Research

I did a lot of research today, looking for any stuff we can use off the shelf. I primarily searched for:

1. available source code we can directly use
2. papers or guides talking about how to implement an AI component for Tafl (or something very similar)
3. strategy/tactics guide for Tafl

I had a tough time finding (2), but I got us some stuff for the other two items:

(+) Here's a javascript implementation of Tafl with decent AI component. The code is available! (http://www.lutanho.net/play/hnefatafl.html) (+) No book on Tafl, except its history and rules. Good free content on strategy and tactics though: (-) Good high level: http://tafl.cyningstan.org.uk/page/29/forming-a-strategic-plan (-) Good breakdown by one of the world's top players: http://www.tim-millar.co.uk/section509308.html (-) A little annoying but decent videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gND2P1sHM3U (+) I've dug up a good number of contacts via the web we may be able to help us with building a computer opponent.

Complete Notes

1. Hnefatafl using rulesets downloadable code

2. Genetic algorithm approach to Tafl AI http://ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5968&context=ecuworks

3. A bunch of resources on Tafl http://aagenielsen.dk/hnefatafl_links_en.html

4. Note to Self: Different names for the same game:

• The Viking Game
• Tablut (very similar)
• Tafl
• King's Table
• Hnefatafl

5. Amazon book about old games with new twist:
   http://www.amazon.com/Rules-Classic-Games-Wayne-Schmittberger/dp/0471536210/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1390602704&sr=8-6&keywords=tablut

6. Concise but good strategy advice http://tafl.cyningstan.org.uk/page/29/forming-a-strategic-plan

7. Searched for open source

• SourceForge: http://sourceforge.net/projects/hnefatafl/ (pretty skimpy)
• JavaForge: none
• Ohloh: http://www.ohloh.net/p/tafl (nothing in code)
• Github: https://github.com/soderlund/hnefatafl (don't know if it has AI)
• Vassal Engine: http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Hnefatafl (doesn't seem to have AI)
• Freecode: http://api.freecode.com/projects/hnefatafl (I think this may have AI)

8. Several places say Defender has the advantage

• EX: http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/179684/hnefatafl-chesslike-norse-game-that-died-with-go
• we should make AI component the attacker

9. Best strategy explanation online so far http://www.tim-millar.co.uk/section509308.html

10. Free source code for Tafl last updated Jan 12, 2014 http://hnefatafl.se/

11. Youtube videos on strategy (in several parts) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gND2P1sHM3U

12. Hosts a website that allows human-human Tafl tournaments

• http://www.aagenielsen.dk/
• Perhaps contact top players for strategy explanation

13. Caltech alumnus implements variations of Tafl online: http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~leif/games/Hnefetafl/ It seems like he has implemented the AI for computer opponent.

14. Javascript implementation of Tafl game with AI opponent!

• http://www.lutanho.net/play/hnefatafl.html
• Opponent not bad
• All JS is visible and on one page

15. Java applet implementation with computer opponent

• http://www.aagenielsen.dk/
• http://archive.is/JVrRv
• Article claims the AI "thrashes the human player" (http://www.ceuig.co.uk/hnefatafl/)