[computer-go] GTP and handicap

[Gunnar Farnebäck]

Mark wrote:
> But it left me wondering what is the use of all the different  
> handicap commands. GTP is designed to accept moves of the same color  
> in a row so whoever implements it must be able to cope with it too.  
> The 'place_free_handicap' command can be done through sending  
> subsequent 'genmove black' commands. It would clean up the protocol  
> and you no longer need the rather long explanation about handicap  
> placement either.

Except for the conceptual difference between making moves and placing
handicap stones there is a practical difference between knowing how
many handicap stones to place and not knowing. For example an engine
might prefer placing three handicap stones all on one side (e.g.
san-ren-sei) but four handicap stones in all four corners.

/Gunnar