endgame (Was [computer-go] Re: Should 9x9 komi be 8.0 ?])

[Jonas Kahn]

> I think the general outline is that you pre-test groups first to see if
> a self-atari move is "interesting."    It's worthy of additional
> consideration if the stones it is touching have limited liberties and
> the group you self-atari is relatively small.    Then you could go on to
> other tests which will consume even more time of course.  


Here is an alternative, still in the line of gathering information from
play-outs.

Do not turn down self-ataris TOO agressively.
When a self-atari occurs in play-out:
- notice which (and when).
- see if the self-ataried position is yours at the end (indeed it should
  for a nakade).
  If not: cancel the play-out (or start again from the moment you
      self-ataried) Add a -1 to self-atarying at this place.
      After say 10 (-1): strictly forbid this self-atari in future
      playouts.
  If yes: Remove all constraints on this self-atari (maybe give a bonus,
  or study within the tree).

Notice that this would also deal with seki: self-atari for both sides
getting completely forbidden at one point.

Jonas