Stockfish vs. Leela – Differences (Which is Better?)

The comparison between the Stockfish and Leela Chess Zero (LCZero or Lc0) chess engines highlights the fundamental differences in their approaches to chess analysis and their underlying architectures.

We look into the Stockfish vs. Leela differences below:

Leela

Leela Chess Zero employs a robust and sophisticated neural network, which, while more computationally expensive to run, provides it with a superior positional understanding.

This neural network allows Leela to evaluate chess positions with a high degree of accuracy, even without delving too deeply into the possible future move sequences.

It can understand and evaluate separate positions exceptionally well, compensating for its relatively shallower search depth.

This deep positional understanding sometimes enables Leela to foresee outcomes and tactics beyond its actual search depth, as it can effectively evaluate the implications of a given position.

Stockfish

Stockfish, on the other hand, employs a more traditional brute-force search algorithm.

It analyzes a vast number of possible move sequences, often looking 20 or 30 moves ahead, and even more in the endgame when material clears from the board and makes such search depth feasible at its current level of computations power.

This extensive search depth allows Stockfish to explore a wide array of potential outcomes and find tactical solutions that rely on deep calculations.

However, this approach may sometimes sacrifice a bit of positional understanding, as it allocates less computational attention to evaluating each individual position for what it currently is.

It focuses more on raw calculation power to explore as many positions as possible.

Stockfish vs. Leela

While Stockfish relies on its ability to calculate many moves ahead to find the best move, Leela relies on its superior positional understanding to evaluate the positions more effectively.

This difference in approach can lead to situations where Leela is able to identify tactics and strategies that Stockfish might miss, especially when the depth of the tactic is beyond what Stockfish is able to look at because it excludes it based on its pruning algorithm.

Conversely, Stockfish might excel in positions where deep calculation is critical, and where the optimal move might not be immediately apparent from positional considerations alone.

In terms of raw calculation, Leela is more superficial.

Comparing Stockfish and Leela Chess Zero on various features:

Architecture

• Leela Chess Zero (Lc0):
  • Type: Neural Network-based.
  • Description: Utilizes a deep learning neural network to evaluate positions and make decisions. The architecture is designed to mimic the human brain’s approach to understanding chess, prioritizing positional understanding and strategic insight.
• Stockfish:
  • Type: Alpha-Beta Search.
  • Description: Uses a more traditional brute-force search algorithm, analyzing a vast number of possible move sequences to make decisions. It is highly optimized for speed and efficiency in searching through the game tree.

Depth of Analysis

• Lc0:
  • Depth: Generally lower.
  • Description: Does not analyze as many positions as Stockfish due to its neural network’s computational demands, but compensates with a superior understanding of each position it evaluates.
• Stockfish:
  • Depth: Generally higher.
  • Description: Can analyze many more positions, looking 20 or 30 moves ahead, and even more in the endgame. This depth allows it to explore a wide array of potential outcomes.

Positional Understanding

• Lc0:
  • Understanding: Higher.
  • Description: Has a more refined and nuanced understanding of chess positions, allowing it to make strong moves even without deep analysis.
• Stockfish:
  • Understanding: Sufficient but comparatively lower.
  • Description: Relies more on calculating many moves ahead rather than deeply understanding each individual position. It may sometimes miss subtle positional nuances that Lc0 can catch.

Cost and Efficiency

• Lc0:
  • Cost: Higher.
  • Efficiency: Lower.
  • Description: Requires more computational resources to run its neural network, making it more expensive and potentially less efficient in terms of raw computational power.
• Stockfish:
  • Cost: Lower.
  • Efficiency: Higher.
  • Description: Highly optimized for speed and efficiency, able to analyze many positions quickly and at a lower computational cost.

Deterministic Computation (Stockfish) vs. Probabilistic Computation (Leela)

Deterministic computation and probabilistic computation represent two different paradigms in computing, and this distinction is evident in the comparison between Stockfish and Leela Chess Zero (Lc0).

Below is a discussion of these two types of computation as they relate to these chess engines:

Deterministic Computation (Stockfish)

1. Definition:
   • Deterministic computation refers to processes where the outcome is predictable and determined by the inputs and the algorithms used.
2. Characteristics:
   • Predictability: The same input will always produce the same output.
   • Certainty: The algorithms do not involve randomness; they follow a set path and make decisions based on specific criteria.
3. Application in Stockfish:
   • Stockfish uses a deterministic approach, employing a brute-force search algorithm to analyze possible moves and their outcomes. It evaluates a vast number of positions to determine the best move based on a given evaluation function.
   • The engine’s decisions are based on calculated evaluations, ensuring consistency and reliability in its move choices.
4. Advantages:
   • High reliability and consistency.
   • Clear and understandable decision-making process.
5. Disadvantages:
   • May miss unconventional or non-intuitive solutions that do not emerge from direct calculation.
   • Can be computationally expensive for deep searches.

Stockfish vs. Leela Game

Below is a game between Stockfish and Leela narrated by popular chess YouTuber GothamChess:

Move Order: Stockfish (White) vs. Leela (Black)

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bg4 6. h3 Bxf3 7. Qxf3 e5 8. Nd2 Nd7 9. a4 Bd6 10. Qg3 Qf6 11. Nc4 Bc7 12. h4 Qg6 13. Qh3 Qf6 14. Qf5 Qe7 15. Be3 f6 16. h5 Nf8 17. a5 Ne6 18. g3 O-O 19. Ke2 Nd4+ 20. Bxd4 cxd4 21. Ra4 Rf7 22. Rha1 Qc5 23. Nd2 Re8 24. R4a3 Qe7 25. Rb3 Bd6 26. Nf3 Bc5 27. Qg4 b6 28. axb6 axb6 29. Nh4 Qf8 30. Nf5 Kh8 31. Qh3 Rb8 32. Nh4 Qe8 33. Qf5 Kg8 34. c3 Re7 35. Nf3 Qf7 36. Nd2 Rd8 37. Qg4 b5 38. c4 Rb8 39. cxb5 cxb5 40. Ra6 b4 41. Nc4 Ra7 42. Rc6 Rc7 43. Ra6 Kh8 44. Kf1 h6 45. Kg2 Qe8 46. Qg6 Qb5 47. Ra1 Bf8 48. Qg4 Qc6 49. Qd1 Ra8 50. Rb1 Re8 51. Qf3 f5 52. Re1 Qa4 53. Qd1 f4 54. g4 f3+ 55. Kxf3 Re6 56. Kg2 Kh7 57. Nd2 Be7 58. Qa1 Qd7 59. Nc4 Ra7 60. Qd1 Ra8 61. Rf1 Rf8 62. f3 Qa4 63. Qc2 Bg5 64. Rc3 Qb5 65. Rb3 Ra6 66. Rh1 Rf7 67. Rb1 Qb8 68. Qe2 Kg8 69. Qe1 Be7 70. Rc1 Raf6 71. Nd2 Rf4 72. Qd1 Qd6 73. Qe2 Qe6 74. Kg1 g6 75. hxg6 Qxg6 76. Qg2 Qg5 77. Ra1 R4f6 78. Kh1 Rg7 79. Rg1 h5 80. Qh2 Rfg6 81. f4 exf4 82. Nf3 Qc5 83. g5 Bxg5 84. Qg2 Be7 85. Qxg6 Rxg6 86. Rxg6+ Kf8 87. Rg2 Qc1+ 88. Rg1 Qe3 89. Rf1 h4 90. Ng1 Ke8 91. Rf3 Qc1 92. e5 Qd1 93. Kg2 Qxb3 94. Ne2 Qxb2 95. Rf2 b3 96. Kf3 Qd2 97. e6 h3 98. Rh2 b2 99. Rh1 Qxd3+ 100. Kxf4 Qxe2 101. Rb1 h2 102. Rh1 b1=Q 103. Rxb1 h1=Q 104. Rxh1 Qxe6 105. Rh8+ Kf7 106. Rh2 d3 107. Kf3 Bg5 108. Rf2 d2 109. Rf1 Qf5+ 110. Kg2 Qxf1+ 111. Kxf1 d1=Q+ 112. Kg2 Qe2+ 113. Kh3 Bf4 114. Kh4 Qg2 115. Kh5 Qg5# 0-1

FAQs – Stockfish vs. Leela

What are the main differences between Stockfish and Leela Chess Zero (Lc0)?

The main differences between Stockfish and Lc0 lie in their architecture, approach to analysis, and computational requirements.

Stockfish uses a traditional brute-force search algorithm, analyzing a vast number of possible move sequences to make decisions.

Lc0, on the other hand, employs a neural network to evaluate positions and make decisions, prioritizing positional understanding and strategic insight over raw calculation power.

How does the architecture of Stockfish compare to that of Lc0?

Stockfish uses an alpha-beta search algorithm, a deterministic approach that is highly optimized for speed and efficiency in searching through the game tree.

It evaluates a large number of positions to determine the best move based on a given evaluation function.

Lc0, on the other hand, uses a neural network-based architecture, which is a form of probabilistic computation.

It makes decisions based on learned patterns and evaluations, which incorporate a degree of uncertainty and probabilistic assessment.

In terms of depth of analysis, how do Stockfish and Lc0 differ?

Stockfish generally has a higher depth of analysis, capable of analyzing many more positions and looking 20 or 30 moves ahead, and even more in the endgame.

Lc0, due to the computational demands of its neural network, generally operates at a lower depth, but compensates with a superior understanding of each position it evaluates.

Which engine has better positional understanding, Stockfish or Lc0?

Lc0 generally has a better positional understanding compared to Stockfish.

Its neural network architecture allows it to evaluate and understand chess positions with a high degree of accuracy and nuance, even without going too deeply into possible future move sequences.

Stockfish, while highly efficient in calculating many moves ahead, may sometimes miss subtle positional nuances that Lc0 can catch.

How do the computational costs of running Stockfish and Lc0 compare?

Lc0 typically requires more computational resources to run its neural network, making it more expensive and potentially less efficient in terms of raw computational power.

Stockfish, on the other hand, is highly optimized for speed and efficiency, able to analyze many positions quickly and at a lower computational cost.

Can Stockfish and Lc0 be used together for chess analysis?

Yes, Stockfish and Lc0 can be used together for chess analysis.

Many chess enthusiasts and professionals use both engines to analyze positions, as each engine has its own unique strengths and may offer different insights into a given position.

Combining the deep calculation of Stockfish with the nuanced positional understanding of Lc0 can provide a comprehensive analysis of chess positions.

Which chess engine is more suitable for analyzing specific types of positions, Stockfish or Lc0?

The suitability of Stockfish and Lc0 for analyzing specific types of positions depends on the nature of the position.

For positions where deep calculation and exploration of many possible move sequences are crucial, Stockfish may be more suitable.

For positions where positional understanding and strategic insight are more important, Lc0 may offer better analysis.

How do Stockfish and Lc0 perform in chess engine tournaments?

Both Stockfish and Lc0 have shown strong performances in chess engine tournaments.

The exact results can vary from tournament to tournament, and both engines have their own sets of supporters and enthusiasts.

Generally, Lc0 performs exceptionally well in positions requiring deep positional understanding, while Stockfish excels in positions requiring extensive move calculation.

Are there any notable games or positions where Stockfish and Lc0 evaluated differently?

Yes, there have been notable games and positions where Stockfish and Lc0 have evaluated differently.

These differences in evaluation often highlight the contrasting approaches of the two engines, with Lc0’s evaluations reflecting its deep positional understanding and Stockfish’s evaluations reflecting its extensive move calculation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Stockfish and Lc0 in terms of chess analysis and prediction?

Stockfish:

• Strengths: Deep move calculation, efficiency, reliability in analysis, and performance in positions requiring extensive move exploration.
• Weaknesses: May miss subtle positional nuances, and may not always find unconventional or non-intuitive solutions.

Lc0:

• Strengths: Superior positional understanding, ability to find unconventional or non-intuitive solutions, and performance in positions requiring strategic insight.
• Weaknesses: Higher computational cost, potentially lower efficiency, and may not always perform as well in positions requiring deep move calculation.

Conclusion

Leela and Stockfish represent two different philosophies in computer chess:

• one prioritizing deep positional understanding through neural networks (Leela), and
• the other prioritizing extensive move calculation due to its efficient brute-force search algorithm (Stockfish).

The choice between the two may depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the user, including computational resources and the types of positions or games being analyzed.