Numpty updated

[Chris Tatham]

Hi All,

Fresh from 'success' in the Mr Irrelevant play-off and a promising start in the latest Chesswar promo, I have finally got round to updating the public Numpty with a new version (Numpty 0.3pr).

Although still weak it is much stronger than previously - now probably about 1400 elo, so enough to give me a nice game! As before, although not great programming I have included the annotated Freebasic source code to hopefully encourage/help others if possible.

From the read me:

Almost a total rewrite from the previous version:

Features:
Added - Improved winboard 2 support (including setboard, force and go)
Added - time management (including depth, x + y and x in y controls)
Added - recognition of under-promotion
Added - perft function

Strength (probably about +300 elo)
Added - standard alpha-beta search with iterative deepening
Added - game phase specific individual piece square tables
Added - specific endgame knowledge (including passed pawn handling and common mates)
Added - evaluation criteria to handle doubled pawns and trapped pieces
Added - enlarged integrated opening book (still hand developed/tuned)

For this version, I would particularly like to thank John Merlino for his extensive and patient help in fixing a bug in using Numpty in the CM gui and Leo, Olivier and Lars for testing pre-release versions. (@ Olivier - 0.3pr is the same as CW14 version). More generally, thanks also to all who have given me encouragement and support since the last release which I had intended to be the last.

Unfortunately, my website will be going off-line shortly as the provider is shutting down so I can't upload to my usual location. So for the moment as a temporary measure if you want it you can get it from this link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?n2ejvnmda3t

Thanks

Chris

[Guenther Simon]

Hello Chris,

I noticed a strange bug in this new version of Numpty. It seems Numpty exits! after a 3 time repetition instead of
claiming a draw! This behaviour also revealed a bug at least IMO in WB_F, because it prints a wrong result in such a case.
Instead of giving the full point to Numptys opponent after the exiting it gives it a half point with the strange result
message: "{first program exits in draw position ("Numpty_03pr.exe" Numpty03pr)} 1/2-1/2"
I changed both results in a recent rapid tournament, because this is against the rules and I consider it a WB bug,
especially after I had only allowed 6 time repetitions (in case none of both programs is able to claim a rep draw)
to be adjourned as a draw.

BTW I also noticed that Numpty here always assigns 1.2 GB! of virtual Ram according to the Taskmanager
on my Q8200 with XP SP3? I don't think this behaviour is intended?

Guenther

[Chris Tatham]

Hi Guenther

Thanks for testing the latest Numpty version - I was secretly hoping to make it into your top 1000(!) in the rating list but given your report and the fact that things have gone a bit pear-shaped for me at Chesswar, this looks unlikely!

Many thanks for taking the time to report these problems and sorry for the inconvenience. Leo had reported Numpty exiting early when winning (yes winning!) games in Mr Irrelevant. I thought I had fixed it, but know what I did wrong now - I'm not so sure why it failed to give the result - this bit of the code is the same as the previous Numpty but I will make sure I fix properly this time. Are you able to send me the game or debug for this?

As it happens I have corrected a couple of minor bugs and also added support for sudden death time control, so will hopefully release a corrective
update shortly.

As to the virtual memory, you are right of course and this is excessive, I can't think of the reason unless anyone can offer any suggestions? I suspect
it will be down to my weak programming in some way.

Thanks again

Kind regards


Chris

[Guenther Simon]

Hi Guenther

Thanks for testing the latest Numpty version - I was secretly hoping to make it into your top 1000(!) in the rating list but given your report and the fact that things have gone a bit pear-shaped for me at Chesswar, this looks unlikely!

Many thanks for taking the time to report these problems and sorry for the inconvenience. Leo had reported Numpty exiting early when winning (yes winning!) games in Mr Irrelevant. I thought I had fixed it, but know what I did wrong now - I'm not so sure why it failed to give the result - this bit of the code is the same as the previous Numpty but I will make sure I fix properly this time. Are you able to send me the game or debug for this?

As it happens I have corrected a couple of minor bugs and also added support for sudden death time control, so will hopefully release a corrective
update shortly.

As to the virtual memory, you are right of course and this is excessive, I can't think of the reason unless anyone can offer any suggestions? I suspect
it will be down to my weak programming in some way.

Thanks again

Kind regards


Chris

Hi Chris,

I sent the two debugs with the exiting bug to the address given in your old homepage.
I hope that address still works?
For the problem with the virtual memory allocation in FreeBasic I have also no idea, sorry.
I can only tell that it happens on both of my XP machines (Single and Quad).

Best regards,
Guenther

[Chris Tatham]

Hi Chris,

I sent the two debugs with the exiting bug to the address given in your old homepage.
I hope that address still works?
For the problem with the virtual memory allocation in FreeBasic I have also no idea, sorry.
I can only tell that it happens on both of my XP machines (Single and Quad).

Best regards,
Guenther

Thanks Guenther! - safely received - old email receives but won't send.

I will fix over next few days and if it's ok send you another version to make up.

I didn't know about virtual memory issue till you mentioned it - but same happens on my PC. When I have a minute I will maybe ask at the FB forum and see if i can resolve this as well.

Kind regards

Chris

[Chris Tatham]

Hi again,

not a deliberate bump but as there is already a thread..... there is a new update to Numpty (0.4pr).

The latest version is probably 50 - 75 elo better than 0.3pr. Against carbon based opponents I believe Numpty now plays at around 1450 - 1550 elo level, perhaps a little more at faster time controls. Relevant main updated sections from the read-me:

Important general issue:
Numpty makes extensive use of virtual memory (page file) and as a result may not run properly or at all, typically on older computers. This is not intentional and seems to be related to my poor programming technique. I am still trying to correct this but in the meantime apologise if you find you are unable to use Numpty - thanks to Guenther Simon who alerted me to this problem, first found in Numpty 0.3pr.

and:

Numpty 0.4pr < June 2009 >
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Features:
Added - support for sudden death time control (G in y)

Bugs:
Fixed - several minor bugs in book code which could result in engine hang
Fixed - corrected root move number display
Fixed - corrected eval bug (black queen using white queen piece_square_table!)
Fixed - major bug in swap-off routine (returning reverse color's eval)
Fixed - error in value of queen promotion (+60cp)
Fixed - rare movegen bug (pawn giving check can be taken by ep!)
Fixed - rare incorrect result claims (eg pxp ep is possible to prevent checkmate!)
Fixed - premature termination at game conclusion (as far as I know!)

Other:
Added - limited endgame condition checking in search
Added - limited code optimisation - (speed increase c25%)

Particular thanks for help with this version:

Lars - for tests and longstanding patience beyond the call of duty!
Guenther - for taking time to report bugs (hopefully 1 out of 2 sorted!)
Leo - for taking over hosting duties

Now time to rest!

[Chris Tatham]

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but as its already here.... I've uploaded a new version of Numpty which includes the source code as usual.

Changes as follows:

Numpty 0.5pr < December 2009 >
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Strength (approx +50 elo over previous version - now about 1500 elo +/- 100)

Feature:
Added - thinking display - special thanks to Tom McBurney for his help with this!

Bugs:
Fixed - several book bugs which caused illegal moves/engine hang
Fixed - incorrect result announcements
Fixed - eval bug - passed pawn bonus was given even with no passed pawns!

Other:
Added - evaluation for trapped pieces
Added - expanded opening book, greater width of openings (still hand developed!)
Added - code optimisation, engine is 30% - 50% faster (depending on game phase)

Change - removed check extension
Change - minor tweaks to several piece square table values
Change - to some piece values in endgame
Change - improved endgame transition - now based on material not piece numbers
Change - improved time management - now fewer losses on time

As usual a big thank you to all those dedicated testers who make the effort to use the weaker engines.

Unless there are any major bugs (this doesn't include losing regularly), I expect this to be the final Numpty release. I have more than achieved my original ambitions and gone just about as far as I can technically with it.

Thanks again.

[Leo Dijksman]

Thanks Chris

Best wishes,
Leo

[Guenther Simon]

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but as its already here.... I've uploaded a new version of Numpty which includes the source code as usual.

Changes as follows:

Numpty 0.5pr < December 2009 >
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Strength (approx +50 elo over previous version - now about 1500 elo +/- 100)

Feature:
Added - thinking display - special thanks to Tom McBurney for his help with this!

Bugs:
Fixed - several book bugs which caused illegal moves/engine hang
Fixed - incorrect result announcements
Fixed - eval bug - passed pawn bonus was given even with no passed pawns!

Other:
Added - evaluation for trapped pieces
Added - expanded opening book, greater width of openings (still hand developed!)
Added - code optimisation, engine is 30% - 50% faster (depending on game phase)

Change - removed check extension
Change - minor tweaks to several piece square table values
Change - to some piece values in endgame
Change - improved endgame transition - now based on material not piece numbers
Change - improved time management - now fewer losses on time

As usual a big thank you to all those dedicated testers who make the effort to use the weaker engines.

Unless there are any major bugs (this doesn't include losing regularly), I expect this to be the final Numpty release. I have more than achieved my original ambitions and gone just about as far as I can technically with it.

Thanks again.

Big thanks Chris! A side note though, in your download link you doubled by accident the first part of your homepage address,
thus it won't work without manually deleting a part of the link.

Best regards,
Guenther

[Jim Ablett]

Big thanks Chris! A side note though, in your download link you doubled by accident the first part of your homepage address,
thus it won't work without manually deleting a part of the link.

http://bloodhound66-numpty.110mb.com/ch ... y0.5pr.zip

Jim.

[Roger Brown]

http://bloodhound66-numpty.110mb.com/ch ... y0.5pr.zip

Jim.

Hello Jim,

This link gives me an error and I cannot download the engine.



Later.

[Jim Ablett]

http://bloodhound66-numpty.110mb.com/ch ... y0.5pr.zip

Jim.

Hello Jim,

This link gives me an error and I cannot download the engine.



Later.

HI Roger,

Looks like Numpty site temporarily off-line.
Here's a mirror download >
http://www.mediafire.com/?jdmdy1e2xyn

Jim.

[Roger Brown]

HI Roger,

Looks like Numpty site temporarily off-line.
Here's a mirror download >
http://www.mediafire.com/?jdmdy1e2xyn

Jim.

Hello Jim,

Thanks for the super rapid response.

Unfortunately, Numpty hates me. This link does not work either.

The engine must know that I plan to attempt to beat it up....or die trying.




Later.

[Jim Ablett]

HI Roger,

Looks like Numpty site temporarily off-line.
Here's a mirror download >
http://www.mediafire.com/?jdmdy1e2xyn

Jim.

Hello Jim,

Thanks for the super rapid response.

Unfortunately, Numpty hates me. This link does not work either.

The engine must know that I plan to attempt to beat it up....or die trying.




Later.

Mediafire doesn't like the way numpty is zipped.
Re-zipped/re-uploaded >
http://www.mediafire.com/?hozwn5wtmz3

Jim.

[Chris Tatham]

Thanks all, for the feedback and Jim for the help.

hmm, I've come back and was just starting to congratulate myself that no-one had emailed with any major bug.... only to find the reason is no-one can get the update

Not sure why the site is down but problem seems to be affecting other 110mb sites also.

Sorry Roger and and anyone else for the inconvenience - I will fix the link (thanks Gunether!) when site is back up.

Roger - PM me your email and I will send you a personal copy.

[Roger Brown]

Thanks all, for the feedback and Jim for the help.

hmm, I've come back and was just starting to congratulate myself that no-one had emailed with any major bug.... only to find the reason is no-one can get the update

Hello Chris Tatham,

This is going to get an honourable mention in terms of posts for the year....

Sorry Roger and and anyone else for the inconvenience - I will fix the link (thanks Gunether!) when site is back up.

No need to apologise. You are the reason for our hobby and we get to enjoy chess playing machines who are always ready for a game for free. Free I tell you! (Evil laughter)

Roger - PM me your email and I will send you a personal copy.

I will send you a pm.

Later.

[Roger Brown]

Mediafire doesn't like the way numpty is zipped.
Re-zipped/re-uploaded >
http://www.mediafire.com/?hozwn5wtmz3

Jim.

Hello Jim,

This latest link works!

Thanks heaps.

You are speedy.

Later.

[Chris Tatham]

Blushing yet?

er... Beetroot - perhaps just as well it is the last update!

not looking for a ban regards

[Charles Browne]

Mr. Tatham,

I visited your website to download the latest release of your engine Numpty, 0.6pr I believe, and read on your home page about the file hosting problem you are experiencing.

Hoping you are able to get it fixed.

[Jim Ablett]

Mr. Tatham,

I visited your website to download the latest release of your engine Numpty, 0.6pr I believe, and read on your home page about the file hosting problem you are experiencing.

Hoping you are able to get it fixed.

Numpty (v 0.6pr) by Chris Tatham

Download:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5047625/Numpty_0_6pr.zip
Mirrors:
http://www.mediafire.com/?pdo1sli23hij4b4
http://www.multiupload.com/X8HQ4XJVK7

Jim.