AI Sharpening Its Claws! (Enhanced Tactics & Ko Smarts)

Hello Go players!

Following up on our recent AI brain upgrade, we've dived even deeper to refine its tactical awareness, particularly in critical game situations like defending weak groups and fighting ko battles!

What's New with the AI?

Our goal with this update was to make the AI more "aware" of immediate threats and opportunities during its internal simulations. Here’s a glimpse of what that means:

1. Better Defender:
   • Sees Danger Sooner: The AI is now much more sensitive to its groups being in danger (e.g., having only one or two liberties, or being threatened by a cut). It will prioritize moves that save these groups or prevent them from getting into trouble in the first place.
   • Values Connection: It understands the importance of connecting its weak groups to make them stronger, rather than leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
2. Smarter Ko Fighter:
   • Recognizes Good Ko Threats: When a ko fight starts, the AI is now better at identifying moves that are genuinely threatening to the opponent (forcing them to respond to the threat instead of taking back the ko). This means it should make more impactful ko threats itself.
   • Improved Ko Judgment: This ties into the point above. By better understanding the "value" of different moves as potential ko threats, its overall decision-making during ko fights (when to take, when to threaten, when to ignore) should improve.

Impact on Gameplay:

• More Tenacious AI: You should find the AI putting up a better fight when its groups are attacked. It's less likely to ignore critical defensive situations.
• Sharper Ko Battles: Ko fights should feel more intense and strategically sound. The AI will be less likely to play trivial ko threats or ignore significant ones from you.
• Fewer Obvious Misses: This update aims to reduce instances where the AI overlooks a critical defensive move or a powerful offensive opportunity, especially in situations that require a bit more tactical foresight.

Behind the Scenes (Simplified):

We've tweaked the "rules of thumb" (heuristics) that the AI uses during its rapid game simulations. These rules now place a higher emphasis on:

• The safety and liberty count of its own groups.
• The strategic value of connecting vulnerable formations.
• The tactical impact of potential moves when they could serve as strong ko threats.

Essentially, we're teaching it to "feel" the board a bit more like an experienced player would in those tense moments.

We're excited for you to try out these changes. Let us know if you notice the AI playing a bit more cunningly!

Happy Playing!