Rybka 3.0 release

The new version of Rybka is due to be released on August 4, 2008. There are some final tweaks that need to be done, but so far the release date seems to be expected to be the same. People have the choice of getting Convekta (Chess Assistant + Rybka 3.0 version), Aquarium (The new Rybka gui, made for Rybka, only drawback I see is the fact that it cannot connect to ICC at the moment, but may be upgraded to do so later, I hope this is the fact) + Rybka 3.0 or a Chessbase version, with Rybka 3.0 + the Chessbase gui as well as Jeroen Noomen's special RybkaII.ctg book.

I myself, If I could afford it, would get the Convekta Chess Assistant 10 starter package w/Deep Rybka 3.0 but the price is way out of my league. At least the Chess Assistant can connect to ICC. But I understand the Chessbase version's ability to only link to it's playing site understandable..as it does compete with ICC. I just prefer ICC.

Also, each company, Chessbase & Convekta, both offer different packages of Chessbase or Chess Assistant with either Rybka 3.0 or Deep Rybka 3.0, the multi-processor version, which is more expensive of course. I haven't seen if the Rybka's are both 32 bit & 64 bit compatible, I imagine the Deep Rybka at least would be.. There are also Download versions on either Convekta's site (www.chessok.com) or Chessbase's site (www.chessbase.com) All with a multitude of extra goodies for more money, such as increased databases, database service, etc. It will have to be you that picks the version that suits your requirements best.

I suggest reading all the versions and their options to pick what works for you. Check out Rybka's forum at http://rybkaforum.net or Chessbase's site or Convekta's site. If I was rich, I would pick up the Chess Assistant 10 professional package with Deep Rybka 3.0 for download. I wouldn't mind the mega package, but you would have to wait for your order to arrive as it's multiple dvds. But the Chess Assistant 10 professional package has all I would ever need. However, at $149.00, that's WAY out of my range.

Each person has their preference as to Chessbase or Convekta (Chess Assistant), both have online playability on their own respective sites, but with Chess Assistant able to connect to ICC. We are all used to which format we use (unless a first time buyer, then you would probably get a 50/50 answer to either one!) so would probably stick to the gui we are used to using. I have Fritz 9, a Chessbase product that was a gift, it took some getting used to when it came to playing on Chessbase's site, but it isn't that bad once you get used to all the windows and tabs. However, I never renewed my account once it ran out as I was more used to gui's that connected to ICC. Both have a lot of games to go over as well as opening books, both support Jeroen Noomen's RybkaII.ctg book and include that book as well. However, I believe if you buy the standalone uci engine, you don't get the special opening book. Of course you don't get the large databases both offer.

But the main thing is, it's ALMOST out!! I have been looking forward to Deep Rybka 3.0 for quite some time as it has ability to try and avoid blockaded positions, which as my readers know, has been the bane of TransWarp! :) So take time and study which version you want to get. I know it will be worth the price, after all, it is the best engine in the world! Rated 3150 ELO in computer competition, a gain of over 100 pts from Rybka 2.3.2a! SO circle the date August 4, 2008! You can already pre-order on Convekta's site, I imagine the same is so for Chessbase. Another place to check out and read is www.rybkachess.com REMEMBER, read closely and pick what version works out best for you! Study both sides.. A link to Rybka's site is on this page as well as a link to Convekta's site. So scroll down if you don't feel like typing in the website..sorry but you have to type in Chessbase's site from here. I have been a Chess Assistant type of guy, so never really promoted Chessbase (not that there's anything wrong with it, like I say, get what suits your needs).

Cheers!

TransWarp back online

TransWarp is back online after a brief, well if you call 2 weeks brief when it's been online over 380 days total. It has given up 2 draws to Goldmund and 1 to Snooker. I've had to turn on noescape due to people disconnecting and doing evaluation. If they use their own minds or their own computer, I don't know. But this has been an ongoing thing whenever I turned noescape off, to get more players.

Also, there have been certain people who start a game, then refuse to finish it. This is quite annoying as you have challenges sent to them, they decline, and one in particular, goes and plays another computer. Go figure.

I am quite looking forward to the new release of Rybka 3.0 and testing it's ability to avoid blockade situations. Of course those who relied on this by playing the same moves over and over will be removed from noplay list. Hopefully, this will allow e4 to be played more often in the openings, as that move is the most taken to blockade...you would think d4, but due to Rybka's play, 1.e4 is most led to blockade. Which reminds me to update books, since TW was offline, old settings came back.

Here's a couple of recent games: one by GM Rustemov (Goldmund) and one by IM Damian Lemos (Blitz-King)

TransWarp vs Blitz-King



Goldmund vs TransWarp