Atari-Go
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The game of "Go" is an ancient Chinese strategy game that is even older than Chess. Other names this game is known by include Weiqi (Chinese), Baduk (Korean), Igo (Japanese), and Goe (Taiwanese).
This version is Atari-Go, which means Capture Go. This version is easier to learn and play than the full version of Go.
The object of Atari-Go is to surround one of your opponent's checkers before he can surround one of yours. This game is great for strengthening your mental concentration and attention abilities.
The image at right is an example of what an actual Go board looks like.
HOW TO PLAY. First, select the size of the playing board by entering a number in the Board Size box.
The size of the board is determined by the number of intersections (the number of places where two lines cross). So a size "5" board actually is 4 squares by 4.
Now, select the players. If you are playing against the computer, select "Human Player" in the Black Is or the White Is box.
In the other box, select the type of computer opponent you want to play against. Your choices are:
- Human Player. Select this player if you want to play against another person in the room with you.
- "Greedy" Go player. This computer opponent uses a statical evaluation (heuristic) to choose his next move.
- Min-Max based Go player. It's the classical way to choose the optimal move when we have the game tree.
- AlphaBeta Go player. Faster than Min-Max (it does not explore branches that are clearly worse than what was already explored) but the idea is the same.
When you're ready to play, click the Start Game button. If you chose Black as your color, you move first. To play, click any intersection on the board to place your first checker.
If playing against the computer, the computer will place a checker on the board next. Then it's your turn again, and so on.
Try to surround any of the computer's checkers before he surrounds yours. Play it a few times, and you'll get the idea.
This is another great game for building concentration and memory ability. Have fun!
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