Re: [computer-go] I know we disagree,but I choose to donothing about it.

["Eric Boesch" <ericboesch@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think Tom summarized the situation well, although it is debatable what 
should be done about it.

Under area rules, knowing how to capture dead stones when facing a 
stubbornly disagreeing opponent is mandatory if you wish to claim them as 
prisoners.  This applies to Chinese, AGA, NZ, Tromp/Taylor -- all major area 
rulesets I know of.

Area and territory rules usually give very close scores in theory, for 
suitable values of theory.  In practice, a program that is strong under area 
rules will play badly by territory rules if it places many more stones after 
all useful points and dame are filled.  In practice, a program that is 
strong under Japanese rules will play badly by normal area rules if it 
cannot capture dead stones in event of a disagreement with a stubborn 
opponent.  (Such stubbornness is allowed.  It is usually considered impolite 
to force one's opponent to capture dead stones in Chinese rules because it 
is usually a predictable waste of people's valuable time.  But if it is not 
a waste of time, because one's opponent quite possibly lacks the skill or 
programming to capture, then in a competitive situation I would be unmoved 
by cries of "That's not polite!")

Some programs and all moderately skilled human players can play almost 
equally well under either territory or standard area rules, but other 
programs can only handle one or the other.  Strong programs under either 
ruleset are still strong under Nick and wms's human-arbitrated area rules, 
so any move by KGS firmly into the normal area or territory camps would 
probably annoy somebody.

Main advantage of "kill by capturing" area rules:  fully automated 
tournaments

Main disadvantage: "Kill by capturing" as a fallback to the agreement phase 
is a nontrivial feature that even some top programs lack and which is only 
occasionally enlightening to human opponents better than 25 kyu.

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