Shodan Go Bet

The Shodan Go Bet is a bet between John Tromp and Darren Cook made in 1997.

The Challenge

In 1997, Darren posted a question on the computer go mailing list:

At the recent FOST Cup I asked the participants two questions. When do you think a computer will be shodan level? and when do you think a computer will be able to beat any human player? Shodan level is 'international shodan', which is maybe 3 dan in Japan, 2 dan in America, 1-dan in Europe.

John Tromp replied with: I wonder if people would still make such optimistic estimates if they had to back it up with, say, a $1000 bet. I (a Dutch 1kyu in 1997) would happily bet that I won't be beaten in a 10 game match before the year 2011.

and Darren accepted under the following conditions: Yes, assuming these conditions:

1. It can be anyones program - it does not have to be mine :-).
2. It need not be the commercially available version (to prevent you learning weaknesses).
3. I can choose the year to play and don't have to wait until 2011.

And so the bet was on.

2010 Results

In December 2010, John Tromp won the match with a score of 4-0, playing against Many Faces of Go. The games were played with a 110 minute sudden death time limit. The match to decide the bet was held at the London Open Tournament in December 2010. John was then an EGF 2 Dan, according to the European Go Database.

John Tromp wins 4-0

1st Game	28 December 2010	John Tromp (Wh)	Many Faces of Go	White won by resignation	sgf
2nd Game	28 December 2010	Many Faces of Go (Wh)	John Tromp	Black won by resignation	sgf
3rd Game	29 December 2010	John Tromp (Wh)	Many Faces of Go	White won by resignation	sgf
4th Game	29 December 2010	Many Faces of Go (Wh)	John Tromp	Black won by resignation	sgf

2012 rematch

There was a rematch in 2012, with Zen (go program) as the challenger this time. GoGameGuru reported on the event.

Zen19N wins 3-1

1st Game	13 January 2012	John Tromp (Wh)	Zen19N	White won by resignation	sgf
2nd Game	14 January 2012	Zen19N (Wh)	John Tromp	White win by 18.5+	sgf
3rd Game	15 January 2012	John Tromp (Wh)	Zen19N	Black won by resignation	sgf
4th Game	16 January 2012	Zen19N (Wh)	John Tromp	White won by resignation	sgf

Links

Official website (archived)

Other websites with info:

• Life in 19x19
• Computer Go
• Poll (& archive)