One Jump Ahead: Computer Perfection at Checkers

Schaeffer, Jonathan

ISBN 10: 0387949305 / ISBN 13: 9780387949307

Published by Seacaucs, New Jersey, U.S.A.: Springer-Verlag New York Inc, 1997

About this Item

hardback book and dust jacket in near fine condition.

Seller Inventory # 33570

Bibliographic Details

• Title: One Jump Ahead: Computer Perfection at Checkers
• Publisher: Seacaucs, New Jersey, U.S.A.: Springer-Verlag New York Inc
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387949305
• ISBN 13: 9780387949307
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biography
  • sport and games

About this title

Synopsis

The new edition of this extraordinary book tells of the creation of the world champion checkers computer program, Chinook. In only two years, Chinook had become a worthy opponent to the world champion, and within four years had defeated all the world's top human players. Jonathan Schaeffer, the originator and leader of the Chinook team, provides an engrossing account of failures and successes. He describes the human story behind the program and his own feelings in learning from mistakes and technical problems in a continuous effort to improve Chinook's performance. Beginning in 1988, we follow the development of Chinook from an innocent question asked over lunch through to the final match against then world champion, Marion Tinsley, and ultimately to its recent triumph, perfecting checkers. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to its key figures, and to the rules of checkers and the basics of computer game programs. As a result, all those interested in computing and games will enjoy this book.

About the Author

The scientists who developed Chinook rigorously proved that Chinook can never lose, i.e. computer checkers has been solved.  Author Schaeffer detailed the process on the web site of the journal Science in July 2007, and the story has since been reported in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, USA Today, Discover Magazine, as well as on MSNBC and CNN, among others.