Play Checkers Against Computer

From LoveToKnow BoardGames

The world of computers has grown rapidly over the last two decades to the point where a human being does not have a chance to play checkers against computer players and win. Despite knowing that they are most likely not going to win, people still play because it is fun to try it. Besides, you never know - you could get lucky.

Computer Checkers and the Standard Rules

Checkers is a game of strategy that has been in existence for well over 5000 years, and the rules that are used influence your ability to play the game and win at it. It serves as a great learning experience to get a better understanding of spatial recognition. Moreover, played correctly, when following the rules to the exact measure (playing against a computer ensures this 100% of the time), the only outcome you could achieve is a draw. However, when playing against a computer that can certainly count as a win for you.

For the most part, computer programs use the standard rules of play. They allow king moves (moving one of your pieces to the computers' starting line) and multiple jumps (assuming forward progress and legal jumps). Variations and alternative play methods are not usually found in online checker play. In order to have the best possible chance at winning (or drawing) you will need to know the rules of the specific game of checkers that you are playing. You can achieve this by playing it many times.

When Humans Play Checkers Against Computer Opponents

Regardless of the rules, one thing is perfectly clear: computers do not make mistakes.

Unlike their human counterparts, computers cannot be discouraged. They do not fear defeat, feel panic or act on intuition. When you play checkers against computer opponents, it is almost impossible to win, so why bother playing? It is a lot of fun trying to defeat a computer, to prove it is not infallible. It is not impossible to win when you play against a basic checkers program as it is only as good as the guy or gal who spent the time to program it.

Can the game of checkers be solved? Other abstract strategy games like Connect Four have been. Scientists were able to analyze the rules of the game and the shape of the playing fields and through playing the game through millions of computer simulations, were able to break the games down to mathematical principles. Checkers seems easy but is more complicated then it looks. The answer though is yes; the game of checkers can be solved and has been.

Scientists from the University of Alberta created a super computer named "Chinook". Chinook is essentially a perfect game of checkers, and matched up against a human player that also played flawlessly then the game would end in a draw. Computer scientists at the university spent 18 years on the project. After 500 billion possible moves, they (that's 20 zeroes) were able to unveil Chinook as the checker genius of the known universe. The program contains every single correct response to every move a player could ever make. This sort of game play is reminiscent of the movie Wargames.