Pooky sneaky pondering?

[Jim Ablett]

I've been testing Mscp against Pooky 2.7 (uci mode) - level 40-5-0 - ponder off

During the matches Pooky at times seem to move instantly without taking any time to think, after mscp has made a move, anticipating in advance the best move to play, like it's switching on pondering for certain moves.

Now I'm not accusing David of anything underhand, (heaven forbid!) it must be a bug, it's just that I found it quite funny, like Pooky decided it wasn't going to play by the rules!

[Anonymous]

I've been testing Mscp against Pooky 2.7 (uci mode) - level 40-5-0 - ponder off

During the matches Pooky at times seem to move instantly without taking any time to think, after mscp has made a move, anticipating in advance the best move to play, like it's switching on pondering for certain moves.

Now I'm not accusing David of anything underhand, (heaven forbid!) it must be a bug, it's just that I found it quite funny, like Pooky decided it wasn't going to play by the rules!

Pooky has an easy move routine, where it will play obvious moves such as recaptures without the normal thinking time. Is this what you are observing?

Regards
Dave

[Jim Ablett]

Hi David,
Yes, Pooky seems to move instantly sometimes when it is re-capturing.
That's a neat feature.

Regards,
Jim.

[Jim Ablett]

Are you sure this feature isn't detrimental to Pooky's playing strength? I observed Pooky making instant moves in middlegame and endgame.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Are you sure this feature isn't detrimental to Pooky's playing strength? I observed Pooky making instant moves in middlegame and endgame.

Jim

A lot of engines have this feature. Also Pooky will play instantly when it only has 1 legal reply. Pooky's playing strength is not very strong anyway, but i don't believe these features make it weaker.

Regards
Dave