Drawing by Sofia Polgar
In response to the clear preference of voters in a poll on this topic, we have decided that the upcoming pawn handicap match with GM Joel Benjamin shall feature alternating colors, as well as a slower time control and larger increment! By alternating colors, we have removed the objection that this is not a full “pawn handicap” match.
The time limit was chosen by Benjamin, who felt that it was about optimum for him given the two round a day format. Perhaps we are being too generous this time, Joel is confident that he won’t lose the match and we’re prepared for a possible match loss, but will do our best to win! Here are the terms:
1. Time Limit: One hour per side, 30″ increment.
2. Eight games, two per day Aug. 6 thru Aug. 9.
3. Schedule: 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day (Eastern time). Match location: my home in Potomac, Maryland.
4. In each game, Rybka removes a different one of the eight pawns at the start.
5. Colors: In the four games in which Rybka removes a rook’s pawn or a bishop’s pawn, Rybka plays Black. In the other four games, Rybka plays White. The first game will be with “d” or “e” pawn removed (chosen by lot). If the first game is with “d” removed, the order shall be d,c,b,a, e,f g,h; if “e” is first, then the order is e,f,g,h,d,c,b,a, thus insuring alternation of colors.
6. This is a “friendly” match. This means that neither side will attempt to gain points or advantages by non-chess means. Rybka will stop Joel’s clock on request for short restroom/beverage breaks, and Rybka may be rebooted if necessary due to “crash” or “freezing”, with the clock restored to its time at the moment of the incident as closely as possible. Any operator errors may be corrected when discovered, with the times restored as closely as practical.
7. Joel’s time is governed by his physical clock, whereas Rybka’s time is governed by her displayed computer clock, so operator delay will not penalyze either side. It is understood that the operator will be broadcasting the games, and this may cause some delays.
8. Financial terms: $200 per point scored by Joel, $200 bonus for a drawn match, $600 bonus for a won match, and $150 to offset train fare.
9. The operator has the right to offer and/or accept draws, either with or without consultation with others, but will be primarily governed by Rybka’s evaluation.
10. Rybka will run on a “Quadcore” computer, and the version will be a non-public one, which may contain a small “opening book” for pawn handicap.
Joel Benjamin has been three times US Champion, six times World Open champion or co-champion, three times U.S. Open Champion or co-champion, and has played on the U.S. Olympic Team in six Olympiads and two World Team Championships, and also in one Interzonal. More to the point, he was the chess consultant for Deep Blue, having earned the job by defeating it 2-0 in a formal match in 1995. He is writing a book about his chess career called “American Grandmaster” due to be published by “Everyman” this December.
Discussion: Although Joel is rated about fifty points below Ehlvest, his experience with Deep Blue may compensate, and he is likely to prepare much more than Ehlvest did, since Ehlvest plays tournaments virtually non-stop. By having Rybka play Black in the two edge pawn games, we are insuring that Joel will be at a substantial advantage in every game, and in the case of the f7 handicap, we will be giving the traditional “pawn and move” handicap, known to be very difficult for Black as normal development is difficult due to the weakened king’s position. I would say that this match will be the most difficult challenge Rybka has yet to undertake.
Source: Rybka Forum
Rybka will rule.