The Strongest Chess Bot: A Review of Scratch Chess

In recent years, chess has become increasingly popular as a competitive and recreational activity. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has also led to the development of chess bots that can challenge human players. One such bot is Scratch Chess, which has gained popularity among chess enthusiasts for its unique features and gameplay.

As I had found it unfair to disqualify The Turk under certain conditions, I decided to take the game as a draw. This was unusual, as The Turk normally accepts draws correctly. I assume that this was due to a FEN workaround issue. Unfortunately, after a few moves, The Turk refused to accept castling in Scratch Chess.

Scratch Chess has several notable features that set it apart from other chess bots. One of its strengths is its ability to process FEN codes, which allows players to emulate white play. This feature is particularly useful for players who want to experiment with different opening strategies.

In a recent tournament, I pitted four Scratch Chess machines against each other, with interesting results. The tournament consisted of Bonsai Chess (Samueldora) 3.0/3, Scratch Chess (ArnoHu) 1.5/3, Chess (Archimedes496) 1.0/3, and The Turk (BoltBait) 0.5/3.

Scratch Chess has several advantages that make it a strong contender in the world of chess bots. Its internal algorithm uses a minimax / alpha-beta-pruning approach up to ply 4, which allows for deep analysis of positions. Additionally, the program is designed with game experience and usability in mind, making it easy for players to navigate.

Scratch Chess also supports all common chess rules, including pawn promotion, castling, and en-passant. It has a small opening book included and allows players to take back moves, record games in algebraic notation, and export or import boards.

The bot's move evaluation is based on board material, piece position, mobility, and special endgame handling. Today, Chess - Game of Kings has six difficulty levels and displays the progress of the current move calculation.

Scratch Chess was originally designed as a simple chess game for a local kids programming club, but it soon expanded in scope due to feedback from the Scratch community. The project's goal is to create a tutorial about chess programming, making it an excellent resource for aspiring programmers.

Overall, Scratch Chess is an impressive AI-powered chess bot that offers a unique and engaging gaming experience. Its features and gameplay make it a strong contender among other chess bots, and its potential for future development is vast.

Strongest chess bot