[computer-go] Re: Interesting problem

[Nick Wedd]

In message <1167946629.20840.1770.camel at localhost.localdomain>, Don 
Dailey <drd at mit.edu> writes

< snip >

>I have a question.  With perfect play, obviously a 9 stone handicap
>game is dead lost.   If 2 perfect players played a game where one
>was given the 9 stones, and they played for maximum territory (obviously
>it doesn't make sense to play for a win) would the handicapped player
>be able to hold some territory at the end of the game?    Could he
>carve out a little piece for himself even against his perfect
>opponents wishes?

I used to play a game with someone much (~8 stones) stronger than me, 
where he started by placing eight stones where he wanted them, and I 
then tried to live anywhere on the board.  Usually I failed, but 
sometimes I succeeded.  So I think the answer to your question must be, 
yes.

Nick
-- 
Nick Wedd    nick at maproom.co.uk