[computer-go] Strongest 9x9 programm?

[Chrilly]

> For testing Suzie on 9x9 we (Peter Woitke and Chrilly) use Gnu-Go Level 
> 16.
> Is there something stronger around /available?

Yes there is cgos 9X9 ;)

I am used to another development method. I watch the engine-engine-matches 
and I change the programm when I see a move which really hurts. I trust more 
my feelings than statistics. E.g. for measuring an 10 Elo difference one 
needs 1000 games. One can not wait after each change for 1000 games. The 
games have to be played close to the usual tournament settings. Usuall 
changes are in the <= 10 Elo range and for bigger improvements (or step 
backs) one needs no statistic at all. One sees it after a few moves.

Its not only the "hurt effect". It is also very important to see how long a 
programm needs to find a good move. The pattern: Opponent plays a move, the 
eval of the own programm goes up, it thinks that the opponent has played a 
blunder, but then the eval fails low is very important to watch. E.g. if the 
programm searches to 7 plies and it finds the problem/correct answer at this 
depth, the opponent sees 1 Ply further. Although the programm plays the 
correct answer, one has to work that the programm fails low at least at ply 
6.
In server matches this kind of information is usually lost. One can write 
the traces into a file, but practically one never checks it in the same way 
than when sitting infront of the screen and seeing it "live". The immediate 
pain is not there. Avoiding this pain is in my experience the most important 
factor/stimulus for improving a programm.

To generate this pain one needs a slightly stronger opponent. The pain-level 
of Gnu-Go is for Suzie on 9x9 already too low.

Chrilly