Have Computers Ruined Chess?

Have computers ruined chess?

Right now, I am inclined to think so.

Very persuasive.

Thanks to computers I am enjoying Chess more than I have in decades. I can log onto this site and easily play correspondence Chess with old friends and others around the world. That's awesome.

Indeed.

I wonder if he means computers have ruined chess because of sites like this, or because they are so powerful that humans have gotten to the point where they almost can't beat them.

If he means that computers have ruined chess because of sites like chess.com, then i disagree.

If he means chess engines have ruined chess, i would say that it has a little bit. however, its only a little bit.

Ravi

I don't think so, I wouldn't be nearly as good at chess if I couldn't use a chess engine to analyze my games, (after the games are over). It's like I have my own personal GM to look over my games.

I don't think so they have given the best moves in our games.

Computers have stimulated and improved chess:

The internet opens opportunities for play.

Engines give most players top level commentary on finished games, and serve as sparring partners.

There's more ...

Maybe he's talking about the chess programs. Chess programs has broken the true essence of chess that is learning. We depend on it wholly. Learning by yourself is the best way to know about chess more. With chess programs present it became easier

It may seem odd, but the die-hard correspondence chess players at the International Correspondence Chess Federation actually allow the use of chess engines during play. They say that computers are tactics hounds but no good at strategy. They approach their CC as a conductor approaches an orchestra, the challenge being to do the most with all chess resources available. I think of it as more like being a field manager of a baseball team, rather than a player. In any case, the ICCF guys don't agree that chess engines have ruined their CC games.

I think computers have actually helped promote chess in a number of ways.  There have been times when I lived in such isolated areas, that if not for the computer I would have not been able to play at all.  I have greatly enjoyed a number of programs and it has been interesting watching the engines growing stronger and stronger.

I'm thinking quite the opposite... Computers is the best thing that has happened to chess besides Bobby Fischer. : )

ADK

According to Socrates, writing would break the true essence of learning, which is memory. Perhaps he was right.

I work far harder at learning chess with my engines than I ever did without them.

Computers have dramatically improved chess, just as they have revolutionized almost every aspect of life and changed the world forever.   Why so many more GMs these days?  Not 'ratings inflation', but information flow - endless games; analysis tools; opening, mid-game, and ending drills.....

Except for a handful of players, computers are far better than all of us at everything that they do.  That is a part of their purpose, their raison d'etre.

I'm sure he means engines, and if so I'd have to disagree with him there. Like any Science, it's surely a good thing to use all possible tools to progress in our understanding of the game of Kings. Engines help emensely in this.

Have computers ruined chess?

Everything on this website, everything learned here, and every connection made here would not have happened without computer power.

The ability to ask any question at any time to thousands of people around the world would not be possible.

In my short time on this site and playing chess I have corresponded with Eric Schiller whose book on openings I am reading - he replied to an article I submitted.  The "Streetfighter" also reached out.  I am active in a forum of like minded people from all over the world.  Computers have helped that and have kept me interested and learning, not just from books, but from players all over the world.  Prior to computers and the internet we had Amateur or Ham Radio.  I was very active in that and while in grade school and high school, used CB radio to keep in touch with friends at night and do homework.  Radio lead to my interest in computers.

As to chess itself - I only compete against the machine.  I am new to the game and do not feel ready to get thrashed by a human.  I do like being crushed by the machine for some reason.  I study my games and play while on a train for 4 hours a day.  I read books too, but the tactics exercises on the computer are helping a lot I think.

I do not think computers ruined chess.  I think properly used, computers enhance chess and can assist the human in becoming a better player.  Whethr you choose to use a machine in your chess is up to you.  You can always go to the park, sit down with a board and play someone else. 

They aren't your games if the computer is the one deciding the moves.

i totally agree -