RE: Joseki libraries (was: Re: computer-go: About Viking)

["Anders Kierulf" <anders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Thanks for the information on Viking.  I am wondering how many other
> programs adopt this approach of no joseki library.
> [...]
> Bob Myers <rtm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

SmartGo doesn't have a joseki library (yet). I'll eventually add it, but
it's not a high priority. Some thoughts on joseki libraries:

 - Against human players, a joseki library can make the program appear
significantly stronger. Basically, joseki knowledge can hide other issues,
but only as long as the opponent keeps playing joseki.

 - Against computer programs, I'm not convinced a joseki library helps.
Leaving the joseki library early helps the program that's better at
fighting.

 - Joseki provide a great collection of test cases. If the program doesn't
generate the joseki move, or doesn't evaluate a supposedly even position as
roughly even, then those are good issues to look into.

 - Simply playing joseki moves can lead the program to positions it doesn't
know how to handle, or that don't work well with the rest of the board. The
approach I plan to take with SmartGo is to use joseki patterns as just
another move generator, and let the rest of the program evaluate the
resulting positions.

Anders Kierulf
www.smartgo.com