chess against computer
• Be aware that computer chess programs are extremely strong and calculated. They will not make the kinds of oversights or blunders that human players sometimes make.
• Focus on a sound opening strategy. Choose opening moves that result in a balanced position, instead of overly aggressive or tricky maneuvers. Computers quickly expose faulty openings.
• Look for tactical opportunities. Although computers calculate very deeply, they still miss small tactics occasionally. Double attacks, forks, pins, and removing the defender of a piece are ways to gain material against a computer.
• Trade pieces when possible. Having fewer pieces on the board reduces the number of possible moves and helps level thecalculating field. Computers calculate much better with more pieces.
• Consider opening a positional sacrifice. Sacrificing a pawn or minor piecemay gain enough positional compensation to disrupt a computer’s calculations. But be ready to precisely justify each move of the sacrifice.
• Play at a faster time control. Computers calculate much faster and more accurately at slower time controls. Faster time controls give humans more of an edge.
• Expect to lose! Modern chess programs are too strong for even the best human players under normal conditions. Focus more on having an interesting game and looking for ways to challenge the computer’s play.
• Have fun and learn. Treat it as an opportunity to test your strategic thinking against an extremely formidable opponent. Study the game afterwards to learn from the computer’s moves.