Re: computer-go: Engineering (was: Most simple Go rules)

[Heikki Levanto <heikki@xxxxxx>]

On Thu, Jun 28, 2001 at 05:20:02PM -0500, Daniel Hallmark wrote:

> I understand that human players do resign lost games out of respect
> and not to waste another person's time.  But I am curious whether
> you think such behavior in a program might not deprive the programmer
> of valuable information about the program's performance.  I understand
> the point of a tournament is to win, but still, regardless of whether
> your program is on the losing or winning side, is it not still possible 
> to obtain useful data about the program's engame evaluations/tactics
> by playing the game out?

Well, I was thinking of resigning around the point when the game is
practically over, even if the rules specify that all prisoners must be
removed and all dame filled, or suchlike. After that point I see no
information to be gained, and only a slight hope of the opponent making a
mistake.
 
> My thought would be that in program vs. program games, I wouldn't really 
> mind "wasting" another program's time if some benefit could still be 
> gained for either party.

If any benefit, yes. If not, you might still be "wasting" the time of the
operator(s), and of everyone waiting for the next round to start.
 
-H

-- 
Heikki Levanto  LSD - Levanto Software Development   <heikki@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>