Re: computer-go: Group Strength 101

[David Fotland <fotland@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

First, local searches for groups with small liberty counts.  Perhaps start with
1 or 2 liberties.

First, connections or influence or some other way to collect strings into 
groups.

Then count eyes, count potential eyes, count ability to run or extend along 
edge.

Finally, compare liberty counts with nearby enemy groups that can't run to 
evaluate
semeai.

Counting eyes and potential is quite hard, so it will keep you busy for a 
while :)

I don't know any fast way to evaluate group strength that is even a little 
bit accurate :)


At 01:52 PM 5/30/2001 -0400, you wrote:
> Okay, my program can play Go.  It understands the rules and can do minimax
> lookahead.  I think the next step is for me to add some heuristics for group
> strength.  Should I be looking for eyes, doing local searches, counting
> liberties?  What is the logical first step?   Right now, I would like a 
> fast way
> to indicate a string or group's strength on a scale of 1-10 or something.
> Doesn't have to be 100% accurate, but at this point, I would like it to be 
> fast.
> Any suggestions?
David Fotland