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Man vs. Machine

By Chad Lieberman

With the relatively recent rise in popularity of chess matches between man and machine, this week's article will delve into the uses of computer players on USChesslive.

Computer participants serve one important purpose for the administrators of USCL. As an internet gaming provider, USCL has the responsibility to its paying members of providing a certain amount of game availability during every time of the day or night.

It is impossible to avoid lapses in player attendance online at times. Therefore, the administrators of USCL use their computers to fill the quota of game availability.

Computers are also very useful to the USCL subscribers. If a player competes against a computer and loses, he or she can study the game and learn what to do better. Because the opponent is a computer, the player can follow a particular line of moves up until a point where he or she wishes to improve on his or her previous game.

This ability to study and restudy lines makes computers an invaluable component to USCL.

A disadvantage to playing against a computer is that it always makes scientifically calculated moves. With an absence of feeling, playing against computer opponents does not prepare a player well for tournaments. It is sometimes the less "correct," more emotional moves which make it hard to find a good response.

This week's featured game was played on USCL this past Sunday. It is one of very few human-computer games that ends in a draw. Enjoy it!