Scoring Rules

[Zarf]

We are on the verge of having SGF generation for the gobans at the Go Center! However, this forces me to make a choice that I have been able to avoid until now: What scoring rules should the gobans use?

To date, the gobans have calculated two scores, and two outcomes: Territory Score and Area Score. These often don't agree by a few points, and occasional, the outcome of the game hinges on the choice. When they start producing SGF records, they need to pick one as the result.

I could complicate the game setup and let the players choose the scoring rules. I'd rather avoid that because it makes the code significantly more difficult, it makes our club ladder based on games played under different rule sets, and frankly, I suspect people just don't care that much.

So, I'm inclined to just pick a rule set. But, I thought I'd take poll and see what people think before I decide.

[sol.ch]

Depends on the level of the community. If a vast number are beginners, Chinese is best. If the majority are at least in the SDK range, then Japanese.

[Harleqin]

Just to make sure - with the distinction AGA/french to Area you mean mainly the question of scoring handicap stones?

I would use either one, Area or AGA. That way you also avoid problems with unfilled dame and teire.

[DrStraw]

Unless you have a large Chinese contingency you should use Japanese. That is the most widely played and is the default on most servers that people in this county use.

[RobertJasiek]

Before voting makes sense, please tell us why you distinguish Area scoring and AGA scoring? Both are area scoring, but can differ in the counting method.

[Harleqin]

By the way, area scoring is also much easier to implement:

- No problems with unfilled dame and teire.
- No difficulty in determining nonscoring territory (like in seki under japanese rules).
- No need for a special analysis mode to enable the settling of disputes at the game's end.

If you use pass stones, i.e. AGA/french rules, you can display the number of prisoners, so that the players can count by territory for themselves anytime.

[Zarf]

Territory scoring counts surrounded points less prisoners for each player.

Area scoring counts surrounded points plus stones on board for each player.

AGA / French scoring is Area scoring plus compensation to White for each handicap stone except the first.

In all cases, komi is added to Whites score.

On these gobans, after two consecutive passes, the board enters a phase where the players identify and agree on strings of stones they consider "dead". These strings are removed from the board, and added to prisoner counts. After both player confirm that this phase is complete, the score is computed. "Surrounded points" means empty intersections that are bordered by at most one color stone. Hence, on these gobans, "eyes in seki" count.

Robert: Does your posting here mean we'll see you at the Go Center? That would be great!

All: If you are interested in the math of the differences between these scoring methods, you might be interested in my thoughts about scoring.

[Bill Spight]

Originally Posted by Zarf

Territory scoring counts surrounded points less prisoners for each player.
{snip}

"Surrounded points" means empty intersections that are bordered by at most one color stone. Hence, on these gobans, "eyes in seki" count.

If you are counting points in seki for territory scoring, I switch my vote from "does not matter" to "territory scoring". May I suggest my rules for the encore if the players do not agree about life and death?

[snorri]

When I see my goban start playing Go by itself (or with other gobans) which ruleset it uses is the least of my worries.

[Phlipmoe]

Im a DDK and I voted for Japanese rule set. Mainly cause this is what I learned when I was taught Go at my local Go club.