The Times & Transcript (New Brunswick)
May 13, 2011 Friday
Adapt and adapt anew
Bobby Fischer and others have lamented that computers take the
creativity out of chess. But their concern for the future of the game
is off the mark.
It is undeniable that excessive computer use dulls Boris’ and Bobby’s
minds, This is especially true, if the reliance on computer analysis
does not leave a place for individual, human hard-scrabble analysis
and inquiry.
The games of such top players as Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, Levon
Aronian of Armenia and Hikaru Nakamura of the US, among others,
demonstrate vividly that free-flowing, swashbuckling creative chess
may thrive even more than ever.
It is, however, no longer possible to hide behind time-tested lines of
play in which the user relies on his years of personal exploration and
expertise.
Computer analysis usually can quickly tear to shreds even the best
human preparation.
New opening ideas are still precious as gold, but not as enduring in value.
A successful grandmaster thrives on versatility. He must wear many
ever-changing faces in opening play, each appropriate for the opponent
and occasion.
Chess reflects the protean nature of modern life. There are fewer and
fewer certainties or time-proven truths. One must adapt, adapt anew
and then adapt once again.
Below is a win by Vladimir Kramnik against Hikaru Nakamura from the
Amber Blindfold tournament in Monaco.