Anders Sjöqvist & André Stenlund

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Constructing an Evaluation Function for Playing Backgammon

Abstract

In this project we describe a few variations of the game backgammon. We explain different algorithms, used to play backgammon and other similar games, and develop our own rule engine and a set of players. By developing an evaluation function for playing board games, we aim to find out if it's possible to construct a simple computerized player that outperforms other players, and which properties such a player should have. The player programs that we have developed are very primitive, but there are distinct tendencies revealing which players dominate the others. The winning player's only strategy is to hit the opponent's lone checkers, while protecting its own.

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