IN LINE with the downsizing that is taking place at most large corporations in Hong Kong, this column will in future be written by an IBM supercomputer.
The computer, a direct descendent of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey, is called HAB (Half A Brain).
The photograph you see at the top of the column is a representative three-dimensional hologram and, while its uncanny resemblance to Keanu Reeves cannot be entirely overlooked, is not to be confused with any person, living or dead.
Today, Half A Brain answers your questions: Dear HAB: My friend and I are having an argument about chess. He says that at the beginning of a game it is best to use restraint, to keep one's positions more closed, less vulnerable and better defendable, blunting the furore of one's opponent until his opening initiative has begun to evaporate.
But I say the best principle is to occupy the centre squares quickly, using pawns for maximum radius of influence, a tactic which almost necessarily results in success. What do you think? HAB replies: Broadly put, I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
When playing chess, do I follow Boris Bondorevsky's creed of concerted attack, or Igor Igorevsky's creed of careful defence? No idea, my son. Stick to Pictionary. Or Twister if you can get girls to play.
Dear HAB: I have heard that knowledge-based software systems, sometimes called expert systems, provide computers like your good self with the capacity to make decisions for solving complex non-numerical problems involving concepts which go far beyond the pre-ordained. Is this true? HAB replies: Depends largely on what you mean, particularly by the bit that starts 'I have heard' and ends 'is this true?'. Run it by me again if you don't mind, in English.
