On Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:19:14 -0700, "J.D. Walker"
wrote:

Those that recall earlier messages I posted regarding "Transwarp," a
version of Rybka that is running over at ICC may remember the talk of an
approach to drawing by locking up the position. Nakamura was a leading
exponent of this approach. It appears that the technique has been
refined to the point that a number of GMs are victimizing poor Rybka.

Transwarp's current rating is 3398. This is way down from from 3932
where it was at one point. Meanwhile, Nakamura, AKA "Smallville," is now
at 3518. Another GM, "Goldmund," who also has victimized Rybka, is now
at 3523.

All programs are somewhat susceptible to this locking up technique.
There is an "anti-computer" specialist named "Father" Pablo Restrepo
on ICC that uses this technique to build up severely locked positions
that he either draws, or wins on time. A lot of folks claim he wins
on time due to slight bugginess in premove and time handling in the
ICC GUI, but even so, he earns more than his fair share of points
against computer programs due to his unusual style of play.

Eduard Nemeth is another "anti-computer" type guy that often uses this
technique. He also exploits the materialistic greediness of programs
to gain wins, as well as using Basman-like rook pawn advances and
development on the wings to confuse programs.

Tony