Posts Tagged chess

Computer Chess Elo Rating

For many chess players, there’s nothing more satisfying than to improve their game and increase their Elo rating. But what is Elo rating by the way? For you may not know, Elo is the system used in giving ratings to chess players. It is the standard system used all over the world. This system is not just for chess but also for golf, football and even computer chess games. The name of the Elo system deprived after a Hungarian professor named Arpad Elo who developed the system in 1978. There are systems used before but then because of its inaccuracy, the man decided to come about with an improved rating system which was until now used to compare chess players.

Elo’s idea simplifies the way of giving ratings to players. The main assumption of the system was to estimate the player’s “true skill”, how he or she plays each game. The system said, that you can’t measure the playing performance of a player despite saying he succeeded against his opponent that’s why he plays better that his foe. Or by saying he drew therefore his skill level is the same as his foe. Or he lost the game therefore he is weaker than his opponent. This system is quite complicated to understand. But then, Elo explained that you can only measure the true skill of a player by computing the quantity of games he or she is projected to win than his or her opponent. Let’s say for instance you’re Elo rating is 2570, then you are playing like an International Champion.

But if your Elo rating is 2450 and you’ve gathered the norm requirements for the IM (International Master) then, you will able the get the standard of an international master. Similarly, if you’re Elo rating is 2600 and get the standard of an international master requirement, then you will get the norm of an IM as well. Elo Rating System also explained the expected results and changes per game. Let’s say for instance, player A is expecting to score 4.50 but then he only scored 4.5 therefore the rating will not change. But then, if player A is expecting to score 5.0 but he scored 5.5 then his rating will move up. Actually, Elo rating system is easy to understand. There are only a few things that you have to consider. These include rating, increase or decrease, performance rating, grandmaster norm, IM norm, opponent’s average and expected result. Elo rating also make use of K-factor (K-coefficient) in computing chess player’s rating. Some tournaments used K-factor combination value of 16, 24 and 32. More often, the K-factor value used is 10, 15 and 25 as it was approved by FIDE.

Now, Elo rating system is also applied for computer chess games. Computer chess Elo rating is similar to how humans are being rated. With the high-rising popularity of the internet today, it’s no longer a surprise to play chess against a computer of the same Elo rating. Computer chess Elo rating is also used in several computer chess competitions. Some computers have low Elo ratings while there are a few which have Elo ratings similar and even better than humans Elo rating.

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Requirements of a good chess player

Chess is a game that can be learnt easily in less than a couple of hours by any person like you, but to become a good chess player, either you should have innate qualities of a commander-in-chief of an army or develop such traits in you.

What is the relation between a commander-in-chief of an army and a chess player? The chess player knows a lot of chess strategies.

Well. Both do the same kind of thing – only the area of operation is what makes the difference. A commander-in-chief of an army that wages a battle or war with another country shows his deft-handling and capability in the war-front or battlefield.

On the other hand, the chess player needs to display the same tactics and courage on the chessboard – a square board comprising of 64 squares in alternate colors of black and white.

Let me explain the concept with more clarity. In an ancient book that describes the art of war, the requirement of a commander-in-chief of the army has been described as follows:

The commander of an army must possess not less a profound acquaintance with the general principles which regulate the conduct of a long and tedious campaign, than with those that are called into requisition in actual conflict. He must be able equally to arrange the plan of preliminary operations – to act at once and with decision in cases of the most pressing emergency, and on the occurrence of the most unforeseen events – to judge of the importance of a position and of the strength of an entrenchment – to discover from the slightest indications the design of the enemy, while his own are impenetrable – and at the same time to preside with unshaken self-possession over the tumult of the battle-field, and the raging fury of an assault.

Now, try to imbibe these qualities, at least in part, into those of a chess player and see for yourself how the two are entwined or related.

If you want to be a good chess player, you should be very conversant with the basic rules of the game, the real, relative and positional merits of each and every piece in the board and the unique nature or movement of the pieces and their utility in the control over the board. As a chess player, you should lay down the ground for preparing an attack in the form of occupying strategic positions and important squares. You should be alert enough to find mistakes or loopholes in opponent’s positions and be prepared to launch an attack on such a mistake. You should also ensure that there are no loopholes or mistakes in your game or arrangement of your pieces and they stand impenetrable.

This comparison of war with the game of chess makes you realize the fascination of this noble game and I, for one, believe that this challenge and fascination might be the one reason that is responsible for the game to survive the travails of time and technology. Chess is being played for more than 1400 years now in this world and is spread across the world.

With technology, the game of chess has been made more exciting and fascinating with a lot of study material, collection of old games and lot more, through the means of computer and the Internet. That is not enough. Now, you can play the game of chess with the computer or with any player who is not physically in front of you across the board but in the virtual room in an online chess site at the time and place you decide. Online chess is the new kid in the block that is taking the game to the masses and enriching the quality of life of the passionate chess player in you.

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Twilight Online Chess Games – Werewolf versus Vampire

If you were amazed with the last Twilight movie, then you will also enjoy the Twilight game of chess. Yes, this chess set are truly geared for chess aficionados and chess parties out there. Like many other online chess games, Twilight chess set has the same rules and principles of playing. Only then, instead of the conventional chess sets seen in most chess games, Twilight chess set comprises werewolf on one side and vampires on the other side. But then, if you’re not interested in playing chess, you can match it with other decorations at home. It’s not just for gaming purposes but can also serve as your party theme everyday.

Perhaps, this board game doesn’t contain any twilight mind since it way made. But what’s more interesting in these stuffs is that it definitely fits the film’s supernatural creatures- werewolf and vampire. Enjoy the real form of chess watching both sides battling each other. You will surely amaze to see this spectacular game battle. Many of us are BIG fans of Twilight and this board can be included in one of the important items in your list. Another thing is that, Twilight chess sets are on sale! As you wish, you can have it at your nearest retail outlets in your place. If not, then maybe you can just turn on your browser and pick one online.

Twilight chess set doesn’t end there. While your friends are seeking their teeth with some vampire cupcakes, and others are testing their abilities with some TRIVIA, you can let them watch the challenge happening on the board. Sure this item will make them raise the question “where did you find this?” well, that’s some kind of a funny thing. But one thing for sure, your friend will repeatedly give comments in this wonderful item. “I’m dazzled by your chess pieces!” as we all know, this comment is usually deserved for Edward Cullen who fell in love with Bella swan in a famous Stephanie Mayer Saga.

This set will finally answer the question “who will win the battle between Vamps and Weres?” this fantasy chess set will definitely enhance one’s strategic thinking in Twilight world. Over all, the game is challenging and mind stimulating. Whether you choose this item for chess obsession or for parties, you’ll not regret! Whatever your reason for buying this stuff, fantasy will always remained on movies. Unfortunately, these are just a simple tool to enjoy Twilight characters. Even you don’t admit it for sure you’re also a huge fan of twilight movies. If that could be the case, then what are you waiting? Get your own Twilight chess sets now! Great deals are waiting for lucky customers out there.

A vampire versus Werewolf chess set fits with all kind of parties. When it comes to prices, there’s nothing to fear of. It’s because you do get what your pay for and sure you can afford to have it. But for those who are not a fond of Twilight movie, better spend time in searching for an explanation out there. So get this amazing party stuff before it’s too late.

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