Chess computers, 2 questions?

Question

Question 1: What is the strongest chess computer in the world.

Question 2: What is it about them which makes them so unbelievably powerful.

I mean, they are impossible to beat.

Answer 1

Well, this question could be looked at many ways.  Some software plays well against computers and some plays well against human players.

Rybka and Shredder are the peak of consumer available products.  Though Fritz is a very nice package and has most functions a casual user could want.

The things that make them so unbelievably powerful are their vast opening books, fast analyzation methods, and clever statistical analysis.

First, the opening book helps the computer get an edge over competitors by keeping a record of the best moves in certain situations.  In the nebulous opening phase of the game, every move has very serious consequences for the rest of the game.  World class players prepare themselves by studying many openings.  This way if their opponent makes even the slightest of mistakes, they can seize the advantage.

Second, faster analyzation means the computer looks at more moves than its opponent.  Human opponents look at 1-2 moves per second.  Computers look at millions.  In familiar positions, the human method is more than adequate.  But in an unfamiliar position that may arise from an obscure opening, the computer is dominant.

Third, with every revision, programmers are discovering new ways for computers to evaluate positions.  This means that when a computer looks at a chess board, it translates the position into a series of numbers and equations that can be evaluated and understood.  Once at this step, the computer can then decide the best way to rearrange the pieces in its best interests.

I hope this helps!