p.31-32 How is it possible that such a problem [providing a complete solution
to the problem of devising a chess playing machine], by its very nature, can overtax even the best computers which can guide
rockets to the moon and beyond or control the running of a whole industry?
p.83-84 Despite the impossibility of giving a computer the intuitive capacity of a grand master, many chess
programmers have opted for Shannon's B strategy in order to restrict as far as possible the number of positions which need
to be evaluated. This means that a good program must contain instructions for determining the most meaningful moves in a given
position by applying basic precepts arising from our present state of chess knowledge. In the course of time, programs based
on this strategy have led to a clear increase in strength on the part of the chess computer, despite the gloomy predictions
of some experts. However, it has become equally clear that the optimistic forecasts of some [Shannon strategy type] B programmers
that the world would soon witness the advent of a new electronic World Champion have proved equally naive. Despite strenuous
efforts within universities renowned for their pioneer work on chess programming, it has not proved possible to improve the
strength of B strategy programs to the level of master chess.
p.87 If a B-strategy programmed computer could only acquire the intuition
of a grand master, it would be in a position to outplay any human opponent. The crux of the matter lies in the choice
of key moves to be analysed, and it is precisely here that the evaluation criteria hitherto used by the machine are, compared
with human methods, far too inexact and unsophisticated.
p.90 [gandmaster Hubner interview with Spiegel newspaper in 1979] Concrete calculation is easily imitated,
but there are other processes taking place in the subconscious mind which are difficult to isolate but which nevertheless
produce identifiable results. I first gain a general picture of the position and make various observations about the
effectiveness of the pieces. Then, on the basis of these elements, I come to a decision about which move to play. The bulk
of my observations never reach the conscious mind. To transfer such human thought processes to the machine would
require a complete and quantified register of strategic concepts
p.95 it must not be forgotten that a chess program initially written for a giant computer has an excellent
chance of being marketed in the form of a home computer, with prospects of a sizeable profit.
p.131 We can draw two important conclusions from the above examples [a computer chess program attempts to
find the best move in two positions]. Firstly, well programmed computers have already shown that they are highly efficient
when it comes to calculating precise tactical sequences. As we shall see later, however, their strategic capability
(choice of a plan, maneouvering, in positions with few tactical elements) is distinctly lower.
