World Computer Chess Championship 2007

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Download the WCCC 2007 games. Look at WCCC 2007 pictures.

Round 1: Deep Sjeng - IsiChess MMX

In round 1 Deep Sjeng was paired against IsiChess MMX. IsiChess is an oldie in these tournaments, and programmer Gerd Isenberg still regularly works on the program. So although it will usually not compete for the first places, it's still a dangerous opponent which can often steal points from the title contenders. Although Deep Sjeng has a positive score against it, there have also been a few very painful losses. An interesting game could be expected.

The game after move 11. .. f5.

After the opening things initially looked good for Deep Sjeng. In its opening database of Grandmaster games, there were no black wins. IsiChess deviated from theory and both programs rated the position as approximately equal. Unfortunately the position does not seem to be fit for Deep Sjeng since the program made several less than optimal moves and black soon equalized. Black's played was directed against gaining space on the queenside, but Deep Sjeng finally responded accurately by regrouping it's pieces to achieve the break e4.

The game after move 14. e4.

After this a series of exchanges quickly followed and neither program had an advantage. IsiChess played into a long forced variation which ended in a perpetual check and the game was drawn. 1/2-1/2

Round 2: The Baron - Deep Sjeng

The Baron is also not an unknown for Deep Sjeng. Both programs met before and have had several exciting bouts. The program from Richard Pijl ran on a fast 4 CPU machine and is always improving. Last tournament Deep Sjeng and The Baron played a very boring game which was eventually drawn. I was hoping history would not repeat itself.

Black is offered the possibility of Nxg4.

Richard tried a tricky opening where Deep Sjeng was offered a pawn (see diagram). Of course, taking the pawn allows white to bring more pieces into his attack with a gain of tempo. Deep Sjeng considered this and rejected the pawn, instead going fully for it's own attack with 14. .. Rac8. The Baron won a pawn on h7 but this did little to further it's own attack, and soon Deep Sjeng came crashing through the white defenses.

Black's attack is crashing through.

The Baron made a defensive inaccuracy with 20. Nh2 and soon it's king was totally unprotected. Richard resigned several moves later when white had to give up it's queen to stop the mating threats. 0-1

White's king has no more defenses.

Round 4: Deep Sjeng - MicroMax

MicroMax is for the length of its sourcecode probably the strongest program in the world. Unfortunately for the author the program is not very long. It neglected development and was quickly crushed by Deep Sjeng. 1-0

Black grabs a rook but neglects development.
White plays for the mate.

Round 5: Deep Sjeng - Diep

Diep is an old rival and Deep Sjeng does generally well against it if it gets an active game. In this game Deep Sjeng picked a very dull opening, all pieces were traded and the position was equal without winning chances for both players. A quick draw resulted. 1/2-1/2

The position is totally equal.