This paper is concerned with the problem of constructing a computing
routine or "program" for a modern general purpose computer which will enable it to play chess. Although perhaps of
no practical importance, the question is of theoretical interest, and it is hoped that a satisfactory solution of this problem
will act as a wedge in attacking other problems of a similar nature and of greater significance...
3. Approximate Evaluating Functions
Although in chess there is no known simple and exact evaluating function
f(P), and probably never will be because of the arbitrary and complicated nature of the rules of the game, it is still possible
to perform an approximate evaluation of a position. Any good chess player must, in fact, be able to perform such a position
evaluation. Evaluations are based on the general structure of the position, the number and kind of Black and White pieces,
pawn formation, mobility, etc. These evaluations are not perfect, but the stronger the player the better his evaluation.
The strategies described above do not, of course, exhaust the possibilities,
In fact, there are undoubtedly others which are far more efficient in the use of the available computing time on the machine.
...it [traditional chess engine] plays something like a beginners (sic) at
chess who has been told some of the principles and is possessed of tremendous energy and accuracy for calculation but has
no experience with the game.
To program such a strategy [an advanced evaluation function] we might suppose
that any position in the machine is accompanied by a rather elaborate analysis of the tactical structure of the position suitably
encoded. ...in short, all the facts to which a chess player would ascribe importance in analysing tactical possibilities.
These data would be supplied by a program and would be continually changed and kept up-to-date as the game progressed.
The analytical data would be used to trigger various other programs depending on the particular nature of the position. A
pinned piece should be attacked. ...It is not being suggested that we should design the strategy in our own image. Rather
it should be matched to the capacities and weakness of the computer.
