Re: Go program strength

[Tim Hunt <T.J.Hunt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 8 Feb 1999, Nick Wedd wrote:

> Compgo123@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes
> >One possible reason the programs in tournaments are one stone stronger than
> >the commercial versions is that the author can change strategy and parameters
> >before each game.
> 
> But they don't do this.  At least, they didn't while I was watching the
> 1998 Ing Cup, though there was no rule against it.
> 
> A more likely reason is that they enter their latest and best version
> for the tournament.  It may then take up to a year to go through the
> process of building, marketing and releasing it as a commercial program.

There is also the theory that since the Computer Ing Cup and simmilar
events are the main testing ground for go programs, the programs are
designed to perform well there, rather than against humans. What do people
here think about that? Is it just slander, or is there some truth in it?

Tim.

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Tim Hunt, 63 Panton Street, Cambridge, CB2 1HL, UK.  Tel +44 1223 500769
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