Sally Simpson: Hi Offramp,
Thank you for this. Another to add to my ever growing collection of computers simply giving up. You are right a computer here..
 click for larger view...would take the b-pawn and on Bf4 take the Rook.
Even after Nigel's wee joke 44...Qg8 45.Bf4
 click for larger viewIt won't play 45...Qg3+ even those it is it's best practical chance, two of the three captures make a stalemate. A basic example showing a computers lack of fighting spirit and good humour. The point being if this was part of a deep 10 mover with a harder move than 46.Bxg3 to find. It still would not have gone for it. 'best practical chance'
Something a computer does not understand. You have take them, especially at the lower levels where student players are being fobbed off by being told playing and studying with a computer will help them. Not if it's not showing them best practical chances that often work it will not. Our new friend John van der Wiel stepping into a stalemate trick/trap. Van der Wiel vs V Mikhalevski, 1995
Black played 58...Rg1 (that won't be a computers top choice.) This one I don't think is as desperate a need for as in the Short game.
John van der Wiel could have still forced Black to find some only moves with 59.Rh8+ Kg7 60.Rh7+ Instead White played 59.Kf4 and Black's idea bore fruit. 59...Rxc4+ 60.Bxc4 Rxg4+ 61.Kxg4 Stalemate.  click for larger view |