Re: Re[2]: computer-go: perfect play

["Mark Boon" <tesuji@xxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Roland <goprog@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Matt Gokey <computer-go@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 10:24 PM
Subject: Re[2]: computer-go: perfect play

[ stuff deleted ]

>
> Is this complete nonsense what I'm saying?
>
>

It's not nonsense. It's an interesting thought, but I doubt the conclusion
is correct. When play starts to approach perfection in Go you can imagine
the fight will become about who will manage to squeeze that extra point. In
a game between near-perfect players, gaining this one extra point will
decide the game almost just as decisively as in Chess. It may require
tremendous lookahead (or foresight might be a more appropriate term) to
obtain this point.

Think only about Berlekamps endgame theories. These are very stable and
settled positions late in the game, still it's almost beyond any humans
comprehension to play these positions perfectly. And one mistake loses
instantly. Now think about how complex it gets if you have to be just as
cautious in the opening and middle game.

My guess is that todays top professionals would probably still lose a few
points in the average endgame against the perfect player. Maybe even as many
as five.

    Mark Boon