Fritz 21 Handbook

Thompson databases

Contents
Contents

The endgame databases by Ken Thompson were first published in 1991. Thanks to a special compression technique, the most important endgames fit onto 4 CD-ROMs. The endgame theory owes important new insights to these endgame databases. For example, it could be proved that the endgame of two bishops versus knight is in principle won, or that in some endgames such as two bishops versus knight or two knights versus pawn more than 50 moves are needed to win. Access to the Thompson databases takes place statically. This means that the information stored in the Thompson databases is only used in the chess engine's search process when the corresponding position appears on the board.

Owing to the conceptual advantages, current programs primarily support the Syzygy databases.

1
2
2.1
Ribbons
2.2
The menu bands
2.3
2.4
2.5
Style specifications
2.6
Board design – 2D board
2.7
Board window navigation
2.8
User Info
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
New board sounds
2.18
Style variants
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.6.1
Enter & Analyse
3.6.2
Evaluation of the position
3.6.3
Analysis with the Buddy Engine
3.6.4
FAQ Buddy Engine
3.6.5
Visualize engine analysis
3.6.6
Visual Evaluation
3.6.7
Evaluation history in the search
3.6.8
Different displays in the engine window
3.6.9
Full analysis / Tactical Analysis
3.6.10
A tip for Full analysis
3.6.11
Infinite analysis
3.6.12
Duration analysis with analysis comments
3.6.13
Example Tactical Analysis
3.6.14
Deep position analysis
3.6.15
Blundercheck
3.6.16
Using engines interactively
3.6.17
Blitz & train on Playchess.com
3.6.18
Training questions
3.6.19
Commentary symbols in the Fritz Blunder search
3.6.20
Compare analysis
3.6.21
Automatic analysis of server games
3.6.22
Shootout
3.6.23
The Kibitzer
3.6.24
Parallel analysis
3.6.25
Monte Carlo
3.6.26
Extended Engine Information
3.6.27
3.6.28
3.6.29
3.6.30
The Analysis board
3.6.31
Variation board
3.6.32
Visualize Search
3.6.33
Animated engine variants
3.6.34
Chess problems, mate search
3.6.35
Mate search with Fritz
3.6.36
Tips in the engine window
3.6.37
Calculating Elo ratings retrospectively
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
4
5
6
Glossary
TableBases
Eugene Nalimov
1
2
2.1
Ribbons
2.2
The menu bands
2.3
2.4
2.5
Style specifications
2.6
Board design – 2D board
2.7
Board window navigation
2.8
User Info
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
New board sounds
2.18
Style variants
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.6.1
Enter & Analyse
3.6.2
Evaluation of the position
3.6.3
Analysis with the Buddy Engine
3.6.4
FAQ Buddy Engine
3.6.5
Visualize engine analysis
3.6.6
Visual Evaluation
3.6.7
Evaluation history in the search
3.6.8
Different displays in the engine window
3.6.9
Full analysis / Tactical Analysis
3.6.10
A tip for Full analysis
3.6.11
Infinite analysis
3.6.12
Duration analysis with analysis comments
3.6.13
Example Tactical Analysis
3.6.14
Deep position analysis
3.6.15
Blundercheck
3.6.16
Using engines interactively
3.6.17
Blitz & train on Playchess.com
3.6.18
Training questions
3.6.19
Commentary symbols in the Fritz Blunder search
3.6.20
Compare analysis
3.6.21
Automatic analysis of server games
3.6.22
Shootout
3.6.23
The Kibitzer
3.6.24
Parallel analysis
3.6.25
Monte Carlo
3.6.26
Extended Engine Information
3.6.27
3.6.28
3.6.29
3.6.30
The Analysis board
3.6.31
Variation board
3.6.32
Visualize Search
3.6.33
Animated engine variants
3.6.34
Chess problems, mate search
3.6.35
Mate search with Fritz
3.6.36
Tips in the engine window
3.6.37
Calculating Elo ratings retrospectively
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
4
5
6
Glossary