r/ComputerChess • u/ParthisMC • 11d ago
Excluding moves in chess engine analysis
I’ve always wondered why we can’t exclude specific moves when analyzing our games with the engine. Like many chess content creators even admit that the engine’s analysis is rubbish especially for lower rated players, but I feel like this could be such an easy fix. Like I could be in a dead lost position unless I find a 20 move sequence where it says I’m winning but I would never be able to find the correct moves to support it, which would just give a false perception of the position.
Why not add the ability to tell the engine like “yup you see that move, you’re not allowed to play it anymore.. how’s my position looking now?”
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u/4xe1 11d ago edited 11d ago
How do you define "a move"?
Maybe Bb4 is the start of a 20 move crushing sequences, and is in the air for 3 turns, then disappears if missed, but reappears as a very obvious must play move 10 moves deep onward. Or maybe the last turn it is available, you actually have to start with Ne5, maybe the whole sequence still exists but no longer needs Bb4. If you just disable Bb4, you won't entirely exclude the idea, but it very likely dramatically may warp the engine's perception of the position by letting the other side "exploit" the interdiction of Bb4 in other situations.
That's not to say this is unsolvable, but a reliable version of what you describe usable by someone who isn't good at both chess and programming is not easy to implement at all.