>-----Original Message-----
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>To: computer-go@computer-go.org
>Sent: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 5:34 AM
>Subject: [computer-go] MC approach (was: Monte Carlo (MC) vs Quasi-Monte Carlo
>(QMC))
>
>On Wed, Feb 07, 2007 at 12:06:40PM +0200, Tapani Raiko wrote:
>> Let my try again using the handicap example. Let's say MC player is given
>> a huge handicap. In the simulations, it is winning all of its games, so
>> there is no information helping to select the next move.
>This situation happens in normal games too, once one player is so much
>ahead that it wins almost no matter what. It leads into really
>stupid-looking endgames, where live groups are allowed to die, and dead
>ones are allowed to be rescued.
>
>All this could be avoided by a simple rule: Instead of using +1 and -1
>as the results, use +1000 and -1000, and add the final score to this.
>
>The purpose of the large constant (1000) is to make sure that it prefers
>any win to any loss (so that large_win + small_loss < small_win +
>small_win). One could even add another term in the result, favouring
>games that end early (for the winner) or postpone them (for the looser),
>in hope of allowing the opponent more chances to make mistakes.
>
>As far as I can see, this ought to fit straight in to any MC or UCT
>program. It may not improve the winning chances, but it sure should make
>the programs play look more reasonable.
>
>
>Just my humble idea. Feel free to shoot down (with serious arguments),
>and/or use where ever you like. I would like to hear if this makes any
>practical difference, if anyone tries.
>
Intuitively, it seems like this should work. You only give the winning
margin a small weight, or only use it to break ties, or only apply it after the
game is already decided. I've tried many variations, as have others, including
your exact algorithm above. It can make some moves look a little prettier, but
it always causes problems and I have to take it out.
I have my theories as to why that is, but for brevity's sake, in my
experience, giving any consideration to winning margin is detrimental. After
the game is decided, there are more elegant ways to bring it to a close. I came
to this conclusion reluctantly.
- Dave Hillis
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