p.61 I think that the problem [creating a champion computer chess program] can be solved only
by chess specialists using their creative experience. - Mikhail Botvinnik
p.83 KAISSA [an early Russian chess program] used a complex evaluation function involving many features.
In fact it was so complex that when I asked [Mikhail] Donskoy [one of Kaissa's developers] about it he replied "...I don't
even remember what is in it."
p.108 Black [computer playing chess] exhibits the well known syndrome: All my pieces are on their best squares.
Since it cannot see any way to improve the position of any of its pieces, Black moves the king back and forth until something
happens.
p.219 Over the last 30 years, approximately 10,000 individuals from all over the world have participated
in writing chess programs.
p.220 To write a chess program requires a great burst of energy and concentration for a 2 or 3 month period.
It is necessary to fit together many pieces of a large electronic puzzle that can never be entirely visualized. Addiction
sets in soon after the first game is played, and while the suicidal pace of the first few months cannot be kept up, the programmer
maintains a high level of energy and concentration for many years to come as the program gradually improves.
p.221 Chess programs have been developed by individuals working alone, although more frequently they are
the result of a group effort with one dominant leader. The team, no matter what the size, needs a programming whiz. Every
program that has won the world championship has been a team effort with at least one programming whiz... A strong chess player
is also important to a team, but not as crucial as a programming whiz.
p.222 Most of the time spent developing a chess program is spent testing and debugging. Endless hours are
consumed playing games with the program, hunting for bugs and looking for ways to improve play.
