Meet the World's Top Chess AIs: AlphaZero Vs Stockfish 16 in 2024 | Chess Com | Chess Strategy | AI

In a captivating chess encounter on January 15, 2024, the chess engines Stockfish 16 and AlphaZero engaged in a strategic battle that ultimately resulted in a victory for Stockfish. The game, played with a time control of 180 minutes plus a 2-second increment, unfolded with Stockfish as White and AlphaZero as Black.

The opening choice was the Nimzo-Indian Defense, specifically the variation with 4.e3 and 5.Bd3. As the game progressed, both engines showcased their prowess in positional play and maneuvering. Stockfish strategically advanced its pieces, orchestrating a solid position on the board, while AlphaZero aimed for counterplay and pawn breaks.

The middle game witnessed intense tactical exchanges and pawn structures, with both engines vying for control. Stockfish's clever pawn break with 34.a4 created imbalances, and as the game entered the endgame, Stockfish managed to capitalize on its advantages.

The critical moment arose with Stockfish's 48.Rc8, putting pressure on Black's position. AlphaZero struggled to find a satisfactory defense, and Stockfish seized the opportunity to infiltrate the black camp. The game culminated in a checkmate with 92.Qa8#, securing Stockfish's triumph.

Notable moments include Stockfish's precise piece coordination and strategic planning, particularly the harmonious play of its rooks and the decisive pawn break that shifted the balance in its favor. AlphaZero, while putting up a resilient fight, faced difficulties in navigating the complexities introduced by Stockfish.

This game serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of computer chess and the distinct playing styles of Stockfish and AlphaZero. Stockfish's victory in this encounter reflects its analytical depth and strategic acumen, showcasing the continued refinement of chess engines in their quest for optimal play. The dynamic clash between these two titans provides chess enthusiasts with a rich tapestry of positional intricacies and tactical brilliance.


PGN:

[Event "Stockfish vs AlphaZero 2024"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2024.01.15"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Stockfish 16"]
[Black "AlphaZero"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "E47"]
[TimeControl "180+2"]
[GameDuration "00:11:33"]
[GameEndTime "2024-01-15T21:41:24.041 PST"]
[GameStartTime "2024-01-15T21:29:50.689 PST"]
[Opening "Nimzo-Indian"]
[Variation "4.e3 O-O, 5.Bd3"]
[Source "Analyze This App"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd3 Re8 6. Qc2 Nc6 7. Bd2 e5 8. d5
Nb8 9. Nge2 h6 10. O-O d6 11. a3 Bc5 12. Ng3 a5 13. Na4 Nbd7 14. h3 c6 15. b4
Ba7 16. dxc6 bxc6 17. bxa5 Bb8 18. Rfd1 Bc7 19. Bb4 c5 20. Be1 Rf8 21. Bf5 Ra6
22. Rab1 g6 23. Bxd7 Bxd7 24. Nb6 Bc6 25. Rb5 Qe7 26. Rdb1 Kh7 27. e4 Ra7 28.
R5b3 Qe6 29. Qd3 Rb8 30. Bd2 Bd8 31. Qe3 Ng8 32. f3 Rbb7 33. Ne2 h5 34. a4 Kg7
35. R1b2 Ra6 36. Kh2 Kh7 37. Qd3 Raa7 38. Nd5 Rxb3 39. Rxb3 Bxa5 40. Bxa5 Rxa5
41. Nec3 Nf6 42. Qb1 Kg7 43. Rb8 Ra6 44. Kg1 Nd7 45. Rd8 Ra7 46. Nb5 Bxd5 47.
Nxa7 Qe7 48. Rc8 Be6 49. Nb5 Nb6 50. Rb8 Nxc4 51. Qc1 Na5 52. Rb6 Kh7 53. Nxd6
c4 54. Qe3 Qh4 55. Kh2 Nb3 56. Rb7 Qf6 57. Rc7 h4 58. Nxc4 Qd8 59. Rc6 Nd4 60.
Rc5 f6 61. Qc3 g5 62. Ne3 Kg6 63. Rc7 Bd7 64. Ra7 Be6 65. Qc7 Qxc7 66. Rxc7 Nb3
67. Ra7 Nd4 68. a5 Nc6 69. Ra8 Kf7 70. a6 Ke7 71. a7 Nxa7 72. Rxa7+ Kd8 73. Ra6
Bb3 74. Rxf6 Kc8 75. Rf5 Ba4 76. Rxg5 Kb7 77. Rxe5 Kc6 78. f4 Bb3 79. f5 Kd6 80.
Ra5 Kc7 81. Nd5+ Kd7 82. f6 Ke8 83. e5 Bxd5 84. Rxd5 Kf7 85. Rd7+ Ke6 86. Re7+
Kd5 87. f7 Kc4 88. Rd7 Kb3 89. f8=Q Kb2 90. Qc8 Ka2 91. Rb7 Ka1 92. Qa8# 1-0