EG - A Case Study in Problem Solving with King and Pawn Endings

We present an overv iew of the design of a program that playr, s imple chess endings wi th pawns and details of i n t e res t i ng aspects. The program evaluates positions accord ing to product ionl ike rules and also generates moves th rough the mediation of rules that produce "s t ra teg ies " . Effects of the design are discussed, part ly t h r o u g h examples. The design affects the application of s tanda rd chess programming principles, among them use of cu to f f s , the def in i t ion of a repeated posit ion, and the compar i son of values of positions. We also describe p rob lems and solut ions of problems concerning concepts pecu l iar to this t ype of design, especially the concept of sea rch w i t h i n the context of pursuing a particular strategy.