Re: Some Refactoring Notes

[Jason James House <jasonhouse comcast net>]

Brenden T. wrote:

> Having played go and read up on the theoretical aspects of its AI, I'd 
> agree that it's at least not as well understood as chess, if not 
> actually harder.
>
> The new version of GnuGo (3.5.something) is being tested on the server 
> where I play (kgs.kiseido.com) and it's darn good.  They've made 
> several nice improvements to the AI.  It's merciless against low level 
> players and will give even higher level players a tough time.  One 
> good player (8 kyu) was playing against it and said "sweet" and "this 
> computer [program] rocks" in the chat channel in response to it's moves.
>
> It's just happy coincidence that GnuGo was on my mind when I saw the 
> activity on this list pick up.

I absolutely agree that Go AI is likely harder to code.  Nothing in go 
is clean.  Even "opening book" stuff.  The reason is that openings are a 
localized thing, But can get influenced by stuff even on the opposite 
side of the board...  It's a very interesting game.  (As a note, I am 
about 18k and therefore have much to learn)