Well we will have to agree to disagreeMonsieur Plastique wrote:
Hi Steve,
The only conclusion I really drew from that match is that the Mark VI defeated the Gameboy. I did not draw a conclusion as to which computer was actually stronger even though others might have. I have plenty of matches in my database where a weaker machine soundly defeats a stronger one and the SSDF databases have many examples as well. I also have examples in various 10 game encounters were the same machine can go down 8 to 2 against itself and then the next time win 7 - 3. It is my experience that even the lowest level of statistical reliability is only achieved after around 40 games and at least 5 different opponents whose own ratings are within as close as possible range to the test machine's estimated rating. My concern is thus that given there is a very good chance the score will not be 5-all, a faulty conclusion will be reached.
Even after 100 games I consider a computer rating to be questionable though in general things tend to stabilise around the 40 game mark unless unsuitable opponents are used.
However since I don't own an Obsidian I do not need to spend time playing the matches but again, I just cannot see it being possible to draw a conclusion on such a small sample. It might be of interest, but I can't see it providing anything definitive. In the end, I will actually be surprised if in the test positions there is any significant variation between the old and new machines unless there has actually been a significant hardware change that Novag did not make public.
firstly.. I have no idea what is learned when you have the same dedicated unit play against itself..you are basically playing without pondering
Secondly..I have played several 10 game matches over the years ..both online and offline ....both here and on the CCC .. and where the score was lopsided the stronger rated computer always won
never once did I have the opposite occur
I would agree that a close score...6-4 or 51/2-41/2 would tell us very little
but a wipe out score would be quite revealing
in my experience if one computer wins 8-2 or 9-1 there is very little chance the other computer will come back and reverse that score
its theoretically possible I suppose but remote
it might better its score in the next 10 games but not with a lopsided win
anyway...if there are no differences in the moves from some test positions then the whole exercise is moot
the point of a match between the two computers is also to have some fun playing the two machines against each other ..always looking for a reason for some friendly competition
Possible But Remote Regards
Steve