
Almond (USA, Netherlands)
Hiarcs (UK)
Deep Sjeng (Belgium, Germany)
The Baron (Netherlands, Venezuela)
Deep Junior (Israel)
Kallisto (Netherlands)
Deep Shredder (Germany, Netherlands)
Redqueen (Brazil)
Spark (Netherlands)

See the Official Site For Updates

The Giuoco Piano

nospam@example.com (jlemoine) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:02:23 -0400

Do you know how to play the Guioco Piano Opening? http://dld.bz/M2f This deadly chess placement of the Bishop can mean victory or death!

www.jacklemoine.com

The Queen's Gambit

nospam@example.com (jlemoine) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:22:45 -0500

Get ready to play in a chess tournament this weekend.

Here's a little video to help you get your engine started. (-or to just learn a little more about the game.)

Almost always, when the Queen Pawn meets the Queen Pawn in the center, White supports with the Queen Bishop Pawn. While this forumation is not as deadly as its brother formation on the Kingside, it is more strategic and hence more practical.

I usually play this. I note that the QB pawn usually moves up next to the Q pawn no matter what Black does.

This is an overview for beginners.

Chess events in your area . . . and visit The Chess Website who created these wonderful videos.

www.jacklemoine.com

Dutch Defense, Stonewall

nospam@example.com (jlemoine) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:26:09 -0500

Get ready to play in a chess tournament this weekend.

Here's a little video to help you get your engine started. (-or to just learn a little more about the game.)

The Stonewall has pawns on KB4, K3, Q4, and QB3. Either Black or White can move into this formation. In my experience, it is really hard to bust this formation. I recall Max Euwe's book on the middlegame had an extensive chapter on how to bust this formation.

This is one formation I recommend for beginning players.

Chess events in your area . . . and visit jrobi who created these wonderful videos.

Body Language And Chess (From Chessvibes)

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:05:00 -0500

As I was wandering through the chess blog landscape I found this article by Chessvibes regarding some new research into body language that may be important to chessplayers. Check it out!

My favorite quote from the article: "Wouldn’t that be a huge consolation to us patzers? It’s not our fault – our bodies give us away!"

ROFL!!

Chess Metaphors: Artificial Intelligence and the Human Mind

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:40:33 -0500

This article/book excerpt from the Huffington Post by Diego Rasskin-Gutman can be summed up in a single sentence:

"The heavy use of computer analysis has pushed the game itself in new directions."

Check it out!

Braces That Look Like Chess Pieces

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:33:25 -0500

Oh, this is just really interesting. How far does your love for chess go? Do you need braces?

A company called Chessmile has created the ultimate chess geek product. Braces that look like the chess pieces! Well, I'm sold.

Chessmaster For PS2

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:26:28 -0500

Check out the Review by Gamespot.

I'm an avid videogame nut but I've been stuck in older generation machines (PS2,Gamecube). I was wandering around my local Gamestop and happened across a fairly advanced (over Grandmaster strength) version of Chessmaster for the PS2. I'm about to leap out of my chair as I write this note. I'm just so excited. I don't know quite how I missed the 2003 release of this chess engine onto the PS2 platform. I remember the older Chessmaster for the Playstation that possessed the old flaws of previous chessmaster releases. This version fixed alot of those errors.

check out this screenshot featuring my favorite board template (because I'm used to the 2d chess sets on most chess playing websites:

This is going to be a good training tool in my opinion. I recommend it to all my readers ... it's a good alternative to the mind-numbing mediocrity of today's videogames (which are more like interactive movies than actual challenges, it's fun don't get me wrong).

Kosteniuk vs. Sutovsky Blitz Game 2

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:33:17 -0400

This is a video from Alexandra's Youtube channel ... ENJOY!

Fritz 12 Available For Preorder!

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:51:05 -0400

img src="http://chessvine.com/uploads/fritz-12-2T.jpg">
I just got an e-mail from ChessCentral. Apparently they are now offering Fritz 12 for preorder! I've always been a fan of Fritz and I'm excited by this newest edition. I plan on getting my hands on a copy as soon as possible. I'm a big nerd so I can't wait to see the new Microsoft “Fluent UI” standard compliant interface. It should look awesome!

I live basically in the middle of nowhere and my only choice for training is programs and the internet. Fritz has been one of my constant training partners. Despite my annoyance at constantly getting my head handed to me on a platter, I might add.

Fritz 12 System Requirements:

Minimum: Pentium III 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, Windows Vista, XP (Service Pack 3), DirectX9 graphics card with 256 MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, Windows-Media Player 9, internet access (playchess.com, updates and activation)

Recommended: PC Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.4 GHz, 3 GB RAM, Windows Vista or Windows 7, DirectX10 graphics card (or compatible) with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10 compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11, DVD ROM drive and internet access (playchess.com, updates and activation).

See A Screenshot

Jrobichess - Blogging & Vlogging For Chess

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:31:07 -0400

Several months ago I received a blogroll request from jrobichess. At that time I was super swamped with too much to do. Now that the chess world is somewhat quieter I was cleaning out my inbox and found the old e-mail. It's been a long time coming but jrobichess is now being added to this site ... check 'em out!

Jrobichess Blog
Jrobichess Official Mother Site
Jrobichess On Youtube

Really Awesome Chess Sets

nospam@example.com (ColonelCrockett) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:11:40 -0400

Thanks to NuttyNewswire & YourChessCoach on twitter I came across a link to the "12 Coolest Chess Sets". My favorite two are pictured here: