Re: computer-go: Most simple Go rules

[Dave Dyer <ddyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The super-ko rule solves the problem only in the sense that it
imposes a solution - effectively saying that the problem of
running in circles forever (to avoid being killed) can be solved 
by requiring that you stop running.

We may prefer that imposed solution to 
 (a) a game that lasts forever, and so is lost on time.
 (b) declaring the game a draw.
 (c) declaring the game never happened.

This is not more satisfactory in any absolute sense. It is similar
in effect to the standard Ko rule: The player who has to avoid repetition
will be forced to make an inferior move.

Unfortunatly, given a sufficiently complex position, programs will still
run forever for all practical purposes.  With 3, 4, 5, ... kos active,
the number of different orders you can play the various Kos expands
exponentially, and it becomes humanly impossible to keep track if
a particular position has been reached before.