Can anyone explain what is meant by the term 'ponder on' or 'ponder off' in
computer-engine chessmatches? It seems a very common term, some kind of
condition of play between engines, but I cannot find anything in the
helpmenu, and it's not clear to me what it is .
Thanks in advance
Ruud

"Ruud" wrote in message
...
Can anyone explain what is meant by the term 'ponder on' or 'ponder off'
in computer-engine chessmatches? It seems a very common term, some kind of
condition of play between engines, but I cannot find anything in the
helpmenu, and it's not clear to me what it is .
Thanks in advance
Ruud

Maybe I need to add, that English is not my native language. This to avoid
the obvious misunderstanding of education. I looked for it in an online
dictionary, but there wasn't such term

"Ruud" wrote in message
...
Can anyone explain what is meant by the term 'ponder on' or 'ponder off'
in computer-engine chessmatches? It seems a very common term, some kind of

It will think during its oponent's time too.

In other words, while you are thinking about your move, it's thinking about
its next move too.

That can give it about twice the time to search for a good move. Assuming
it predicts your move correctly.

With it off, it will only think when it is its turn to play.




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On 2006-01-31, Ruud wrote:
Can anyone explain what is meant by the term 'ponder on' or 'ponder off' in
computer-engine chessmatches? It seems a very common term, some kind of
condition of play between engines, but I cannot find anything in the
helpmenu, and it's not clear to me what it is .

Ponder on = the computer "thinks" when it's opponents move.
Ponder off = the computer does not "think" when it's opponents move.

--
Ari Makela late autumn -
a single chair waiting
http://arska.org/hauva/ for someone yet to come
-- Arima Akito

"Ari Makela" wrote in message
...
On 2006-01-31, Ruud wrote:
Can anyone explain what is meant by the term 'ponder on' or 'ponder off'
in
computer-engine chessmatches? It seems a very common term, some kind of
condition of play between engines, but I cannot find anything in the
helpmenu, and it's not clear to me what it is .

Ponder on = the computer "thinks" when it's opponents move.
Ponder off = the computer does not "think" when it's opponents move.

--
Ari Makela late autumn -
a single chair waiting
http://arska.org/hauva/ for someone yet to come

OF Course!!! Thanks for your replies. It's the obvious; I should have
guessed.

Somtimes it's also called "permanent brain".

HD wrote:

Somtimes it's also called "permanent brain".

And "deep thinking"...

Major Cat wrote:
HD wrote:

Somtimes it's also called "permanent brain".

And "deep thinking"...


And most useful when it is machine versus machine. Running both engines on
the same machine with "ponder on" will give inconclusive results.

--
Thomas T. Veldhouse
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