90 Houdini Help
3.2.5 Friend mode
T raining
F rie nd m ode
In this mode the program automatically adjusts its level of play to match that of the opponent. When you start, it asks you for your Handic ap. This is similar to golf and is measured in 100ths of a pawn. If you give a high value( e. g., 200 = two pawns) the program will reduce its strength considerably.
Afterwards the program will adjust your handicap to reflect your real playing strength. The smaller your handicap, the stronger you are. Top players will indeed achieve a negative handicap. If after about six games the program sets your handicap to below – 400(= minus four pawns), you are advised to practice elementary chess tactics and to concentrate on avoiding material loss. You should consider using the coach functions“ Threatened squares” and“ Show threat”.
The F rie nd m ode can be used by beginners and strong players alike. The chess clock only records the time and has no further relevance, so you can think for as long as you like.
3.2.6 Handicap and Fun
T raining
Handic ap and fun
On a fast computer, this program is stronger than 99.99 % of all chess players. If you are a beginner or an occasional player this would normally mean merciless beatings in every single game. That can be pretty frustrating, and indeed put you off chess.
For this reason, there are a number of predefined handicap levels in which you can reduce the playing strength and modify the style of of the engine in many different ways. By moving the sliders you can increase or decrease the base strength, force king attacks and piece trading, influence the direction of play, etc.
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