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Subject: Re: Strategy vs Tactics in Computer Programs

Author: Chris Carson

Date: 06:06:13 04/20/02

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On April 20, 2002 at 08:47:26, Gian-Carlo Pascutto wrote:

>On April 20, 2002 at 08:36:39, Mike Hood wrote:
>
>>Everything is based on positional evaluation and
>>search depth. If the search depth is deep enough, a computer may make a series
>>of moves that simulate a strategy, but that's all it is: a simulation; a fake.
>
>What allows you do conclude it's a simulation, a fake?
>
>>Strategy is all about looking at the board and planning a series of moves to
>>achieve a goal, whether it's a positional improvement or material gain. Computer
>>programs don't do this. All they do is look at the current position and choose
>>the next move. That's all.
>
>By your definition, computers are all about strategy.
>
>What they do is plan a series of moves (the PV) to archieve positional
>improvement or material gain (represented by the evaluation).
>
>Sometimes they discover a new, better strategy (a fail low), or realize
>the strategy they are following at that moment is flawed (a fail low).
>
>Moreover, my program (and others too I guess) can influence decisions in the
>evaluation (which directly influences what move is played) by looking at the
>position and determining what manoeuvres will be possible later on.
>
>If that isn't strategical planning, I don't know what is.
>
>The problem is that programming knowledge like this is hard. If there were
>an easy way to program in 'check whether he will be able to shift all pieces
>to our kingside in a while without us being able to do something about it or
>launch a counterattack on time', then my program would handle the stonewall
>like a GrandMaster. But there isn't, so it has to do with some simpler rules
>that aren't always correct. So it will mistakes in the planning, and play
>a losing strategy.
>
>--
>GCP

I would agree with your definitions here, Given this encapsulation of what
strategy, then "human" strategy is different than "program" strategy.  Program
startegy being a simulation of "human" strategy.

Depth, additional programmed knowledge and learning experience will continue to
improve "program" strategy.

We need "human" preparation, experience, adaptability and ingenuity to win
gamees today againt the programs.



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