Alex v2.14a_win32 (september 2, 2011)

- Chess playing program compiled with VC++ 2010 Express (32 bits/64 bits)

- UCI and xboard protocols.
- bitboard move generator.
- pvs.
- double transposition table (2/3 conditional replacement scheme + 1/3 always replace)
- simple pawn hash table.
- king safety etc...

- The file "Alex???.ini" is the configuration file. 

- Support for endgame bitbase (egbb) created by Daniel Shawul:
	Set file path in the init file.
- Support pondering.
- Support analysis:
	In consol mode, type "xb" or "xboard".
	Next, enter the fen string by typing "sb" or "setboard" <string_position>
	Then, type "analyze". The command "exit" stops the analysis while "quit" stops 
	the program.
- support opening book creation:
	First, edit the book informations (path, name) in the init file.
	The process read an ascii file with games in pgn format (clean pgn).
	In consol mode, type "create" and type the return key.
	Answer the questions.
	Once the new opening book is created, re-start Alex.
- Included is a small opening datafile (Alex_small.bin) that can be used for blitz games.

Notes:

Alex v1.87 - The communication code (UCI and xboard) has been re-written. The time 
             management and the iterative part of the search is also new. 

Alex v1.89 - new pvs search; fixed egbb handling.

Alex v1.90 - clean the code; replace old data structure with new ones; simplify the code.

Alex v1.91 - attent to fix a xboard protocol problem reported by Olivier Deville. 

Alex v1.92 - UCI options.

Alex v1.92a - quick fix for a search time problem.

Alex v1.93 - fix v1.92, v1.92a pondering bug (xboard protocol) -- (skipped)

Alex v1.94 - add small table for endgame recognition; aspiration search based on version 1.89;
             remove egbb path option from UCI options (Arena don't allow engine customization)

Alex v1.94a - fix a xboard's problem related to Human vs computer play and reported by Pablo Urzua. 
              Thanks Pablo!

Alex v1.95 - Fix a problem in the hashing update in make/unmake. (skipped)

Alex v1.96 - Add LMR among other things. 

Alex v2.03 - Add move genaration in stage, re-write winboard protocol interface, UCI part is the same.

Alex v2.03a - Clean code and fix more bugs.

Alex v2.07  - Fix bugs concerning the xboard protocol (mainly pondering). Finally, work on the position 
              evaluation.

Alex v2.07a - Fix a bug in the make function, and modify the function that recognize draws by insufisant
              material.

Alex v2.09  - Simplify the code. Too many small changes to mentionned.

Alex v2.10  - fix bugs in pawn score and position score functions. Disable egbb when using winboard because
	      of pondering issues. The program reaches the maximum depth prematurally. Looking for a solution.
	
Alex v2.12  - In pondering mode, The program now goes on stand by and wait for a winboard command after ending
              the search before the opponent has responded. EGBB is still disable under winboard.

Alex v2.12a - Same as previous version but with "post/nopost" winboard command activated. Now , compatible with
              ChessMaude (1.17)

Alex v2.13  - Re-instate EGBB capability.

Alex v2.14  - Fix a bug in move sorting routine concerning castling. Disable Internal Iterative Deepening function.

Alex v2.14a  - Bugs fixed in the search.
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blais_normand_at_msn_dot_com

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Some quotes from "Blade Runner" the movie:

"It's quite an experience to live in fear. That's what it is to be a slave."

"A moment lost in time, like tears in the rain."

"It's too bad you won't live. But then again who does?"

