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Computer beats book, again

Another in the continuing series of the computer disagreeing with GM book analysis.

Soltis, The Wisest Things..., p. 13, Karpov - Polugayevsky, QF6, 1974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First of all, the GMs in the press room were right to prefer 27. Rxf6 over Karpov's 27. Bf4.

But more importantly, Soltis gives 33. Nf5 an exclamation point, where the computer gives it a ?. Oh, it wins (+2.67). But 33. Nxf7! is crushing (+12.05).

It might be fair to give an ! to a move which "still wins" but which wins in a beautiful or instructive way, I guess. But GM Andy Soltis could have put it in the computer and found 33. Nxf7 in 5 seconds.

The silicon beast humbles us all.

Oh, and don't let this put you off buying and studying Andy Soltis' The Wisest Things Ever Said About Chess. It's still an instructive and helpful book.

Comments


  • 3 years ago

    Draconis

    Yes, Andy Soltis' "Chess to Enjoy" column is the highlight of Chess Life magazine for me each month.

    His Pawn Structure Chess is a great book too. Very instructive.

  • 3 years ago

    drumdaddy

    I'm also a Soltis fan, met him and he's a friendly gentleman. Karpov was such a strong player. Too bad BF bailed out on defending his championship, it would have been a gripping match.

  • 3 years ago

    ChessCarpenter

    I have to get this book... I think Andrew Soltis is one of the best chess authors today!

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