Modern Chess Formula: The Powerful Impact of Engines - Vladimir Tukmakov (K-5837)

The realities of chess life during the second half of the twentieth century are diffi cult for today’s young people to imagine or understand: Tournaments lasting 30,40 days with adjourned games being completed on specific days allotted for such adjournments. Unbelievable time trouble given that back then only the unrestrained dreamer David Bronstein even thought about incremental time to be added after each move. Mountains of cigarette butts in ashtrays — a fixed attribute of the chess battles and battlefields in those severest of days. Finally, suitcases filled to the very brim with Yugoslav Chess Informants and handmade card indexes.

The arrival of computers dramatically changed the game, while the birth of “Chessbase” made all those aforementioned suitcases that much lighter. Still, in the early 80’s this new trend caught onwith but a select few even if the value of electronic databases was certainly evident. For instance, I only obtained my first laptop after working with Viktor Korchnoi in preparation for the 1991 candidates matches. Seeing how a sixty-year-old accomplished grandmaster used one finger to complete a task that required considerable energy from my entire body convinced me of the necessity to change. It took another ten years at that before the computer evolved from being a faithful archivist into an active participant in the process of tournament or match prep. Even during the Karpov-Anand match in 1998, the analysis of the very best chess engines caused much confusion and snickering.

As I am publishing this book in 2020 it is important to recall that back in 2004, during the Kramnik-Leko championship match, a famous episode involving weak computer analysis could still take place. Peter Leko had refuted, “Over the board,” the analysis of Vladimir Kramnik’s powerful seconds and coaches, all of whom were armed with the latest computer engines of the time. In truth, it wasn’t even the machine’s fault but rather the fact that it still happened to work too slowly. It’s difficult to explain the drama behind these situations to a young chess player today since the reliable computer now solves similar positions in mere seconds. Furthermore, the fateful question of who is stronger, man or machine, has long been answered. The engine has become the “Holy Cow” to which all chess players now pray regardless of their religious convictions or rating. Far from being a foe or rival it has become an invaluable helper, consultant and the highest of authorities. Since the highest of all oracles is soulless and cynical it is ready to help anyone ignoring opinions and preferences. Therefore, the task before each player is to use this dominant and universally accessible power to their particular advantage.