How to beat the Computer
Here is a
hint for those who want to reach dan-level (at least in ranking) on KGS. Find a
strong bot (for example, 'ManyFaces' 2-dan) and play it without handicap.
Then simply copy its moves like a mirror (this strategy is called 'manego')
until you get a comfortable position in the middlegame/endgame. A good way to
prevent 'mirror go' is to set up a ladder, but bots do not seem to do that.
I posted a
game as an example (played by myself; in order for it to be rated, I created a
new account: 'aFriend'). When 'ManyFaces' resigned it was behind by 80+ points.
It's a good strategy to beat a bot!
I do not want
to encourage dishonest behaviors (and really I do not think that the ranking is
all that important), so I should add that if you think that this method is
cheating, then don't do it.
Just as a
reminder, even Go Seigen used mirror go in famous matches (for example, in his
first game against Kitani Minoru, in 1929). One of my favorite players,
Fujisawa Hosai, was also known for using mirror go when he took White. So I am
not even sure that you can say that these 'behaviors' should not be permitted.
My advice is:
give it a try. You will see that it can be fun, and that is what Go is all
about.
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