In Gödel Escher Bach, Hofstadter has three sections on "chunking." Chunking is distinguished from the type of branching calculation of future moves. Rather th

In Gödel Escher Bach, Hofstadter has three sections on "chunking." Chunking is distinguished from the type of branching calculation of future moves. Rather than evaluating linear move-countermove-move branches, humans can also evaluate in terms of previously recognized patterns or configurations of pieces [essentially what you're talking about, mightybyte, if I understand you correctly]. This kind of pattern recognition or pattern seeking is a substantial shortcut, reducing the amount of mental computation necessary in branching approaches. It's also an area in which human still potentially retain an efficiency advantage over computer opponents like Deep Blue. There's some explanation on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunking_(psychology) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chunking_(psychology)