Re: [computer-go] Search = Bad!

[Matt Gokey <mgokey@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frank de Groot wrote:
> Go is a fractal and finding the best move is solving an equation based on
> where in the fractal you are and where do you want to go.
>
> The things needed are:
>
> 1. The formula for the fractal
>
> 2. finding a formula for the solution of A --> B (A is where you are inside
> fractal-space, B is a value for the edge of fractal-space).
So this is where you were going.

I'm 99.9% sure that a fractal computation or otherwise any mathematical 
calculation can not work to play go either.  The end result of a game 
may look somewhat like fractal shapes but that does not imply it can be 
played that way.  It's an adversarial game with very complex things 
interacting on the board.  Life & death struggles - eyes, captures, 
connections, Ko fights, etc.  The main goal to surround more territory 
than your opponent means in addition to localize tactics an group 
interaction there are higher level tactics.  For example, one may decide 
to sacrifice a certain area because playing elsewhere is worth more 
points.  Reading and strategizing and counting potential points are very 
important aspects to playing go. How could a mathematical formula embody 
this strategy and tactics?

But perhaps mathematical constructs might be useful for a go playing 
program in helping to generate moves from 1st principles. Instead of 
using patterns use mathematical/algorithmic rules.  The problem with 
patterns is they fail to take into account the intricacies of stone 
interactions outside of the pattern which oftentimes are subtly 
important.  When good games are being played at the edge of life and 
death these mistakes can be critically important.  Regardless of how 
moves are generated, I think some kind of search is necessary.

Like Don said, search is just one part of the puzzle.  The devil is in 
the details.

Matt
_______________________________________________
computer-go mailing list
computer-go@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.computer-go.org/mailman/listinfo/computer-go/