Play Chess Against the Computer

It happens all the time. You are in the mood of playing a game, but your brother, your mother, your friend, your cousin, your next-door neighbor, and even your dog all said no. What jerks, right? Ok, so maybe you've asked them to play a couple of games lately (maybe a couple means 20 or 30 times a day, but so what!?) But you're really getting good, and the experts say the only way to get better is by practicing. Well, when you've gotten to this point, there's really only one thing left to do; play chess against the computer. This is a great solution for the new chess addict or an old time fan of the game. When you play chess against the computer, you don't have to worry about his time or patience running out. The computer is more than happy to sit for as many hours as you can bear (probably even longer). In addition, when you play chess against the computer, you are in essence, playing against the best. So you can see moves, watch strategies, and take notes and tips that will help you improve your game.

Some would argue the negative side of playing chess against the computer. Logic would have it that if you are playing against a machine that has "all the answers", you can never win. I'm here to tell you that when you play against the computer, it doesn't have to be a lose: lose situation. First of all, most game designers know that a common flaw in human beings is that we hate to lose. And, since the majority of those playing their games will be people, they accommodate this deficiency. Aside from the fact that even when you play chess against a computer, your opponent, as powerful a being as it may be, still cannot predict the future. Therefore, he will inevitably make moves that are beneficial to you at times. This is where you can really learn to improve your chess skills. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given, and learn from all your own mistakes.

There are, however, a few legitimate drawbacks when you play chess against the computer. Chess is a long, thought-provoking game. As such, it can be a real opportunity to make close ties with someone you know. The personal, one-on-one, quality time spent playing chess can foster a strong and healthy relationship with your opponent, raising your status from chess partner to friend. This aspect is, obviously, lost when you play chess against the computer, as it has no real interest in getting to know you (or in you getting to know it, as anyone who as ever tried to learn a new program on their computer will tell you!) Now the anti-social gamer will embrace this seemingly glorious opportunity, but may I remind you, Sir, that you are the one who needs this experience the most! Other complaints involve the accuracy and consistency of the games that are supplied when playing against the computer. This is the typical man vs. machine controversy, and there's really no right or wrong answer to it. All I can say is it is your choice or preference. If the human error is more acceptable to you than the computerized one, than I would not recommend that you play chess against the computer.

So I've placed all the cards out on the table. I am holding nothing back. Once again, the decision is up to you. Will it be temperamental but traditional, or constant but cold? Make a choice, and know that either way, your chess game will never be the same!