LatestChess :- Some chess players believe, Applying anti-computer chess is one of the ways to beat computer. What is your opinion? Could you elaborate the term "anti-computer chess".
Vasik Rajlich :- Mostly this means closing the position and trying to steer the game in a strategical direction. It's very difficult to do this and not at all clear if it's a good idea.

LatestChess :- Before the start of the game, Do you make changes in the opening books, playing styles etc of the program considering whether the opponent is computer or human, opponent's strengths and weaknesses?
Vasik Rajlich :- We don't tune Rybka against other engines - in fact, I never even test against other engines. Jeroen Noomen takes care of our opening book. I don't know exactly how he makes his decisions, but the quality of his book is extremely high.

LatestChess :- Rybka has won a match with GM Jaan Ehlvest, How was the experience playing against human? Can we see Rybka playing against world's top chess players in near future?
Vasik Rajlich :- Playing against humans is also interesting. Humans play a bit differently, with different strengths and weaknesses, and it's good to cover all of the bases. There are some additional matches planned now - Rybka plays against Ehlvest July 6-8, and another pawn handicap match vs GM Joel Benjamin in August.

LatestChess :- In the media, we see a lot of praise/appreciation for computer chess programs like Rybka, Fritz, Hiarcs etc. In your opinion, If you compare Rybka with other programs, what are the strong and weak points of Rybka ?
Vasik Rajlich :- I am not really very familiar with the other programs. There are very many things that I'd like to improve in Rybka - really, almost everything. I don't really think in terms of strong & weak points - it's more about finding things which can be improved, and there are many.

LatestChess :- Do you think each engine has its own style and because of the style they can play a particular opening better?
Vasik Rajlich :- Sure. Chess is very complex - in most positions, there are many legitimate moves. There is a lot of scope for "style". There doesn't seem to be much evidence that Rybka's strength varies with the opening - she seems to play them all at roughly the same level.

Vasik Rajlich with family

LatestChess :- What goals do you have for Rybka?
Vasik Rajlich :- To improve her understanding of chess. It's hard to say right now what exactly will be possible, and how quickly - we just try to go in a good direction.